Cierra Ortega, a 25-year-old content creator from Los Angeles, has departed from the Love Island USA villa "for personal reasons" following the resurgence of controversial social media posts. The controversy intensified after a 2015 video featuring Cierra discussing Botox treatments surfaced, leading to considerable backlash regarding an Instagram post that included a derogatory racial term aimed at Chinese individuals.
After her absence from the latest episode of season seven, Cierra's parents addressed the situation, revealing that she had been subjected to a campaign of hate online and urging the public for understanding. They emphasized the profound impact this incident has had on their family, describing it as "one of the most painful weeks of our lives" and condemning the online attacks she has faced.
While Cierra has left the show, her family has stated that she has yet to process what has transpired or fully speak out on the issue. They expressed confidence that upon her return, she will confront the scandal with "honesty, growth, and grace," simultaneously asking for basic human decency and patience during this tumultuous time.
In the wake of Cierra’s exit, fellow contestant Yulissa Escobar also departed after resurfaced clips showed her using a racial slur in a 2021 podcast. Yulissa has since issued an apology, admitting her ignorance regarding the historical significance and emotional weight of the term, acknowledging the harsh online response she faced upon returning to the villa, and committing to her growth and accountability moving forward.
As the controversy continues to unfold, BBC Newsbeat has reached out to Peacock, the producers of Love Island USA, for further comment on these developing situations.
