Why Did Cierra Ortega Leave ‘Love Island USA’? Here’s The Latest On The Controversy

Love Island USA Season 7 contestant Cierra Ortega is no longer in the villa, becoming the second Islander to be removed this season for allegedly using a racial slur prior to entering the dating competition.

Ortega was one of the original cast members this season and had been in the villa since Day 1. However, her time in Fiji came to an abrupt end as shown during Episode 30, which aired on Sunday, July 6.

Just before the 16-minute mark, narrator Iain Stirling announced that Ortega had exited the villa. “Cierra has left the villa due to a personal situation," Stirling said, without providing further explanation. The show did not show Cierra’s exit, but it may have occurred in the morning hours.

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Why Did Cierra Leave Love Island USA Season 7?

While Peacock has yet to provide an official explanation for Cierra’s exit, the move comes after resurfaced social media posts allegedly showed the 25-year-old using a racial slur, possibly prompting producers to remove her from the show.

Fans suspected something was off before the episode aired, as Ortega was noticeably absent from the first-look teaser. On July 3, the US Sun reported that Love Island USA execs were holding “crisis meetings” to determine Cierra’s fate amid the racist posts.

“Cierra is in deep trouble, that is for sure. This kind of word is unacceptable. It was a huge disappointment when we saw it. Everyone is very, very bothered and pissed about that," a production source told the tabloid.

The insider continued, “We will hold a meeting to decide what we should do… but it doesn’t look great at all for Cierra as a lot of us want to take her out of the show as soon as possible."

Has Cierra Addressed The Racist Posts?

Although Cierra has not addressed the comments herself, her parents released a statement via her Instagram Story shortly after the July 6 broadcast. They revealed that Cierra is still “away” and has not seen any of the backlash yet.

“As Cierra’s parents, this has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives. 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 the people who lover her,” they said. “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surface. We understand why people upset and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now now has gone far beyond that.”

The statement continued, “The treats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters, it’s heartbreaking. It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made. While Cierra is not in the Villa anymore, she is still away. She’s hasn’t had the chance to process of this or speak for herself. But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’l face this with honesty, growth and grace.”

“While she’ll always be our little girl, she’s also a woman, one who will take responsibility in her own time and her own voice. Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion,” the parents concluded. "For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this. Thank you to those who’ve continued to show love, even when it’s not easy. With love, her family."

The controversy mirrors a similar situation from earlier in the season, when Yulissa Escobar was removed just days after the Season 7 premiere for using a racial slur on multiple podcasts prior to appearing on the show. Escobar later issued an apology and addressed the allegations on Instagram.

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“First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using. Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly,” she began. “In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur. I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use.”

Escobar added, “At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesn’t take away from how wrong it was. The truth is, I didn’t know better then, but I do now. I’ve taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment.”

Who Was Cierra Coupled With On Love Island USA?

Cierra was coupled with Nic Vansteenberghe at the time of her exit. A few episodes prior, she and Nic became closed off during their one-on-one date. After announcing that Cierra was gone, Stirling revealed that Nic was “officially single” as a result.

In a confessional, Nic opened up about his confusion over what to do next. “Right before Cierra had left, my mind was clear,” he said. “I knew what the future would look like, and now, I’m lost.”

He told the guys that now that his “strongest connection” is gone, he’ll have to figure it out from here. “I was not expecting this," he added.

When asked if he was open to exploring other connections, Nic said he wasn’t sure. However, he later coupled up with Olandria during the recoupling ceremony. The two were previously paired up after Casa Amor, when they were both dumped from their respective villas for failing to form new connections with the bombshells. After Cierra returned from Casa, Nic resumed his relationship with her. Now that Cierra is gone, Nic is free to fully explore his connection with Olandria in the final episodes before the finale.

Stay tuned for developments about Ortega’s exit.

Love Island USA airs every day except for Wednesdays on Peacock.

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