Cierra Ortega speaks on Love Island USA S7 exit

After days of speculation, Love Island USA Season 7 contestant Cierra Ortega has addressed the real reason behind her sudden departure from the villa. Her unexpected exit aired during the July 6 episode, with narrator Iain Stirling briefly stating that she had left for “personal reasons.” However, fans quickly connected the dots when a controversial social media post from her past resurfaced, sparking outrage online. Now, Cierra has responded in a candid Instagram post, sharing her side of the story and apologising directly to those hurt.

Why did Cierra Ortega leave Love Island USA Season 7?

While the show didn’t go into detail, the timing of Cierra’s departure lined up with the backlash she was receiving over a resurfaced post in which she used a racial slur. The post, originally shared in 2024, included an offensive term widely recognised as a slur against the Asian community. As viewers became aware of it, the situation gained traction on social media, prompting criticism of both Cierra and the show’s decision to cast her. Her removal now appears to be tied to this controversy, even though it was officially labelled a personal decision.

Ayo! Have yall seen this 👀 Cierra is caught using a racial slur! pic.twitter.com/FvVVQgvtKo

Cierra's apology to the Asian community

In her Instagram statement, Cierra acknowledged using “an incredibly offensive and derogatory term” and admitted she hadn’t fully understood its weight at the time. “I am deeply, truly, honestly so sorry,” she wrote, addressing the Asian community specifically. “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 added that she takes full accountability for her actions and emphasised that she is committed to learning and doing better going forward.

Her family’s safety has been threatened

In her post, she claimed that people have called ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) on her loved ones, and ones they no longer feel safe in their own home. “I’m receiving death threats,” she wrote, expressing heartbreak over the escalation. “There’s no need to fight hate with hate… 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.”

Check out her full response below:

Where Love Island USA stands now

Love Island USA Season 7 has quickly gained a reputation for dramatic exits and off-screen controversies. Before Cierra’s departure, Yulissa Escobar was removed during the first week over alleged past racist remarks. More recently, Huda Mustafa has come under fire after a viral video surfaced, with some accusing her of using the N-word. However, fans have defended her, arguing she was simply lip-syncing to a song and didn’t actually mouth the word.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.