At one point, Season 7 islander Cierra Ortega had the strongest connection in the Love Island USA Villa. She and Nic Vansteenberghe were the only “closed-off” couple in the group, clearing their path to victory. But Cierra never made it to finale night. On Day 26, Cierra left the Villa after production became aware of a slur she made in a social media post. The islanders didn’t know much about her exit, but they knew she violated one of the show’s rules.
A lot has changed since Cierra’s impromptu exit from the Villa. She issued an apology, Nic recoupled with Olandria Carthen, and multiple cast members weighed in about the controversy.
If you need a refresher on the situation, don’t worry, we’ll bring you up to speed. Here’s what you need to know.
Why did Cierra Ortega leave Love Island?
Cierra was removed from the Villa for using a slur derogatory to Asians in an Instagram Story. According to Cierra, the post dates back to 2024. After the first post surfaced, fans found Cierra using the same derogatory word in a since-deleted Instagram post from 2015.
Love Island USA viewers were shocked by the posts and demanded Cierra be removed from the Villa. Fans made TikTok posts encouraging the show to take action, pointing out that Asian hate is often dismissed or not taken seriously.
Production responded by removing Cierra from the Villa. The Arizona native was not the first Season 7 islander to leave the Villa amid controversy. Earlier this summer, Yulissa Escobar left the Villa after fans discovered she used a racial slur on a podcast.
What was her response to being fired over the controversial slur?
Cierra issued a public apology to fans 48 hours after she returned home. She posted a video on her Instagram, explaining the situation and how she plans to educate herself going forward.
“While I was in the Villa, there were some posts that resurfaced from my past where I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term,” she began. “I want to first start by addressing not just anyone whom I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly, the entire Asian community. I had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm, and history as it [does].”
She continued, “This is not an apology video, this is an accountability video … I take accountability for using the word. I do want it to be known that I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur. I had no idea of its meaning.”
Cierra said a fan reached out to her and educated her on the word’s meaning after she used it in her 2024 post. She responded by deleting the post, apologizing, and educating herself on the true meaning of the word.
She also shared that she agrees with the show’s decision to remove her from the Villa.
“This is something that deserves punishment,” she stated. “The punishment has absolutely been received, for sure.”
What are her plans for the future?
Cierra hasn’t shared too much since issuing her apology. However, she did post on Instagram on Sunday, July 13 to commemorate the end of Season 7.
“People, moments, and memories I’ll cherish forever,” she began. “This journey didn’t end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love, and growth in these moments. There’s still so much more growing to do.”
Cierra still follows quite a few of her Love Island USA co-stars, including Huda Mustafa, Chelley Bissainthe, and Amaya Espinal. She does not follow her Villa beau Nic, nor does he follow her. Nic ended the show with Olandria, and it seems that is where he’s loyalty lies. He recently gushed about his connection with Olandria on the Chicks In the Office podcast.
“We’re not labeling it boyfriend and girlfriend, but let’s just say that we’re doing a lot of things that a boyfriend and girlfriend do,” he teased. Cuteeee. I love them together!
Love Island USA is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF CIERRA ORTEGA’S STATEMENT? DO YOU THINK NIC AND OLANDRIA WILL BECOME A COUPLE?
