Cierra Ortega, booted off ‘Love Island,’ addresses racist slurs: ‘Intent doesn’t excuse ignorance’
As a fervent fan, I’m expressing my thoughts following the recent statements from Cierra Ortega, a former participant in “Love Island USA.” After an unexpected exit from the villa on Sunday, her departure was prompted by the reemergence of posts containing a racial slur from her past.
On Wednesday, Ortega, who is set to depart a week before the final episode of the popular Peacock series’ seventh season, spoke about the incident.
Television
Cierra Ortega departed from ‘Love Island USA,’ making her the second participant this season to withdraw due to previous usage of a derogatory term related to race.
After spending approximately two days back in the U.S., she shared in an Instagram video that she’s able to discuss the matter more calmly as she’s not personally involved in this incident.
As a passionate movie reviewer, let me share some intriguing insights from the latest episode of “Love Island.” Iain Stirling, our trusted commentator, dropped a bombshell revelation: the 25-year-old Californian contestant, Ortega, had to take an unexpected leave due to a pressing personal matter. Although no specifics were disclosed regarding her departure, recent events have brought attention to some controversial social media posts from Ortega that featured racial slurs against Asian individuals. This has stirred up discussions on the show and beyond.
She used the slur in 2020 on TikTok and in 2023 on Instagram to describe her own appearance.
Initially, Ortega kept quiet regarding the matter, leaving her parents to tackle the controversy. On her Instagram story over the weekend, they issued a statement expressing that the criticism had led to one of the toughest weeks of their lives.
Television
In simpler terms, ‘Love Island USA’ competitor Yulissa Escobar exited the program within about 20 minutes of the second installment. It appears that her past use of a racially charged term in podcasts might have led to this decision.
In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed the outpouring of emotions on social media, the heart-wrenching headlines, and the palpable distress. To add to this, I personally experienced the impact when my own daughter became a target of harmful threats and unkind words.
They went on to say, “That’s unwarranted. Nobody should endure such hatred, regardless of any error they may have committed.
Ortega opted to communicate about the issue through both a “video explaining responsibilities” and a written declaration as well.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I found myself reflecting on my past while residing in the villa recently. Unearthed posts from my earlier days revealed me using a term that was incredibly offensive and derogatory towards the Asian community. To those I may have hurt or deeply offended, as well as the entire Asian community, I offer my deepest, truest, sincerest apologies.
I didn’t mean any harm while I was using it, but lack of intent doesn’t absolve me from being ignorant. Let me clarify, this isn’t a video for an apology; it’s about taking responsibility for my actions.

Lifestyle
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2025-07-10 20:31