Two Contestants Leave Love Island USA for Racist Content on Social Media
Season 7 of Love Island USA saw two contestants removed from the Villa after racist social media content was uncovered by fans of the show. Yulissa Escobar was removed from the show on episode two after a video resurfaced online of her using the n-word on a podcast.[1] The show’s narrator, Iain Stirling, mysteriously and abruptly announced during the episode that Escobar had “left” the villa due to “personal reasons.” The viewers did not witness Escobar’s exit, nor were they informed more specifically why Escobar was excused. Later in the show, approximately mid-season, Cierra Ortega was also asked to leave the villa after an Instagram post from 2023 was resurfaced wherein she used a derogatory term against the Asian community.[2] In her Instagram post, Ortega explained that she was getting a Botox procedure to “open up” her eyes, because they can “be a little chinky” when she laughs or smiles.[3] Similarly to Escobar’s exit, Ortega left the show mysteriously, without warning or explanation.
The fates that befell the two former contestants should serve as a wakeup call for employees with social media presences. Public social media posts may damage reputations even years after publication. On the employer side – employers should consider conducting in-depth screening of candidates’ social media to avoid similar sticky situations.
Astronomer CEO Resigns After Being Caught Having an Affair with Executive at Coldplay Concert
A story that has flooded the news since its discovery – Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught on the “kiss cam” at Coldplay’s Foxborough, Massachusetts show at Gillette Stadium on July 16, 2025.[4] On the public camera, Byron was shown standing behind Cabot with his arms wrapped around her in what was clearly a more-than-friends embrace. In response to the video “going viral,” technology company Astronomer announced that its Board of Directors had initiated a formal investigation into the conduct. Shortly thereafter, Astronomer announced on LinkedIn that Byron had tendered his resignation, which the Board of Directors accepted.[5] Cabot similarly resigned from her position at Astronomer. Although perhaps many people believe they have a reasonable expectation of privacy at concerts, Gillette Stadium’s privacy policy states: “When you visit our location or attend or participate in an event at our location, we may capture your image, voice and/or likeness, including through the use of CCTV cameras and/or when we film or photograph you in a public location.”[6] This story has gripped the news cycle for weeks due to its personal and professional intrigue. Whether Astronomer has continued with the investigation in light of both parties’ resignation is unclear.
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/love-island-usa-star-cierra-ortegas-parents-speak/story?id=123544430
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andy-byron-astronomer-board-investigation-coldplay-kiss-cam-video/
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/astronomer_as-stated-previously-astronomer-is-committed-activity-7352406400280514560-UBvJ/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABB8Ix8Bw1pWLqWifesavVtTT7_LXeg6tMs
[6] https://www.gillettestadium.com/privacy-policy