Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega has abruptly left the show amid growing backlash over a resurfaced social media post in which she allegedly used racist language. The show confirmed her departure during its 30th episode, citing a “personal situation.”
Narrator Iain Stirling made the announcement via voiceover, adding that Cierra’s exit leaves her partner, Nic Vansteenberg, officially single. The episode offered no further explanation, but showed Nic expressing confusion and disappointment to fellow islander Ace Greene.
Cierra was one of the original cast members this season and had been part of a consistent couple with Nic for several episodes.
Her exit follows a wave of criticism on social media, where fans called for her removal after an offensive past post began circulating online. While the show did not confirm a direct link between the controversy and her departure, the timing aligns with mounting public pressure.
This marks the second time this season that Love Island USA has faced issues with contestants over past use of racial slurs. Earlier, Yulissa Escobar was removed from the show after clips from an old podcast surfaced in which she used a racial slur. In a public apology, Escobar admitted to using the term ignorantly and acknowledged the harm it caused.
“I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact,” Escobar said in her statement.
Love Island USA has just one week remaining before the season finale and the announcement of this year’s winning couple.
