Who Was the Affected Contestant on the Show?
Cierra Ortega, a contestant on Love Island USA, has exited the villa just days before the Season 7 finale, following backlash over resurfaced social media posts in which she used a racial slur.
The departure was initially described as due to a “personal” situation by the Peacock reality series, with her exit leaving fellow islander Nic Vansteenberghe single. However, online discussions quickly pointed to multiple resurfaced posts, including one from as recently as 2023, showing Ortega using a racial slur targeting the Asian community, according to People.
USA TODAY has reached out to Peacock for comment.
On Sunday night, July 6, Ortega’s parents released a statement via her Instagram Stories, acknowledging the controversy and revealing that Cierra and her loved ones have received threats and cruel messages in the wake of the scandal.
“This has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives,” the statement began. “We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt, and the hate. And while Cierra hasn’t seen any of it yet, we have — and so have those who love her. We’re not here to justify or ignore what has surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters.”
They also condemned the online harassment directed at Ortega’s family and supporters, calling it “heartbreaking” and “uncalled for,” regardless of the mistakes she may have made.
Because Love Island contestants are cut off from the outside world during filming, Ortega has not yet seen the backlash herself. Her parents added that she has left the villa but hasn’t returned home, and they expressed confidence in her ability to respond with “honesty, growth, and grace” once she’s able to address the situation personally.
Ortega’s exit follows a similar controversy involving fellow contestant Yulissa Escobar, who was removed from the villa weeks earlier after an old podcast clip showed her using a racial slur. Escobar later issued a public apology, stating she hadn’t fully understood “the weight, history, or pain behind it.”
The Love Island USA Season 7 finale is expected to air within the next week.
