In a sudden twist just before the season finale of Love Island USA, contestant Cierra Ortega has departed the villa amid backlash over past social media posts containing racial slurs.
Ortega, who joined the villa as a bombshell and formed a strong bond with Nic Vansteenberghe, left the show Sunday. The departure, announced by narrator Iain Stirling, was explained as being due to a "personal situation." However, fans had already been buzzing online over the resurfaced offensive posts targeting Asian communities.
Second Controversial Exit This Season
This marks the second departure from the villa this season under similar circumstances. Previously, Yulissa Escobar exited during the second episode after clips of her using racist language went viral. Neither contestant’s exit was fully addressed within the show.
A spokesperson for the series declined to comment on the incident. However, Ortega’s family later posted a statement asking for public empathy and patience. They claimed Ortega is currently still away and has not had a chance to address the issue directly.
Family Responds to Online Hate
The family’s Instagram story urged viewers to avoid spreading hate, stating, “We know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace.” They also shared that they’ve been receiving threats and cruel messages online.
The show’s host and producers have previously spoken out against cyberbullying. Host Ariana Madix even encouraged fans to stop doxxing contestants and reminded audiences that kindness online matters.
Islanders React as Couple Breaks Up
Inside the villa, Ortega’s partner Nic Vansteenberghe expressed his shock and sadness. “Before Cierra had left, my mind was clear. I knew what the future would look like, and now, I’m lost,” he shared. He later re-coupled with Olandria Carthen in a move that many fans saw as rushed and emotional.
Former contestant Belle-A Walker, who is Asian American, also weighed in. She expressed her appreciation for the show’s decision, saying, “Asian hate is oftentimes overlooked… I have personally witnessed and experienced how real and hurtful comments like these are.”
Love Island USA continues airing on Peacock, wrapping up its seventh season soon. The show, while built on romance, now faces growing scrutiny over how it handles real-world issues and contestant behavior — both inside and outside the villa.
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