Latest news with #EastAsians
Politico
2 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Zohran dominates in new poll
With help from Amira McKee CUOMO CONUNDRUM: Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani looks to be cruising toward victory, capturing 50 percent of the vote in a new general election poll of the mayor's race paid for by his allies. In the five-way contest, Andrew Cuomo trailed him with 22 percent, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa came in third at 13 percent and Mayor Eric Adams captured 7 percent of the vote among likely voters. Attorney Jim Walden received 1 percent. 'Our independent poll — the first in this cycle to be offered in four languages and to drill down into national origin and religious denomination — makes one thing clear: Black union households, young Jews, South Asians, East Asians, Latinos, and New Yorkers in every income bracket are all on the same Zohran Mamdani bus, and it's headed in the direction of the Democratic Party's future,' said Amit Singh Bagga, the principal of Public Progress Solutions and a veteran of federal, city, and state government. Bagga's firm designed and analyzed the poll along with Adam Carlson's Zenith Research. It was funded through private donations to Bagga, who advised Mamdani's campaign during the primary on setting up an administration, and was fielded by Verasight. It quizzed 1,453 registered voters — 1,021 of whom were 'likely' voters — and was conducted between July 16 and 24, concluding four days before a gunman walked into a Midtown Manhattan office building on Monday and killed four people, including one NYPD officer. Mamdani was celebrating his wedding in Uganda at the time. He's scheduled to be back in the city Wednesday morning. According to the poll, even if the former governor could achieve his unlikely goal of neutralizing the rest of the field to face Mamdani one-on-one, the democratic socialist assemblymember is still up 52-40 in a head-to-head matchup with likely voters. But Mamdani's head-to-head lead shrinks to just 3 points with registered voters. And it'd be worse for Adams — Mamdani clocks him 59-32 with likely voters and 55-32 with registered voters. Three months out from the Nov. 4 election, Mamdani is in a commanding position. Just 32 percent of likely voters say they would not consider voting for him, while Cuomo is at 60 percent and Adams at 68 percent. 'With a majority of voters saying they wouldn't even consider voting for Cuomo, Adams' net favorability being lower than Trump's, and Sliwa mired in the low teens, it's hard to see how anyone can put a serious scare into Mamdani in a split field,' Carlson said in a statement. The survey is the first significant public poll after the ex-governor announced he'd mount a campaign after losing the primary. Respondents were surveyed via a hybrid online panel, the firms said. The poll had a 3.1 percentage point margin of error. Cuomo took issue with the poll's model assumption that Mamdani's campaign would boost turnout among younger and college-educated voters as it did in the primary. 'The only thing that I think is material for accuracy is what the poll says about the registered voters,' Cuomo told Playbook. 'As we learned in the primary, when you're assuming turnout levels, there are many variables. In the primary, they underestimated the number of young people. You have to make another set of assumptions on the general. Some people will assume you're going to see a young voter surge. Some people believe you're going to see an anti-socialist surge. Some people think you're going to see a pro-Israel surge. So who knows?' Mamdani still holds a 16-point lead over Cuomo among registered voters, according to the poll. Mamdani gets 42 percent in a five-way race, followed by Cuomo at 26, Sliwa at 12, Adams at 7 and Walden at 1. — Jeff Coltin & Jason Beeferman From the Capitol HEASTIE WILL VOTE DEMOCRAT (WE ASSUME): Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie implied he is likely to vote for Mamdani — but continues to avoid explicitly saying the democratic socialist will earn a spot on his ballot. 'Do we ask people who they vote for?' Heastie quipped when a reporter asked him this afternoon who he would vote for in the general election. 'Listen, I'm a Democrat, and I support Democrats. I've never voted for someone that's not a Democrat.' The speaker was in Schenectady today for a visit to a local musical theater in need of state investment. When asked if his record of voting strictly along the Democratic line could change for the upcoming mayoral election, Heastie chuckled. After a brief silence, his press aide cut in to solicit other questions from reporters. The speaker did say he is in frequent contact with the mayoral nominee. 'Zohran and I have had loads of communications,' Heastie said. 'What people have to understand is that when I'm the speaker of [a] body, I have to communicate concerns of the body, and Zohran and I have communicated what I think he needs to do to get me there.' — Jason Beeferman GUN CONTROL PLEAS: New York Democrats pleaded for Congress to approve tighter gun control laws in the wake of a Midtown shooting that left six people dead — including an NYPD officer. There's little chance any measures will pass given Republicans holding all levers of power in Washington. Yet Gov. Kathy Hochul and Heastie on Tuesday urged national action — a tacit acknowledgement that the state's comparatively strict gun laws can't stop someone obtaining a weapon in another state. The alleged shooter reportedly traveled to New York from Nevada. 