The family of Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega has released a public statement urging fans to show compassion and restraint following her sudden exit from the reality dating show and the backlash over a resurfaced racist social media post.
During the show’s July 6 episode, narrator Iain Stirling announced that Cierra “left the villa due to a personal situation.” No further explanation was given on air, but the departure came as Cierra faced growing criticism online after an alleged past post involving racist language circulated widely.
In a message shared via Cierra’s Instagram Story, her parents acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but condemned the hate and threats being directed at her and those close to her.
“We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate,” they wrote. “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.”
The statement clarified that Cierra is currently away and has not yet seen the backlash herself. Her family said they believe she will address the situation directly once she is ready.
“When she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace,” they wrote. “Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion, for patience, for basic human decency.”
Cierra had been one of the original contestants on Season 7 and was in an exclusive pairing with fellow islander Nic Vansteenberg prior to her departure. He has since moved on with contestant Olandria Carthen.
This marks the second controversy this season involving past racist language from contestants. Earlier, Yulissa Escobar was removed from the show after resurfaced podcast clips revealed her use of racial slurs. Escobar publicly apologized, saying, “Intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real.”
Love Island USA airs on Peacock every weeknight except Wednesdays and Saturdays. The finale is scheduled for Sunday, July 13.
