Who is Cierra Ortega? Love Island USA Star Removed After Racist Slur Resurfaces Online

Cierra Ortega, a 25-year-old content creator from Phoenix, Arizona, made an explosive debut on Day 2 of Love Island USA Season 7. Known for her elegant style, quick wit and undeniable chemistry with fellow islander Nic Vansteenberghe, Ortega quickly rose to prominence in the villa.

Her Instagram following soared past 900,000 as fans rallied around her flirty personality and her headline-grabbing love triangle drama.

Prior to entering the villa, Ortega had established herself as a fashion and lifestyle influencer on social media. She collaborated with several beauty brands and built a large Gen Z following on TikTok and Instagram. However, her internet history quickly came under fire after old posts resurfaced online.

The Racist Post That Sparked Controversy

On 25 June 2025, a Reddit thread published a screenshot of a 2015 Facebook post in which Ortega used the term 'chinky' to describe her eyes while laughing — a slur historically used to denigrate East Asians. Fans also uncovered an Instagram Story from 2023 that included similar wording.

The outcry was swift. Ortega's Instagram followers dropped by more than 200,000 in just 48 hours, as fans and sponsors distanced themselves from the reality star. Online campaigns calling for her removal gained traction on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit, with viewers demanding accountability.

Producers Act Amid Mounting Pressure

In Episode 30, which aired on 2 July, narrator Iain Stirling announced Ortega's departure from the villa, citing a "personal situation." No mention of the controversy was made on screen. However, followers quickly connected her exit to the growing internet backlash.

Her dismissal comes just a week after another contestant, Yulissa Escobar, was eliminated for similar reasons: an old podcast recording surfaced in which Escobar used a racial slur. Critics argued that Ortega's posts were equally offensive and called for consistent enforcement of the show's zero-tolerance policy.

Love Island USA producers have not issued an official statement.

Family Breaks Silence: 'This Week Has Been Painful'

Following Cierra Ortega's departure, her family released a statement on social media expressing regret for the pain caused by her previous remarks. 'This week has been one of the most painful of our lives,' the message read. 'We recognise the harm in Cierra's words and understand why people are upset.'

The family pleaded with the public to avoid threats and harassment, saying: "She is still a human being who made a mistake. We ask for basic human decency as she faces the consequences."

Viewers React: 'Accountability Is Not Optional'

While some fans accepted the apology, others said the damage was already done. 'You can't build fame on a platform of ignorance,' wrote one user on TikTok. Others encouraged Love Island's producers to address the matter openly in order to maintain transparency and confidence.

Cierra Ortega's dismissal has revived a broader debate about racism, social media accountability, and reality TV companies' responsibility to respond quickly and fairly.