Cierra Ortega apologises after exit for 'incredibly offensive' slur
Cierra Ortega, a 25-year-old contestant with Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, was removed from Love Island USA after viewers uncovered past Instagram and TikTok posts in which she used a derogatory term targeting the Asian community. The posts, dating back as far as 2015 and as recent as 2024, included references to her appearance using the slur, particularly in the context of cosmetic procedures like Botox.
The controversy erupted just days before the season finale, with fans demanding her removal and over 17,000 people signing a petition. The show’s narrator, Iain Stirling, announced Ortega’s exit as due to a “personal situation,” but the context was clear to viewers and social media users alike.
Three days after her departure, Cierra Ortega broke her silence with a heartfelt video and written statement on Instagram. She addressed not only those she had offended but specifically the Asian community, expressing deep regret and emphasizing her ignorance of the term’s historical weight:
“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.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DL6MCnTPsjy/?hl=en
She described the post as “not an apology video,” but rather “a video about taking accountability.”
Cierra acknowledged that her family has faced severe backlash, including death threats and even an ICE call on them.
Her parents released a plea for compassion, denouncing the harassment but emphasizing that accountability is important.
Though removed from the show on July 6, Cierra agreed with the decision, describing her removal as “justified punishment” that she accepted
She emphasized her commitment to personal growth, stating her future actions will prove her sincerity.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources, including official statements and media reports. The summary reflects events as of July 2025 and may not include subsequent developments. All quotes are attributed to their original sources. This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not endorse or condone any actions or views expressed by the individuals involved.
