Cierra Ortega, 25, a content creator on Love Island USA Season 7, was eliminated from the villa on Sunday after old social media posts containing racist comments surfaced. Cierra Love Island USA exit She had been coupled with Nic Vansteenberghe since arriving as the season’s first female bombshell. Ortega left the show following the controversy.
She had become a fan favorite early on with bold moves like the blindfolded kiss challenge.
Why Was Cierra Ortega Removed from Love Island USA?
Cierra, from Phoenix and of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, faced backlash when fans discovered a 2020 TikTok and a 2015 Instagram Story. In those posts, she used a racial slur directed at Asians. In her TikTok she said she looks “a little chky” when she smiles and that’s why she got a mini brow lift. And in a 2015 pic she captioned “Still chkin’ at the top”
These posts went viral on Reddit and TikTok and she lost almost 200,000 followers in 2 days. Many fans called for her removal. They pointed to the show’s earlier decision to eliminate Yulissa Escobar for using racial slurs on a podcast.
A production source told The US Sun: “This kind of language is unacceptable… We kicked Yulissa out for racial slurs too.”
On Sunday’s episode, narrator Iain Stirling announced Cierra had left “due to personal reasons.” When asked by a fan about staying silent on the controversy, host Ariana Madix replied: “Not silent. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
Also read: How to Vote during Love Island Usa Season 7
What About Nic Vansteenberghe?
After Cierra left the villa Nic, 24, from Jacksonville was single. He had the choice to leave or stay and he chose to stay. He said he had unresolved feelings for Olandria Carthen whom he had briefly reconnected with during Casa Amor.
With Casa Amor approaching, Nic’s future on the show will depend on whether he can find a new partner. However, fans remain skeptical about his intentions.
Lesser-Known Facts About Cierra Ortega
Cierra Ortega is on TikTok and Instagram where she posts trending content and hangs with her friends. She loves to travel and goes to places like Egypt, Thailand, Saint Martin, Costa Rica, Paris and Italy with her squad. Her Instagram also shows she loves to surf and horseback ride.
She also has experience with companies like Lucy Guo’s creator platform, Passes. She works with brands like SKIMS, AdoreMe and Good American. She also went to the 2025 Grammy Awards in LA this year.
The Controversy Explained
A screenshot of her earlier Instagram Story went viral and showed her commenting:
Botox isn’t for everyone but I personally love it! I’m super expressive and I find myself unintentionally frowning when I’m deep in thought or concentrating. It just happens without me even realizing lol.
This old post went viral and got a lot of hate online.
Show’s Response and Official Exit
After crisis talks, producers decided to remove Cierra Ortega from the show immediately. A production source said, “This kind of language is unacceptable… We had no choice but to act.”
On Sunday’s episode, host Iain Stirling told viewers that Cierra had “left the villa due to personal reasons.” Her exit left her partner Nic Vansteenberghe single and uncertain about what to do next.
Host Ariana Madix also clapped back at claims she or the show was ignoring the issue and wrote on Instagram: “Not silent. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Ortega’s exit puts Nic in a tough spot before the upcoming Casa Amor twist where he will have to form a new couple or leave the show.
The controversy has also brought up debates on how reality TV shows screen their contestants’ social media history and handle racist behavior.
Cierra is the second contestant this season to be eliminated over resurfaced racist comments. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges reality TV faces in addressing discrimination. It also underscores the need for more thorough background checks and stronger accountability measures.
Also read: Love Island Season 7: Chelley and Huda Clash After Heart Rate Challenge
Who Was Cierra Coupled With on Love Island USA?
When Cierra Ortega left the villa, she was with Nic Vansteenberghe. Just a few episodes prior to that, they had become exclusive after a one on one date.
In his confessional Nic said he was unsure what to do. “Right before Cierra left everything felt clear.
“I saw what the future would be, but now I feel lost,” he said.
He explained to the other guys that he needs to figure things out on his own. And said he lost his strongest connection.
Also He added, “I did not see this coming.”
When asked if he was ready to make new connections Nic said he wasn’t sure. (Spoiler: He ended up coupling up with Olandria at the recoupling)
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