Love Island USA’s Cierra Ortega, who was removed from the villa after posts of her using a racial slur resurfaced, has issued an apology for her actions and claims ICE was called on her family in retaliation. Cierra, who joinedLove Island USAseason 7as one of the season’s bombshells, was removed from the villa this week afterproblematic posts were highlighted by fans.
Cierra spoke out after being removed from Love Island USA over her use of a racial slur.
In her apology,Cierrashared that she"was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term"and apologized to anyone she hurt, specifically issuing an apology to the Asian community. Explaining she"had no idea that the word held as much pain [or] as much harm [as it did],“Cierra was clear that she was holding herself accountable for using the term.
Continuing on, Cierra addressed the onslaught of hate she’s received after the posts resurfaced, sharing that she feels"there’s no need to fight hate with hate,“especially in the manner fans have gone to show their anger. Claiming thatICE has been called on her familyand they don’t"feel safe in their own home,“Cierra asked forLove Island USAviewers to stand down.
Going on to explain thatthe screenshots revealing her use of the slur and the conversation with followers who informed her it was inappropriate had been doctored, she shared the actual conversation she had with the person who called her out in 2024. Despite the correction, Cierra apologized profusely and said her actions moving forward would demonstrate her true nature.
What Cierra’s Apology Means For Her Future After Love Island USA
Cierra Took Accountability In A Genuine Way
While Cierra was clear that some of the proof thatLove Island USAfans had dug up about her past use of the racial slur was doctored,she didn’t dwell on the issue as she moved through her genuine, well-thought-out apology. Cierra explained that after being called out for the use of the slur in the past, she changed her behavior immediately.
Cierra shared that though she’d been hurt by the backlash, she understood that the hurt she’d caused others was deeper and more profound, focusing her apology on actually apologizing rather than deflecting the issue. Unlike herLove Island USAseason 7 castmate Yulissa Escobar, Cierra took genuine accountability for her behavior.She even praisedLove Island USAfor removing herfrom the show.
WhileCierra’s behavior is a difficult thingto move through, it’s clear that she feels genuinely troubled over the hurt she’s caused and understands the deep roots of the issue at hand. With her apology,Cierra proved that she can move forward with renewed empathy, understanding, and caution for the things she says in public and private spaces, which is a positive.
Our Take On Cierra Ortega’s Apology To Love Island USA Fans
Cierra Was Thorough, Accountable & Genuine
Althoughit’s in the hands of the Asian community to formally accept Cierra’s apology, it was overall a thorough, genuine apology that proved she’s taken accountability for her actions. WithCierra briefly mentioning her family’s terrifying reality, she did make it clear that she wants things to settle down but didn’t focus on herself or her pain.
Instead,theLove Island USAstar understood she’d caused hurt to others and did her best to focus her energy on making it clear she didn’t stand behind her past behavior. Moving through the apology, Cierra was open and honest, debunking things briefly, but assuringLove Island USAviewers that they were right to call her out.
