WASHINGTON — Cierra Ortega abruptly exited “Love Island USA” after her old posts containing a racial slur resurfaced online.
The show announced Ortega’s exit on Sunday night’s episode, citing a “personal situation.” Her exit comes just days before the reality show’s finale on July 13.
Ortega is the second contestant on this season of Love Island to leave the show after facing controversy over the use of a racial slur. Yulissa Escobar, who appeared in the first episode, left after video clips of her surfaced that appeared to show her using a racial slur while on a podcast. Days later, Escobar apologized for the video and said she “didn’t fully understand “the weight, history, or pain behind” the word.
Following the release of Sunday’s episode, Ortega’s parent issued a statement on her Instagram stories.
“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 love her,” the statement read. “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters,” the statement read. “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.”
Ortega’s parent said that their daughter has not seen the online backlash yet and has not had the chance to issue a response.
The 25-year-old influencer has left the villa, but she has not yet returned home, according to the statement. Contestants on “Love Island” are considered off the grid from the outside world as they film the show, with no access to their phones.
“She hasn’t had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself. But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace,” the statement continued. “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.”
The statement ended with a plea compassion, patience and “for basic human decency.”
Earlier this week, screenshots of two of Ortega’s old posts using the racial slur have circulated on social media. According to People, Ortega used the racist slur against Asian people in 2015 and again in 2023.
This season of “Love Island USA” has seen a surge in popularity, ranking as the No. 1 most-watched streaming reality series for Peacock. The streaming platform reported that 39% of the Season 7 audience are new viewers.
Last week the show’s social media page issued a statement regarding online hate towards the contestants.
“We appreciate the fans, the passion for the series, and the amazing group of Islander who are sharing their summer with us,” the post read. “Please just remember they’re real people – so let’s be kind and spread the love!”
