Love Island USA’s Cierra Ortega Speaks Out Following Exit Amid Racial Slur Controversy

Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega has broken her silence after leaving the reality show’s season seven on Peacock a week before the finale. In a candid Instagram video, Ortega addressed the controversy surrounding her departure, which followed the resurfacing of a social media post in which she used a racial slur.

During the July 6 episode, the show’s narrator, Iain Stirling, announced Ortega had “left the villa due to a personal situation,” leaving her then-partner Nic Vansteenberg officially single. No further details were initially shared, but the exit came amid growing backlash over Ortega’s past use of offensive language, prompting fans to call for her removal.

In her video, Ortega expressed deep apologies to the Asian community, acknowledging her naivety and ignorance regarding the harmful impact and history of the term she used. She emphasized that while she had no ill intentions, intent does not excuse ignorance and took full accountability for her actions.

Ortega also addressed rumors suggesting she had doubled down on the offensive language, clarifying that she learned from the mistake at the time and removed the word from her vocabulary. She shared that the incident was a significant learning moment and that since then, she has grown personally and educated others on the importance of respectful language.

She agreed with the network’s decision to remove her from the villa, acknowledging that the punishment was warranted. Ortega also revealed the severe backlash she’s faced, including death threats and concerns for her family’s safety.

“There’s no need to fight hate with hate,” she said, pledging to move forward with accountability and growth. She asked for grace and understanding, hoping that others might one day see her commitment to celebrating diversity and cultures.

This is not the first exit this season over similar controversies. Earlier, contestant Yulissa Escobar was also removed after clips surfaced of her using racial slurs. Escobar issued a public apology, acknowledging the pain such language causes and the impact beyond intent.

Love Island USA season seven continues to stream on Peacock, hosted by Ariana Madix, with remaining couples including Chelley and Ace, Huda and Chris, Olandria and Nic, Amaya and Bryan, and Iris and Pepe.