LOVE ISLAND USA — Episode 726 — Pictured: Cierra Ortega — (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty … More Images)
Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images
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 early morning hours.
ForbesWhen Is Movie Night For ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7? Here’s What To KnowBy Monica MercuriWhy Did Cierra Leave Love Island USA Season 7?
LOVE ISLAND USA — Episode 709 — Pictured: Cierra Ortega — (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty … More Images)
Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images
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.”
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.
ForbesYulissa Breaks Silence After Shocking ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7 ExitBy Monica Mercuri“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?
LOVE ISLAND USA — Episode 725 — Pictured: (l-r) Cierra Ortega, Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe — (Photo … More by: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images)
Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images
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 would be open to exploring other connections, he said he didn’t know. (Spoiler: He later coupled up with Olandria during the recoupling ceremony.)
Ortega has not yet addressed the allegations. Stay tuned for developments about her exit.
Love Island USA airs every day except for Wednesdays on Peacock.
