‘Love Island USA’ Removes Second Contestant Over Use Of Racial Slur

Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega has been removed from the show following the resurfacing of a social media post allegedly using an Asian slur.

During the July 6 episode, Love Island narrator Iain Stirling announced Ortega’s departure, citing a “personal situation.” No further explanation was provided during the broadcast, but shortly before the episode aired, screenshots began circulating online showing two separate instances where Ortega reportedly used the word “chinky” which many feel is offensive to Asian people.

The posts quickly drew backlash from viewers, with more than 17,000 people signing a petition calling for her removal. In both instances, the derogatory language was used in reference to her own appearance. The 2023 post, in particular, referenced her smile and eyes after receiving Botox, and the 2019 post only referred to her squinted eyes.

Ortega joined season seven of Love Island USA on night two as a bombshell contestant and quickly formed a connection with fellow Islander Nic Vansteenberghe. At the time of her exit, the two were paired together.

Following her departure, Nic was seen saying, “Right before Cierra had left, my mind was clear,” during his confessional. “I knew what the future would look like, and now I’m lost.”

He later recoupled with contestant Olandria Carthen.

In the days following her exit, Ortega’s parents issued a statement via her Instagram Stories, confirming that their daughter had not yet been connected to the outside world and was unaware of the controversy.

“We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced,” they wrote. “We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that. The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters — it’s heartbreaking. It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made.”

The statement added that Ortega “is still away,” but “no longer in the villa,” and expressed confidence that she will address the situation “with honesty, growth, and grace” once she returns.

Former contestant Belle-A Walker, who was eliminated before Ortega, also responded publicly, thanking the show for “taking a stand” against racism.

“As screenshots continued to surface, it became clear that I could no longer support this person, and made the decision to unfollow them,” she wrote on Instagram. “Asian hate is oftentimes overlooked and dismissed. But being a first-generation American, I have personally witnessed and experienced how real and hurtful comments like these are.”

Ortega’s exit marks the second time this season a contestant has been pulled from the Peacock series over use of racist language. The controversy follows a similar incident earlier this season involving contestant Yulissa Escobar, who was removed from the villa after old videos surfaced showing her using the N-word during a podcast episode.

In a public apology, Escobar acknowledged the harm caused, stating, “I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact.”

Love Island USA airs on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET, six nights a week.