Love Island USA's Cierra Ortega has made the decision to leave the villa for personal reasons following the resurfacing of old social media posts. The 25-year-old content creator, hailing from Los Angeles, was notably absent from the latest episode of season seven after a video from 2015, which discussed Botox treatments, came to light.
Fans quickly shared and criticized an Instagram post that included a derogatory term for Chinese people. This incident has ignited a significant conversation about accountability and the lasting impact of social media behavior, especially for public figures. Cierra's parents issued a statement indicating that she has been the target of a widespread hate campaign, urging the public for understanding and compassion during this difficult time.
In their heartfelt statement, Cierra's parents revealed that they have been managing her social media accounts while she has been in the villa. They disclosed that both Cierra and her family have received numerous threats and cruel messages online. They described this period as one of the most painful weeks of their lives, emphasizing that no one deserves the level of hate directed at Cierra, regardless of past mistakes.
The family acknowledged the uproar surrounding Cierra’s past actions, stating, “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters.” However, they urged that the online response has escalated far beyond what is reasonable, calling for compassion, patience, and basic human decency as Cierra processes the situation.
Cierra's exit follows that of fellow islander Yulissa Escobar, who also left the show after her own past resurfaced. Videos of Yulissa using a racial slur on a podcast from 2021 had recently come to light, prompting her to issue an apology. Yulissa expressed that she used the offensive term without fully grasping the gravity and history behind it, and she has since faced severe backlash, including death threats.
After her departure, Yulissa described returning to a “warzone” upon leaving the villa. In her messages on Instagram, she reflected on the necessity of growth, stating, “Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability.”
As the season continues, both Cierra and Yulissa's situations are serving as critical reminders of the impact of social media and the importance of accountability. While Cierra has left the villa for now, her family believes that upon her return, she will confront the issues with honesty and grace. As this story unfolds, it serves as an important discussion point regarding racism, accountability, and the treatment of individuals in the public eye.
BBC Newsbeat has reached out to Peacock, the production company behind Love Island USA, for further comment on these developments. As fans of the show watch these events unfold, the hope remains that the conversations sparked by these incidents lead to greater understanding and change.