'We need a national awakening here. People need to be talking about this once again and it shouldn't just happen in the wake of a tragedy like this. It should be an ongoing conversation where we force the Republicans to understand lives could be saved if we only do what's smart and common sense,' Hochul told CNN. The governor pushed through a package of gun law changes after the U.S. Supreme Court determined New York's concealed carry measure was unconstitutional. In the wake of a Buffalo mass shooting in 2022, Hochul won approval of tighter restrictions on gun ownership, including raising the age to buy a firearm from 18 to 21. Heastie echoed Hochul's sentiment with reporters in Schenectady. 'When is this country going to wake up on allowing citizens to have these military-style weapons?' he said. 'No other industrial nation in this world allows the citizens to do it.' — Nick Reisman AMEND TO THAT: Heastie is ready to change New York's redistricting laws as red states move this year to redraw their House lines. 'At this point we should look to try to see what we can do to counteract Republican actions,' Heastie told reporters today. There are very few options for New York Democrats to impact next year's election, though, even as Hochul last week signaled she is open to making changes to the state's House lines. One potential long-term response is a constitutional amendment — a multi-year effort that ends with a voter referendum — that would allow New York to redistrict in the middle of the decade if another state undertakes the process. Heastie said he is open to passing the measure, which was introduced by state Sen. Mike Gianaris and Assemblymember Micah Lasher, POLITICO first reported on Monday. 'It doesn't have to be done now; it can be done in the following year,' he added. — Nick Reisman FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL DELGADO WANTS SPECIAL SESSION: Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, a gubernatorial primary candidate, is calling for the state Legislature to hold a special session to protect against incoming federal cuts — but Heastie indicated an early return to Albany for lawmakers is unlikely. Delgado is slated to appear with state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblymembers George Alvarez, Amanda Septimo, Phara Souffrant Forrest and Claire Valdez on Thursday in Manhattan to make a public plea for a special session. It's a sign of support from the group of lefty lawmakers even as the vast majority of Democratic lawmakers are leery of backing the lieutenant governor over Hochul. The event is organized by Citizen Action, VOCAL-NY, Make the Road and other left-leaning advocacy groups. Still, Heastie indicated this afternoon a special session is unlikely. 'We haven't had any discussions about that,' he said. While it's early, Heastie said his 'biggest priority' for the upcoming legislative session will be to 'limit as best we can the damage that Republicans have done to us that they keep trying to sugarcoat.' — Jason Beeferman IN OTHER NEWS — SINCE 2000: The mass shooting in a Midtown building Monday night was New York's deadliest shooting in 25 years. (New York Times) — CONTESTED BALLOTS: The New York City Board of Elections is set to certify the results of a GOP primary for a Brooklyn City Council seat Tuesday amid allegations of voter fraud. (New York Daily News) — 'YOU AND YOUR EGO': Cuomo slammed Adams as a 'spoiler' driven by his own ego while speaking with reporters at the Columbian Day Parade. (New York Post) — MTA OUTAGE: A slew of subway lines were delayed and suspended today as a power outage wreaked havoc on the system. (Gothamist) Missed this morning's New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
Time Magazine
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
How to Tell if You're Allergic to Alcohol
Your body will almost certainly rebel if you drink too much alcohol in a night. But what if it reacts after just a sip or two? If you notice odd symptoms like facial flushing, a runny nose, or even a racing heartbeat after drinking, you might not just be sensitive to alcohol—you could be allergic. While true alcohol allergies are uncommon, they do exist, and alcohol intolerance and reactions to ingredients in your favorite drinks are pervasive. Here's how to spot the clues that you might not get along well with alcohol. Is it an intolerance or an allergy? Both involve different biological reactions, and an alcohol allergy can be dangerous. A true alcohol allergy is an immune-system response to a component of the beverage. It may mean your immune system reacts to alcohol—or ingredients in alcoholic beverages like grains, yeast, or preservatives—as if it's a harmful invader. Symptoms can include a rash; itching; swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth; trouble breathing; stomach cramps; or even anaphylaxis, which can be potentially fatal. An alcohol intolerance, on the other hand, "is a genetic or metabolic condition,' says Tamar Samuels, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health, a virtual nutrition platform. 