Cierra Ortega has officially departed from the villa, marking a significant moment in Love Island USA. This announcement was made during the episode aired on July 6, where it was confirmed that the 25-year-old reality star left due to a “personal situation.” As a result, her previous partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, has now found himself single and navigating the complexities of villa life without her.

Cierra’s departure follows a wave of controversy stemming from multiple social media posts, which E! News has yet to verify, in which she allegedly used a racial slur directed at Asian individuals. The revelation of these posts—alongside screenshots of supposed direct messages in which she claimed her use of the term was meant to be harmless—generated a rapid and intense backlash online. Fans swiftly began calling for producers to take action and remove Cierra from the show, echoing earlier demands for the removal of fellow Islander Yulissa Escobar earlier in the season due to similar concerns.

E! News has proactively reached out to both Love Island USA and Cierra for their comments regarding this unfolding situation but, as of now, there has been no response from either party. This silence leaves fans and viewers eager for clarification amid the swirling controversy.

While Cierra herself has not yet publicly addressed the backlash or the accusations, her parents have taken to social media to share a heartfelt message urging the public to approach the situation with kindness. They described this period as “one of the most painful weeks” of their lives, reflecting the turmoil their family is currently experiencing.

In their message shared on Cierra’s Instagram Story on July 6, they stated, “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that.” This plea for compassion highlights the emotional strain not only on Cierra but also on her family during this challenging time.