'Love Island USA' star Cierra Ortega exits show after racist posts resurface
Share this @internewscast.com

Not so lovely. 

“Love Island USA” star Cierra Ortega, 25, made a shocking and abrupt exit from the Peacock reality dating series on Sunday. 

On Sunday, narrator Iain Stirling vaguely announced that Ortega exited the American edition of the popular reality dating show because of a “personal situation.”

Ortega’s abrupt exit follows criticism over her previous social media posts, which reportedly included racial slurs targeting Chinese individuals.

The Post reached out to NBC and Peacock for comment.

After the post gained attention, the former “Love Island” participant saw her follower count drop by over 200,000 in just two days. Ortega had been dating Nic Vansteenberg, and her exit now leaves him single. 

Ortega has yet to comment, but her parents posted a statement on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, calling it “one of the most painful weeks of our lives.” 

They wrote, “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.”

They explained that Ortega hadn’t seen the social media backlash yet, as she was secluded in the “Love Island” villa in Fiji and then continued to be offline. 

“The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters, it’s heartbreaking,” the statement continued. 

“It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made. While Cierra is not in the villa anymore, she is still away. She hasn’t had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself.”

“But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace,” the statement concluded. “While she’ll always be our little girl, she’s also a woman, one who will take responsibility in her own time and her own voice. Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion. For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this.”

Ortega’s departure is just the latest “Love Island” scandal.

Earlier this season, fellow Islander Yulissa Escobar also exited after past racist comments resurfaced. 

When the cast was first announced, fans quickly uncovered two podcast clips where Escobar could be heard using the N-word.

“Now I’m f–king my [N-word], he’s my [N-word],” she says in a video shared on Reddit.

In a July TikTok, Escobar said, “I had gotten called to the front and then I met one of the producers and they asked me to take my mic off. I figured something serious was kind of happening. I honestly got scared. I thought something happened with a family member.”

She explained, “They didn’t really tell me anything. They just said that a video resurfaced on the internet and it’s not looking too good. I didn’t really know what video or what I was saying or what I did.”

Due to being sequestered,Escobar said she was in her hotel room “losing my mind” without social media access. “I didn’t know what was going on. I just knew that there was a video out there,” she explained. “I get it. I said a word that I should have not said. But I wish I would have never said that. It is what it is. I can’t go back in time. I am sorry that I said that word.”

Following Ortega’s exit, fellow Islander Belle-A Walker, who was dumped from the villa, also took to social media to address the scandal in her Instagram Stories. 

“When I first saw what my fellow Islander said on their social media pages, I was incredibly heartbroken,” Walker wrote.

“As screenshots continued to surface, it became clear that I could no longer support this person, and made the decision to unfollow them a couple of days ago,” she continued. “Asian hate is oftentimes overlooked and dismissed. But being a first-generation American, I have personally witnessed and experienced how real and hurtful comments like these are.”

New episodes of “Love Island USA” air every night, except Wednesdays, at 9 p.m. on Peacock.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access

Historic Breakthrough: South African Rowers of Color Make Waves at the Prestigious Charles Regatta

BOSTON (AP) — In a groundbreaking moment, a group of four rowers…
NFL Week 8 odds, picks

Week 8 NFL Predictions: Expert Odds and Top Picks

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
The Great Lakes: Protecting Our Natural Wonder from pollution, climate change, invasive species, overuse

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Tackling Pollution, Climate Change, and Invasive Species for a Sustainable Future

Chicago’s Lake Michigan is often hailed as a natural marvel, offering residents…
Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers has died

Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers Passes Away: A Tribute to the Iconic Musician

Sam Rivers, the original bassist for the iconic band Limp Bizkit, has…
Why do people wear inflatable costumes to 'No Kings' protests?

Unpacking the Inflatable Costume Phenomenon: Why Protesters Choose Air-Filled Attire at ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations

The strategy first emerged in Portland, Oregon, amid protests against U.S. Immigration…
Illinois State University teacher's assistant flips Turning Point USA table, tears down flyers: 'Jesus did it'

Illinois State University TA Sparks Controversy by Dismantling Turning Point USA Display: ‘Inspired by Jesus

An Illinois State University teaching assistant found himself in legal trouble after…
Russian mercenaries replace Western forces as ISIS surges across Africa's Sahel region

Russian Mercenaries Step In as ISIS Resurgence Challenges Security in Africa’s Sahel

Experts suggest that the exit of U.S. and European troops from African…
FBI investigates hunting stand with sight line to Trump's Air Force One exit area at Palm Beach airport

FBI Probes Suspicious Hunting Stand Overlooking Trump’s Air Force One Path at Palm Beach Airport

EXCLUSIVE: In a recent security sweep, the U.S. Secret Service identified a…
3 killed in US strike on Colombian ELN vessel smuggling narcotics, Hegseth says

U.S. Strike on Colombian ELN Vessel Results in 3 Fatalities Amid Narcotics Smuggling Crackdown, Reports Hegseth

In a significant operation targeting drug trafficking, three suspected narco-terrorists were killed…
Jaguars fans rally at Culhane's despite London loss

Jaguars Fans Unite at Culhane’s After Tough London Match

Jaguars supporters flocked to Culhane’s Irish Pub, hoping for a victory, only…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Ex-MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away Following Motorcycle Accident

CARACAS (AP) — Venezuelan Jesús Montero, who once graced the fields with…
Orionid Meteor Shower returns | What to know

Spectacular Orionid Meteor Shower 2023: Essential Viewing Tips and Peak Dates Revealed

Prepare to witness nature’s celestial display as the Orionid meteor shower returns…