‘Love Island USA' Season 7 winner Amaya Espinal addresses Cierra Ortega's exit amid racism scandal
Espinal, affectionately dubbed 'Amaya Papaya' by viewers, said of Ortega's abrupt removal, 'We all genuinely did not know. We did not get the chance to say goodbye. We weren't able to see her pack her bags. It literally just happened in the flash of an eye. It felt very unreal.'
Ortega exited the series after screenshots of past Instagram posts surfaced, allegedly showing her using a racial slur to describe people of Asian descent.
Following backlash, Ortega posted an apology video saying she 'had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm, and came with the history that it did.'
Espinal, a cardiac nurse from New York, responded by stressing the need for inclusive language. 'I definitely do think words matter, and everyone should be respected,' she said. 'I just hope that she learns from her consequences. She is a grown woman, so hopefully moving forward, this should not be repeated.'
Espinal also reflected on the significance of her win with Arenales as the show's first Latino couple to take the title. 'My parents literally came from the Dominican Republic and didn't have the best upbringing. So, Latino culture to me is very, very huge. I feel blessed, and I feel so much gratitude.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Ben Askren reveals long recovery after double lung transplant and severe pneumonia battle
Ben Askren has opened up about the immense physical and emotional toll his recent health battle has taken in a heartfelt update shared on social media. The former MMA star, known for his world titles in Bellator and ONE Championship and a brief UFC run, revealed he is on a long road to recovery after undergoing a double lung transplant due to a severe bout of pneumonia. The 41-year-old was hospitalized after the infection turned life-threatening, forcing doctors to perform the life-saving procedure. 'I've been home for four days now,' Askren said in a video posted to Instagram. 'It's awesome—I get to sleep in my own bed, eat my own food, hang out with my family. But I've still got so many physical challenges to deal with.' He noted he's down 35 pounds, can't walk unaided, and even struggles to lift a five-pound dumbbell. Askren, speaking between pauses for breath, said, 'Right before I had to go to the hospital I was able to curl 45 pounds. I was doing hill sprints.' His transformation from peak fitness to post-surgery fragility has been dramatic. He also shared that his heart stopped four times during the ordeal. 'The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,' he said. Despite the trauma, Askren remains hopeful. 'I know I'll be somewhere different in a month.' While Askren faces these new physical challenges, his decorated athletic past highlights just how far he's come. Motivated by the love he received during his crisis, he added, 'It was almost like I got to have my own funeral… The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing.' Askren's wife, Amy, previously confirmed the transplant. The couple, married since 2010, have three children. The family has been raising funds to help with the high cost of surgery and recovery.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Bradley Simpson collaborates with ATEEZ's Hongjoong on new Korean-English version of single Almost
Bradley Simpson has released a new version of his single Almost, featuring Hongjoong of South Korean group ATEEZ. The collaboration blends Simpson's original composition from The Panic Years with new Korean-language lyrics written and performed by Hongjoong. The updated version includes a rewritten second verse and additional vocal harmonies contributed by Hongjoong. In a statement shared on July 25, Simpson described the process as 'very organic,' noting that the collaboration began after Hongjoong posted Almost to his Instagram story. 'We started chatting and he sent a lyric within two weeks,' said Simpson. 'It's really interesting to work with musicians who have different musical styles with me.' Hongjoong also expressed appreciation for Simpson's music and called the collaboration a creative opportunity. 'Everything went very naturally – the way it approached the song made it easier for me to find a match,' he said. 'Our style is different, but it made it even more interesting.' The new version of Almost reflects a cross-cultural creative exchange, with both artists bringing unique elements to the reinterpretation. It follows previous collaborative efforts from Simpson, including work with Nieve Ella on Favourite Band. Bradley Simpson is scheduled to perform at multiple UK festivals, including Together Again, Boardmasters on August 10, and Victorious on August 24.
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Travis Kelce shares Taylor Swift photos in Instagram post indicating growth in relationship
Travis Kelce has posted multiple images of Taylor Swift to Instagram, signalling a new phase in their relationship. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end shared 13 photos in total, seven of which included Swift. According to a source speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, the post was "intentional" and "his way of showing how serious things have become." While the couple began dating in September 2023, this marks the first time Kelce has included Swift in his Instagram feed. 'They're in a really solid place and more in sync than ever,' the source added. The images feature the couple in various settings, including a boat, a restaurant in matching outfits, and during a trip to Montana with friends. One of the photos shows Kelce's phone lock screen, a black-and-white image of the couple. The caption read: 'Had some adventures this offseason, kept it 💯,' with appearances from family members, including his brother Jason Kelce and mother Donna Kelce. Swift previously posted a photo including Kelce on June 22 2024, from her Wembley Stadium performance, which also featured members of the British royal family. The post has drawn supportive comments from figures such as teammate Patrick Mahomes and entertainer Flavor Flav.
