Love Island USA Cierra Ortega Star Confronts Past, Faces Fallout

Cierra Ortega speaks out after her exit from Love Island USA, addressing a resurfaced post and the wave of backlash that followed.

Cierra Ortega, a former contestant on Love Island USA, has issued a public apology after being removed from the show due to resurfaced social media posts containing a racial slur targeting the Asian community.

In a heartfelt video message, the 25-year-old influencer from Los Angeles explained that the controversial post was made in 2024 and that she was unaware of the term’s offensive nature until a follower pointed it out. “I was embarrassed,” Ortega said, noting that she deleted the post immediately.

Of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, Ortega revealed that the backlash has extended beyond her, affecting her family. She shared that her loved ones have been harassed online, with some individuals even contacting immigration authorities and issuing death threats. “My family doesn’t feel safe in their own home,” she said. “There’s no need to fight hate with hate. That’s not justice.”

Ortega expressed support for the network’s decision to remove her from the show and acknowledged the viewers’ disappointment. However, she disputed claims that she refused to delete the post or defended its use. “I took accountability and educated myself and those around me about the word’s history and impact,” she said. “The backlash has been incredibly difficult.”

Her departure follows that of fellow islander Yulissa Escobar, who left the show earlier this season after a 2021 podcast clip resurfaced in which she used a racial slur. Escobar later apologized, stating she had used the term without understanding its historical weight and pain. She also reported receiving death threats and described returning home as “coming back to a warzone.”

Despite the controversy, Love Island USA continues to dominate streaming charts on Peacock, NBC’s platform. However, the show’s popularity has come with a dark side—contestants have faced intense cyberbullying. In response, the show aired a statement urging viewers to stop the harassment.