Cierra Ortega has broken her silence following her departure from Love Island USA, noting that she “completely agrees” with the network’s decision to remove her from the villa.
“This is something that deserved punishment,” she said in a video posted to social media.
Newsweek reached out to Ortega’s representative via email for comment outside regular working hours.
The Context
Love Island USA is a spin-off of the original British series. A group of single contestants participate in a set of challenges while searching for love in hopes of winning a $100,000 prize.
What To Know
Ortega addressed her exit from Season 7 in a nearly five-minute video posted to her Instagram on Thursday, revealing that she’s been “receiving death threats” for using a racial slur.
“While I was in the villa, there were some posts that resurfaced from my past where I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term,” she began. “Before I get into the details, I want to first start by addressing not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly, the entire Asian community. I am deeply, truly, honestly so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm, and came with the history that it did or I never would have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it, but that’s absolutely no excuse because intent doesn’t excuse ignorance.”
She added that “this is not an apology video” but rather “an accountability video.”
“I do want to hold my hands up and say that I take accountability for using the word, but I do want it to be known that I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur.”
Ortega noted that she learned of “its meaning” after she “made the public story post in 2024 when a follower of mine reached out to correct me and let me know that what I was saying was incredibly hurtful.”
Following their interaction, the reality star said she was “embarrassed” and “immediately deleted the post.”
Later on in the clip, the former contestant said her family “had ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) called on them,” and they don’t “feel safe in their own home.”
In a separate statement shared to her Instagram Story on Thursday, Ortega shared that her time on Love Island USA was “nothing short of magical.”
“The memories I made and the people I met are ones I’ll cherish forever,” she said. “While I’m heartbroken my journey had to be cut short, I understand that mistakes, especially ones likes this, deserve consequences.”
Prior to leaving the show, Ortega lost more than 162,000 Instagram followers in one day, per Social Blade statistics, and over 17,000 people signed a petition campaigning for her removal. In recent days, however, her followers have increased once again.
On Sunday, Ortega’s parents said they recently experienced “one of the most painful weeks of our lives.”
“The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters, it’s heartbreaking. It’s uncalled for,” they said. “No one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made.”
What People Are Saying
In the comments underneath Ortega’s Instagram post, fans shared messages of support.
Instagram user @melinatheagent wrote in a note with 9,394 likes: “Such a thoughtful response and brave of you for the accountability. You’re so strong. I love you.”
@weloveeloho said in a message with 6,497 likes: “WE LOVE YOU CIERRA.”
@nyjeri added in a reply with 3,492 likes: “love you so much, ci.”
@littlemisssunshinneee shared in a comment with 2,328 likes: “Love you more than anything ci we are always here for you.”
@kluhbarbie posted in a remark with 1,158 likes: “Sending you so much love C.”
What Happens Next
Love Island USA Season 7 airs new episodes daily, except on Wednesdays, at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.
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