Yulissa Escobar Breaks Silence on Cierra Ortega’s Departure
Yulissa Escobar Cierra Ortega exit reaction surfaces as the former Love Island USA star shares her thoughts on TikTok. Citing her own experience of being removed when offensive comments from the past surfaced again, Escobar urged fans to abstain from cyberbullying and instead promote empathy and awareness.
A Pattern of Online Backlash
Cierra Ortega left the show following the resurfacing of posts containing racial slurs—similar to Escobar’s own exit earlier in the season. The show’s network, Peacock, has declined to comment.
In her video, Escobar emphasized that she did not excuse the behavior, but condemned the hateful and threatening messages Ortega and her family are receiving.
“I know what she did was wrong, but we need to stop fighting hate with hate,” Escobar said.
Speaking From Experience
Escobar recalled her emotional state following her own removal from the show in Episode 2.
“When I was in that hotel room in Fiji… I was honestly scared to come home,” she said. “Even my family was worried.”
Now, she says her biggest fear is for Ortega’s safety and mental health, noting that she hasn’t been able to check in on her fellow former Islander.
A Call for Unity, Not Division
Yulissa ended her heartfelt message with a plea for community healing and education.
“We can’t continue this division. We need to unite and teach people,” she said. “That’s how we grow as a community.”
She reminded fans that younger viewers are watching, and that the reality TV community has a responsibility to model growth—not hatred.
Ortega’s Parents Respond
Ortega has not spoken publicly, but her parents shared a statement via her Instagram story acknowledging her past behavior while condemning the threats:
“We’re not here to justify what’s surfaced… But what’s happening online has gone far beyond accountability.”
They promised Ortega would address the situation “with honesty, growth, and grace” when she returns from Fiji.
Controversy Shadows Love Island USA Finale
As the July 13 finale of Love Island USA approaches, this season has been rocked by social controversy and calls for accountability. Both Escobar and Ortega’s situations have sparked important conversations about racism, cancel culture, and the line between accountability and harassment.
Source: NBC News
