Los Angeles, California — Fans of “Love Island USA” are demanding the removal of contestant Cierra Ortega from the show after a series of racially insensitive posts resurfaced on social media. This reaction mirrors the swift departure of another contestant, Yulissa Escobar, earlier this season amid similar controversies.
The uproar began after an Instagram Story from Cierra, dating back to July 2023, was shared widely. In the post, she discussed her cosmetic procedures alongside a racial slur, drawing immediate backlash. A separate post from 2015 further ignited the controversy, showcasing the same offensive term.
Social media erupted with calls for her removal, with fans pointing to her history of using derogatory language and affiliations with controversial figures within the reality TV realm. One Twitter user stated, “Cierra needs to be off ‘Love Island’ NOW,” echoing a broader sentiment among viewers.
Before the controversy, Cierra was amassing nearly one million followers on Instagram; however, since the outcry began, she has reportedly lost around 238,000 followers. The drastic fall in her social media following indicates widespread discontent among viewers.
Former islander Johnnie Olivia publicly distanced herself from Cierra, expressing disappointment over the usage of the slur. “Once I came across that post, I felt it was necessary to take a step back,” she noted, emphasizing her longstanding commitment to promoting inclusivity.
Cierra’s social media manager, MJ, released a statement clarifying her position. “I want to be clear that I do not condone racism, bigotry, or hate in any form,” MJ wrote, asserting that she was unaware of the posts until they were revealed. She confirmed her decision to cease managing Cierra’s account in light of the backlash.
Host Ariana Madix has also engaged with fans on TikTok, suggesting that behind-the-scenes discussions are ongoing regarding Cierra’s behavior. Her remarks hint at a level of concern among the production team that has yet to be publicly addressed.
When the season began, Yulissa was swiftly removed after past recordings surfaced, showcasing a similar usage of a racial slur. Within 48 hours of the outbreak, she was eliminated from the villa. Viewers are expressing frustration over the perceived difference in the speed of action taken against Cierra compared to Yulissa.
In a recent episode, announcer Iain Stirling shared that Cierra had left the villa due to “a personal situation,” a statement viewed as less direct than what was offered for Yulissa’s departure. According to insiders, producers are reportedly “furious” about Cierra’s language and are deliberating on further action.
While neither “Love Island USA” nor its production company has provided an official comment, sources within the show indicate growing agitation over Cierra’s actions. The situation continues to develop, with fans watching closely to see how producers will respond to the mounting pressure.