Cierra Ortega from Love Island leaves show following resurfacing of past racist posts.

Cierra Ortega, a participant on the reality series “Love Island USA,” has exited the show unexpectedly following the resurfacing of social media posts in which she uses a racial slur directed at East Asian individuals. The announcement comes just one week ahead of the show’s season finale and leaves fellow contestant Nic Vansteenberghe single as a result.

The streaming platform, Peacock, stated that Ortega’s departure was due to a “personal situation.” However, the context surrounding her exit has prompted significant backlash after old posts were circulated online, revealing that she had repeatedly used the derogatory term, with some instances dating as recently as 2023. In one notable instance, Ortega discussed her cosmetic enhancements and made comments that included the controversial term.

Throughout the filming of “Love Island USA,” Ortega has not had access to social media. Following the controversy, her parents took to her Instagram account to share a statement expressing the emotional toll the situation has taken on them. They did not attempt to downplay the seriousness of the accusations but called attention to the excessive online harassment their family has faced in the aftermath of the posts resurfacing. They expressed deep sorrow over the threats and cruel messages directed not only at Ortega but also at her family and friends.

In light of the scandal, Ortega’s social media following has significantly diminished, with reports indicating that she has lost approximately 200,000 followers. Moreover, a petition urging for her removal from the program has gained traction, with over 17,000 signatures supporting the cause.

Ortega’s situation is not the first controversy of its kind this season. Earlier, contestant Yulissa Escobar departed the show after being criticized for using a racial slur during podcast appearances. Escobar issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the impact of her words and the historical context behind them.

The realities of discrimination and racial insensitivity continue to be scrutinized within the realm of reality television, prompting discussions of accountability among participants. As “Love Island USA” Season 7 airs daily, except Wednesdays, the implications of these incidents serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with public visibility. Media News Source acknowledges the evolving cultural conversations around representation and respect within entertainment media.