'People with an intolerance typically don't have enough of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), which helps metabolize alcohol.' She says symptoms typically include flushing, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and headaches. Read More: How to Relax and Unwind Without Drinking Alcohol Certain groups of people are prone to alcohol intolerance, though it can affect anyone. Up to 45% of East Asians carry the ALDH2 variant linked to alcohol flushing syndrome, which is a condition where your face, neck, or chest turns red soon after drinking alcohol. It's usually caused by a genetic mutation that affects how your body breaks down alcohol. Signs you might be allergic to alcohol They're rare, but alcohol allergies can range from mild to life-threatening, says Samuels. Signs of an allergy emerge after drinking any amount of alcohol and can include skin reactions (like hives, itching, flushing, or eczema-like rashes), swelling of the face or throat (especially of the lips, eyes, or tongue), respiratory symptoms (like nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing), gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea), or cardiovascular symptoms (like dizziness, fainting, or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.) How alcohol affects the body Alcohol affects nearly every part of the body, starting with the brain. It slows down the central nervous system, impairing judgment, coordination, and reaction time. While it may create a temporary feeling of relaxation or euphoria, long-term use can lead to anxiety, depression, and addiction. Alcohol also alters how the brain's reward system functions, which increases the risk of dependence over time. 'It also affects the heart in many ways, both directly and indirectly,' says Dr. Sean Heffron, cardiologist at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Heart. It can impact blood pressure and influence levels of different types of cholesterol—specifically HDL cholesterol in the blood—and can also have an influence on heart rhythm and conduction. All of these impacts tend to be dose-responsive, meaning that depending on the amount of alcohol you drink, you can have variations in how each of these factors manifest. Read More: Why, Exactly, Is Alcohol So Bad for You? Alcohol has been classified as a known carcinogen and is linked to several cancers, including those of the breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon. Even moderate drinking has been shown to raise the risk of breast cancer. It can also interfere with sleep, disrupt hormone levels, weaken the immune system, and contribute to weight gain and poor mental health. 'Because of these many negative side effects, drinking in moderation or not consuming alcohol all together is your healthiest option,' says Heffron. Common allergic triggers in alcohol Allergies to ethanol, the type of alcohol found in drinks, are exceedingly rare. Most reactions are caused by other compounds found in alcoholic beverages, says Heffron. Naturally occurring in fermented products like red wine and beer, histamines can trigger allergy-like symptoms in sensitive people, especially those with low levels of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). These preservatives, found in wine and beer, are especially problematic for people with asthma. One study suggests that sulfite sensitivity may affect up to 10% of people with asthma. Beer and some spirits contain wheat, barley, or rye, which may trigger reactions in people with grain or gluten allergies. Read More: The 9 Most Underrated Healthy Foods Natural fruit compounds, artificial colorants, and tannins in wine can cause headaches, GI symptoms, or hives in sensitive people. In people with alcohol intolerance, the body lacks the enzyme ALDH2 needed to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. This causes flushing, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. What to do if you suspect you have an allergy If you think you might have an allergy to alcohol, stop drinking immediately and take note of your symptoms. 'For mild symptoms (like hives or nasal congestion), an over-the-counter antihistamine may help,' says Samuels. 'For more severe symptoms like trouble breathing, swelling of lips, or throat, seek emergency care immediately, as this could be anaphylaxis.' She also recommends seeing an allergist for comprehensive testing, including patch testing or oral food challenges to identify the specific triggers like sulfites, grains, or histamines. And is taking an antihistamine before you drink to prevent an allergic reaction a smart idea? 'It's not recommended,' says Samuels. 'While antihistamines may blunt some mild symptoms, they don't address the root cause and can be risky when combined with alcohol." That's especially true for sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which 'can amplify alcohol's effects, leading to increased drowsiness, impaired judgment, or even respiratory depression,' she says. 'Instead of masking symptoms, it's better to identify and avoid the trigger.'
