Cierra Ortega, removed from ‘Love Island,’ issues apology for using a racial slur.

Cierra Ortega, who recently exited the reality television series “Love Island USA,” has publicly apologized for past racist posts aimed at East Asian individuals. The 25-year-old reality star took to social media to address the offensive content that resurfaced shortly after her departure from the competitive dating show.

In a nearly five-minute video broadcasted on Instagram, Ortega expressed her remorse while wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the word “empathy.” She addressed her comments directly, conveying her apology not just to those she may have offended, but particularly to the Asian community at large. Ortega stated her regret for the pain her previous remarks may have caused, highlighting her lack of awareness about the historical weight and harm associated with the language she used.

Among her reflections, Ortega explained that during her time in the “Love Island” villa, various posts from her past came to light, including the use of a derisive term that she now recognizes as deeply hurtful. She indicated that while her intention had not been to offend, she recognized that intent does not absolve the consequences of ignorance. Ortega emphasized that her video serves not merely as an apology, but as an opportunity for accountability.

Her departure from “Love Island USA” came just one week ahead of the season finale, with Peacock announcing her exit due to what the network described as a “personal situation.” Upon her removal, fellow contestant Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe was left “officially single.” The announcement of Ortega’s exit was immediately followed by the resurfacing of posts from her social media accounts, which included the slur in question, some of which dated as recently as 2023.

Ortega is the second contestant this season to leave the show as a result of previously published social media comments. Earlier in the season, Yulissa Escobar was similarly dismissed after her use of racist language became public knowledge.

“Love Island USA,” which is currently in its seventh season, is an American adaptation of the original U.K. series. The program features a group of young singles hoping to forge romantic connections while living together in a remote villa in Fiji. This incident highlights the growing scrutiny and accountability that reality television contestants face in light of their past actions and statements.

Media News Source