Contestant Cierra Exits 'Love Island USA' due to Personal Matters, Following Controversy from Previous Post Reemergence
Cierra Ortega's journey on 'Love Island USA' has come to an unexpected end due to a controversial social media post from her past. The news of her departure was announced during the show, citing a "personal situation," but it soon became clear that the controversy surrounding her use of racial slurs was the real reason for her exit[1][2].
The backlash against Cierra on social media was swift and significant, with fans calling for her removal from the show. The resurfaced posts sparked a wave of criticism, leading to her eventual departure from the Fiji villa, leaving her partner Nic Vansteenberghe single[1].
Iain Stirling, the show's narrator, confirmed Cierra's departure via voiceover. The controversy came as a shock to many, especially to Nic, who shared his confusion and disappointment with fellow contestant Ace Greene during a conversation on the show[3].
Yulissa Escobar, another original contestant on 'Love Island USA', found herself in a similar situation earlier in the season. She was also removed from the show after old podcast clips containing racial slurs were brought to light[4].
Cierra Ortega has since apologised for her actions, acknowledging that her intention does not excuse the impact of the word, which is tied to generations of trauma. She admitted that she was speaking casually in conversation without thinking deeply or critically about what she was saying[5].
Escobar also stated that she did not know better at the time, but she has since taken the time to reflect, learn, and grow from the incident. With only one more week of episodes left until the winners are announced, the focus has shifted to the remaining contestants and their relationships[6].
Cierra was an original contestant and had been on the show from the start of the season. Her departure left Nic Vansteenberg officially single, and it remains to be seen how the show will address this development in the coming episodes.
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/08/11/love-island-usa-cierra-ortega-leaves-show-amid-controversy/66490510007/ [2] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/love-island-usa-cierra-ortega-leaves-show-amid-controversy-1235147668/ [3] https://www.etonline.com/love-island-usa-nic-is-left-heartbroken-after-cierra-leaves-the-show-161751 [4] https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kateaurthur/love-island-usa-yulissa-escobar-racist-slurs-podcast [5] https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/love-island-usa-cierra-ortega-apologizes-130000594.html [6] https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/love-island-usa-cierra-ortega-leaves-show-amid-controversy/
Social media users expressed significant backlash against Cierra Ortega following the resurfaced posts, leading to her exit from 'Love Island USA' and leaving her partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, single. The controversy surrounding celebrities' past use of racial slurs has once again sparked a wave of criticism.
