Former “Love Island USA” contestant Cierra Ortega has spoken out after her surprising exit on the July 6 episode. Narrator Iain Stirling said that she left the reality dating show for “personal reasons,” but Cierra had been facing backlash online after an alleged past social media post, in which she used racist language, resurfaced on social media.
In a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, Ortega said she “had the chance to process” all the drama surrounding her “Love Island USA” exit and feels like she can fully address the issue without being “highly emotional.”
“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 said. “And before I get into the details, I want to first start by addressing not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly, the entire Asian community. I am deeply, truly, honestly so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm, and came with the history that it did or I never would have used it.”
She continued, “I do want to hold my hands up and say that I take accountability for using the word, but 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, and it wasn’t until I made the public story post in 2024 when a follower of mine reached out to correct me and let me know that what I was saying was incredibly hurtful.”
Ortega went on to say that her family was targeted in the backlash of her controversial post. She claims that “they have had ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]” called on them and that they no longer “feel safe in their own home.”
“I’m receiving death threats, like there’s no need to fight hate with hate,” Ortega added. “I don’t think that’s justice. And if you want to know that you are heard and that I’m sorry and that I will move differently, I promise you, that’s what will happen.”
Cierra’s family released a statement on her Instagram story after her abrupt exit.
“We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate. And while Cierra hasn’t seen any of it yet, we have,” their statement read. “And so have the people who love her. We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that. The threats. 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.”
Cierra was one of the original “Love Island” cast members this season, and she was the second to be removed early due to past controversial comments resurfacing online. Yulissa Escobar was kicked off the show after two episodes at the beginning of the season.