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to Tell if You're Allergic to Alcohol
Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME (Source Images: Francesco, Yevgen Romanenko—Getty Images, viennetta/Getty Images, Chris Clor—Getty Images, Cris Cantón—Getty Images) Your body will almost certainly rebel if you drink too much alcohol in a night. But what if it reacts after just a sip or two? If you notice odd symptoms like facial flushing, a runny nose, or even a racing heartbeat after drinking, you might not just be sensitive to alcohol—you could be allergic. While true alcohol allergies are uncommon, they do exist, and alcohol intolerance and reactions to ingredients in your favorite drinks are pervasive. Here's how to spot the clues that you might not get along well with alcohol. Is it an intolerance or an allergy? Both involve different biological reactions, and an alcohol allergy can be dangerous. A true alcohol allergy is an immune-system response to a component of the beverage. It may mean your immune system reacts to alcohol—or ingredients in alcoholic beverages like grains, yeast, or preservatives—as if it's a harmful invader. Symptoms can include a rash; itching; swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth; trouble breathing; stomach cramps; or even anaphylaxis, which can be potentially fatal. An alcohol intolerance, on the other hand, "is a genetic or metabolic condition,' says Tamar Samuels, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health, a virtual nutrition platform. 'People with an intolerance typically don't have enough of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), which helps metabolize alcohol.' She says symptoms typically include flushing, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and headaches. Read More: How to Relax and Unwind Without Drinking Alcohol Certain groups of people are prone to alcohol intolerance, though it can affect anyone. Up to 45% of East Asians carry the ALDH2 variant linked to alcohol flushing syndrome, which is a condition where your face, neck, or chest turns red soon after drinking alcohol. It's usually caused by a genetic mutation that affects how your body breaks down alcohol. Signs you might be allergic to alcohol They're rare, but alcohol allergies can range from mild to life-threatening, says Samuels. Signs of an allergy emerge after drinking any amount of alcohol and can include skin reactions (like hives, itching, flushing, or eczema-like rashes), swelling of the face or throat (especially of the lips, eyes, or tongue), respiratory symptoms (like nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing), gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea), or cardiovascular symptoms (like dizziness, fainting, or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.) How alcohol affects the body Alcohol affects nearly every part of the body, starting with the brain. It slows down the central nervous system, impairing judgment, coordination, and reaction time. While it may create a temporary feeling of relaxation or euphoria, long-term use can lead to anxiety, depression, and addiction. Alcohol also alters how the brain's reward system functions, which increases the risk of dependence over time. 'It also affects the heart in many ways, both directly and indirectly,' says Dr. Sean Heffron, cardiologist at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Heart. It can impact blood pressure and influence levels of different types of cholesterol—specifically HDL cholesterol in the blood—and can also have an influence on heart rhythm and conduction. All of these impacts tend to be dose-responsive, meaning that depending on the amount of alcohol you drink, you can have variations in how each of these factors manifest. Read More: Why, Exactly, Is Alcohol So Bad for You? Alcohol has been classified as a known carcinogen and is linked to several cancers, including those of the breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon. Even moderate drinking has been shown to raise the risk of breast cancer. It can also interfere with sleep, disrupt hormone levels, weaken the immune system, and contribute to weight gain and poor mental health. 