Love Island USA Season 7 took another unexpected turn when Cierra Ortega was removed from the villa following the resurfacing of a controversial social media post. The post, which used a racial slur targeting the Asian community, caused widespread backlash online. Cierra, an aspiring influencer, had shared the offensive language while referencing her cosmetic procedures. Her exit was confirmed during Episode 30, which aired on July 6 via Peacock. Around fifteen minutes into the episode, the show’s narrator, Iain Stirling, addressed the situation by stating that Cierra had left the villa due to a personal issue, officially leaving her partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, single.
The controversy had been building for days, with fans calling on the show’s producers and network to take action. Many had demanded her removal, arguing that the show needed to respond swiftly and clearly. In the same episode, Cierra’s scenes were noticeably minimized, reflecting the producers’ decision to quietly transition her out of the storyline. The incident ignited broader conversations among viewers about the importance of screening contestants and the consequences of insensitive online behavior.
Nic, who had been paired with Cierra, was clearly shaken by her departure. In a confessional, he admitted that her sudden exit had disrupted the direction he had envisioned for their connection. He described feeling lost and uncertain about his next steps in the villa. While he didn’t completely rule out the possibility of forming a new relationship, his immediate response showed hesitation and emotional confusion.
Cierra’s removal wasn’t the first time this season a contestant left due to past offensive remarks. Earlier in the season, Yulissa Escobar was also removed after an old podcast clip resurfaced in which she used the n-word repeatedly. While Yulissa initially issued an apology, she later made light of the situation on social media, drawing criticism for her lack of remorse. These incidents have reignited discussions about accountability and the need for stricter vetting processes for reality show participants.
Neither Peacock nor the Love Island USA production team has issued a detailed public statement regarding Cierra’s removal beyond what was shared on-air. As of now, Cierra Ortega has not personally addressed the situation or responded to the growing backlash. With two removals in one season over similar issues, the show faces mounting pressure to reevaluate how contestants are selected and how controversies are handled both on and off screen.
