Los Angeles: Cierra Ortega has been removed from the “Love Island USA” villa following online backlash related to a resurfaced social media post in which she used a racial slur. The announcement came midway through Episode 30 of Season 7, which aired Sunday night on Peacock.
Narrator Iain Stirling confirmed the news 15 minutes into the episode, stating, “Welcome back to Love Island USA, Cierra has left the villa due to a personal situation, leaving Nic officially single.” Ortega had been partnered with Nic Vansteenberghe for several episodes, forming one of the more stable connections in the villa.
The departure followed days of social media outrage after an old post by Ortega resurfaced. In it, the contestant — a self-described aspiring influencer — referenced her eye shape using a racial slur offensive to the Asian community. Viewers across platforms called for her removal from the dating series, accusing the show of editing around the controversy until Sunday’s episode confirmed her exit.
Also Read: Cierra Ortega’s Comment Was Offensive—Love Island’s Silence Was Worse
Why Did Cierra Leave the Villa on Love Island USA?
While the official reason given was a “personal situation,” Ortega’s departure aligns with mounting public criticism after the resurfaced post went viral. Peacock and Love Island USA producers have not issued a formal comment.
Following the brief on-air announcement, the episode cut to Nic, who appeared blindsided by Ortega’s exit. In a conversation with fellow Islander Ace Greene, Nic expressed uncertainty about his next steps: “I knew what the future would look like, and now I’m lost,” he said.
What Happened to Cierra and Nic on Love Island?
Cierra and Nic had grown close in recent episodes and were considered a solid couple by fans. Ortega, one of the original Islanders this season, had maintained a steady presence in the villa until her sudden removal. Nic, left single just one week before the finale, appeared emotional and hesitant to pursue another connection.
“I don’t know,” he said, when asked if he would recouple.
Love Island USA Season 7 Faces Second Racial Slur Controversy
Cierra’s removal makes her the second Islander to exit this season due to past racially insensitive content. Earlier in Season 7, Yulissa Escobar was removed in Episode 2 after old podcast clips surfaced in which she repeatedly used the n-word.
At the time, Escobar issued a public apology via Instagram, stating, “I didn’t know better then, but I do now. I’ve taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment.” Her removal came swiftly, suggesting a precedent that viewers felt had not been equally applied to Ortega — until now.
When Did Cierra Leave Love Island USA?
Cierra’s exit was confirmed in Episode 30, released Sunday, July 6. Although she had been noticeably absent from screen time in recent episodes, no explanation was provided until Stirling’s brief voiceover midway through the broadcast.
Viewers had speculated about her removal in the days leading up to the episode, particularly after she was edited out of multiple scenes and omitted from preview clips.
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Where Is Love Island USA Filmed and When Is the Finale?
Season 7 of Love Island USA was filmed in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji and premiered on June 3, 2025. Hosted by Ariana Madix and narrated by Iain Stirling, the season is expected to conclude with the finale on Sunday, July 13.
New episodes stream daily (except Wednesdays) on Peacock, with Love Island: Aftersun airing Saturdays.
How to Watch Love Island USA
Love Island USA is available exclusively on Peacock, with Season 7 episodes airing six days a week. Past seasons (1–3) are on Hulu, while Seasons 4–7 remain Peacock exclusives.
To vote for your favorite Islanders or couples, fans can use the official Love Island app — influencing recoupling decisions and potential eliminations.
What’s Next for Love Island USA After Cierra’s Exit?
With only one week remaining, tensions are high as Islanders prepare for the finale. Cierra’s sudden removal has reshuffled relationship dynamics, especially for Nic, who now faces an uncertain path.
The show has yet to publicly address the incident, but its handling of contestants’ past behavior is under increasing scrutiny as audiences demand accountability.