'Because of these many negative side effects, drinking in moderation or not consuming alcohol all together is your healthiest option,' says Heffron. Common allergic triggers in alcohol Allergies to ethanol, the type of alcohol found in drinks, are exceedingly rare. Most reactions are caused by other compounds found in alcoholic beverages, says Heffron. Histamines Naturally occurring in fermented products like red wine and beer, histamines can trigger allergy-like symptoms in sensitive people, especially those with low levels of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). Sulfites These preservatives, found in wine and beer, are especially problematic for people with asthma. One study suggests that sulfite sensitivity may affect up to 10% of people with asthma. Grains Beer and some spirits contain wheat, barley, or rye, which may trigger reactions in people with grain or gluten allergies. Read More: The 9 Most Underrated Healthy Foods Flavorings and additives Natural fruit compounds, artificial colorants, and tannins in wine can cause headaches, GI symptoms, or hives in sensitive people. Ethanol or acetaldehyde sensitivity In people with alcohol intolerance, the body lacks the enzyme ALDH2 needed to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. This causes flushing, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. What to do if you suspect you have an allergy If you think you might have an allergy to alcohol, stop drinking immediately and take note of your symptoms. 'For mild symptoms (like hives or nasal congestion), an over-the-counter antihistamine may help,' says Samuels. 'For more severe symptoms like trouble breathing, swelling of lips, or throat, seek emergency care immediately, as this could be anaphylaxis.' She also recommends seeing an allergist for comprehensive testing, including patch testing or oral food challenges to identify the specific triggers like sulfites, grains, or histamines. And is taking an antihistamine before you drink to prevent an allergic reaction a smart idea? 'It's not recommended,' says Samuels. 'While antihistamines may blunt some mild symptoms, they don't address the root cause and can be risky when combined with alcohol." That's especially true for sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which 'can amplify alcohol's effects, leading to increased drowsiness, impaired judgment, or even respiratory depression,' she says. 'Instead of masking symptoms, it's better to identify and avoid the trigger.' Contact us at letters@
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Endurance athletes that carry Neanderthal genes could be held back from reaching their peak
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have uncovered a genetic variant, inherited from Neanderthals, that may limit athletic performance. The mutation is thought to affect roughly 8% of modern-day Europeans and influences the activity of a key enzyme in the production of energy in skeletal muscle. In a study published July 10 in the journal Nature Communications, researchers analyzed more than 2,700 individuals, which revealed that those who carried the Neanderthal gene variant were half as likely to become top athletes as those without the variant. The variant was found in up to 8% of present-day Europeans, 3% of Native Americans and 2% of South Asians, while it was absent in Africans, East Asians and African-Americans. "Since modern humans mixed with Neanderthals around 50,000 years ago, particularly in Europe and Western Asia, non-African populations today carry about 1–2% Neanderthal DNA," Dominik Macak, the study's first author and Doctoral Student at Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, told Live Science in an email. While the Neanderthal variant is not linked with any major health issues, its impact on the body's ability to produce energy during intense exercise could lead to reduced athletic performance in endurance and power sports, the researchers say. During exercise, cells gain energy by breaking down a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), often described as our body's "batteries". One way that our body creates ATP, particularly during intense exercise, is by turning two molecules of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into one molecule of ATP and one of adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The ATP produced by this reaction is used to power energetic processes in our cells, while the AMP byproduct is removed by an enzyme called AMPD1. It's this enzyme that is impaired in those with the Neanderthal gene variant, the researchers found. To test the impacts of this gene variant, scientists recreated the Neanderthal version of the AMPD1 enzyme in the lab. They found that it was 25% less active than the enzyme produced in humans with other variants of the gene. Next, they genetically engineered mice to express the altered AMPD1 and found that the enzyme was up to 80% less active than the non-Neanderthal variant. RELATED STORIES — East Asians who can digest lactose can thank Neanderthal genes — Papua New Guineans, genetically isolated for 50,000 years, carry Denisovan genes that help their immune system, study suggests — Viking DNA helps reveal when HIV-fighting gene mutation emerged: 9,000 years ago near the Black Sea The researchers then analyzed the prevalence of the gene among elite athletes and non-athletes. They found that 4% to 14% of athletes carried this genetic variant, while 