Former ‘Love Island USA’ Contestant Cierra Ortega Apologizes for Using Racial Slur
FIJI, JUL 10 – Cierra Ortega was removed after a petition with over 17,000 signatures called for action following resurfaced posts with racial slurs against Asian people on social media.
- Cierra Ortega, a contestant on Love Island USA, was removed from the villa on Day 26 after resurfaced 2024 social media posts revealed she had made derogatory remarks targeting Asian people.
- Her removal came after similar events saw Yulissa Escobar exit on Day 3 due to resurfaced podcast recordings of her repeatedly using the n-word.
- Ortega apologized in a TikTok video, took full accountability, and said she had no ill intent but recognized intent doesn't excuse ignorance or harm caused.
- She expressed her agreement with being removed from the villa as a deserved consequence, but voiced concern over the harassment her family has faced, including ICE being contacted, which has made them feel unsafe.
- The show's producers have urged viewers to stop cyberbullying contestants, reflecting ongoing challenges related to contestant removals and public backlash.
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232 Articles
The cultural and political forces complicating ‘Love Island’ Season 7
With Season 7 of “Love Island USA” wrapped, we’ve seen a number of painful truths about the prejudices and problematic views in our society reflected on the reality TV stage — including in the many reactions to contestant Cierra Ortega’s use of an anti-Asian slur in a 2015 Instagram caption.
Column: He ‘ino anei ka ka ‘olelo haole? | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Synopsis: One of the stars of “Love Island USA” was recently let go because of her use of a word that is considered to be a derogatory racial reference. Was this truly about the power of the word or the power of money?
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