Cierra Ortega has exited Love Island USA Season 7 following the resurfacing of past racist social media posts, marking the second contestant removed this season for similar transgressions. The show, filmed in real-time in Fiji, announced on the July 6 episode that she left due to a “personal situation,” a departure quickly linked to backlash over an Instagram Story in which Ortega used an anti-Asian slur.

The 25-year-old content creator’s old posts, one dating as recent as 2023 sparked public outcry, including a petition with over 17,000 signatures demanding her removal from the villa. The incident echoes Season 7’s earlier scandal involving Yulissa Escobar, who was removed on day three for similar offenses. Her exit left her partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, officially single, and he swiftly initiated a new connection with Olandria Carthen in the wake of Ortega’s departure. 

Meanwhile, Belle-A Walker—a former islander who identifies as Asian American—praised producers for taking a stand against racism, while also cautioning against online harassment and doxxing. Ortega’s family released a statement acknowledging the harm caused by her comments, condemning the death threats and hateful messages she and her loved ones have received, and appealed for basic human decency and patience. They emphasized Ortega’s need for time to process events before issuing her own response.

With just one week remaining before the Season 7 finale, Love Island USA faces heightened scrutiny over its vetting processes and crisis management strategies. As the season wraps, conversations persist about accountability, the role of social media in reality TV casting, and the balance between holding contestants responsible and protecting mental health.