9% to 19% of non-athletes had the variant. Carrying just one copy of the Neanderthal gene (out of the two copies inherited from parents) led to a 50% lower probability of achieving elite athletic status, the data suggested. Those that carry the Neanderthal gene may struggle with more extreme exercise because the impaired enzyme will allow AMP to build up in their muscles, making it harder for them to produce ATP as fast as their cells need. However, having the Neanderthal gene variant is unlikely to affect most people's daily activities, where energy is obtained by other means. It is only during endurance sports or in exercises that demand muscular power that carriers might be at a slight disadvantage, the researchers said. But how might this variant have impacted the Neanderthals themselves? "It's very unlikely that this single genetic variant played a role in the extinction of the Neanderthals," Macak said. "We find it in both early and later Neanderthal individuals, suggesting it was stably present over thousands of years. Additionally, some modern humans today carry mutations that disrupt the AMPD1 protein entirely, often without any major health issues. So, while the gene affects muscle metabolism, it likely wasn't a decisive factor in their ability to survive."
NBC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
'Love Island USA' star Cierra Ortega sorry for using anti-Asian slur, says ICE was called on family
Former 'Love Island USA' reality contestant Cierra Ortega addressed her prior use of an anti-Asian slur just days after she was abruptly removed from the show, saying ICE was called on her family as part of the intense backlash. Ortega, 25, posted what she described as an "accountability video" to her Instagram on Wednesday night addressing resurfaced social media posts that used the slur. She began the video by apologizing to the Asian community. "I had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm, and came with the history that it did or I never would have used it," Ortega said. "I had no ill intention when I was using it." Though Ortega mentions multiple posts that resurfaced, she only addressed one from last year that she said a follower had called her out for. According to screenshots online, Ortega posted an Instagram Story telling her followers she was getting Botox to 'open up' her eyes. That post used a derogatory term that historically originated as an insult against Chinese people but is often used more generally toward East Asians. Ortega posted a screenshot of a follower replying to the Instagram Story calling her out for using the slur. The reality star said she deleted the Instagram post and apologized to the person who called her out. "I made the correction immediately, the word was immediately removed from my vocabulary," Ortega said. While Ortega refers to multiple posts resurfacing, she did not address any others, including one that appears to go back as far as 2015. She did appear to deny the authenticity of a screenshot that allegedly showed Ortega was told about the slur and doubled down. Ortega referred to it and added, "That was not the case." She went on to say that she "completely" agreed with the decision to remove her from the show but that the aggressive backlash against her family was "extremely, extremely difficult." Ortega, who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, added that her family "have had ICE called on them." "My family doesn't feel safe in their own home," Ortega said. "I'm receiving death threats ... there's no need to fight hate with hate. I don't think that that's justice." Responses to Ortega's video were mixed, with some people supporting the 25-year-old and others expressing skepticism at her response. "Love this response and the accountability," one commenter wrote. "I truly hope that community forgives you and sees how sincere you are." A few comments accused her of being "calculated," referring to her clothing choices for the video and disbelief that Ortega didn't know what the word meant. "Empathy sweater and jade necklace," one person wrote. "She is so calculated and you guys are falling for it." Another commenter made it clear she did not find Ortega's video credible, but wrote that she believed Ortega "deserved grace" and hoped the reality star would "genuinely learn from this." Many noted that regardless of their opinion, it was unacceptable to send death threats and report Ortega's family to immigration officials over the issue. Ortega is the second contestant to be booted from the show this season, as Yulissa Escobar abruptly exited last month after video clips surfaced appearing to show her using a racist slur while on a podcast. Escobar wrote an apology after leaving the show, saying that she used the slur "not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it."
