Love Island USA's Cierra Ortega Addresses Season 7 Exit After Racist Posts Resurfaced: 'I Had No Ill Intention'
Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega is addressing her controversial exit from the show after social media posts resurfaced in which she used racial slurs.
"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 in an Instagram video. "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. I had no ill intention when I was using it, but that's absolutely no excuse because intent doesn't excuse ignorance."
"This is not an apology video. This is an accountability video," Ortega continued, and added that she agreed with Peacock's decision to remove her from the show.
She shared that her family has been targeted in the wake of the scandal, claiming 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."
Ortega was removed from the Peacock dating series in the July 6 episode, with narrator Iain Stirling revealing that "Cierra has left the villa due to a personal situation." Additional explanation for Ortega's exit was not given, but Love Island fans had been calling for Ortega's removal from the show after the discovery of multiple alleged social media posts in which she used racial slurs referencing the Asian community.
In one Instagram Story post related to cosmetic work, Ortega had written, "Botox isn't for everyone but I love it for me!!! I am incredibly expressive with my face and I catch myself frowning for no reason throughout the day when I'm focusing on something or thinking too hard lol. I can also be a little ch—ky when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift to open up my eyes and get that snatched look."
In the wake of Ortega's exit, her parents posted a lengthy statement to Instagram, urging fans to show their daughter "compassion" and "basic human decency" amid the racism controversy.
"We've seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate. And while Cierra hasn't seen any of it yet, we have. And so have the people who love her," the statement reads. "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," the statement continues. "It's uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they've made. ... We know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she'll face this with honesty, growth, and grace. ... Until then, we're simply asking for compassion. For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this. Thank you to those who've continued to show love, even when it's not easy."
Peacock had no comment when reached by TVLine.
Ortega's Love Island exit marks the second time this season that an Islander has left the show after the resurfacing of racist language. In June, Yulissa Escobar left the villa after she was heard repeatedly using the N-word on a previous podcast appearance.
Only days remain in Love Island USA's current seventh season, with the finale set for Sunday, July 13.