In a raw and revealing episode of the “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast on August 19, 2025, Love Island USA star Nic Vansteenberghe, 24, opened up about the emotional toll of ex-Cierra Ortega’s public attacks on him and his new partner, Olandria Carthen. The drama, which unfolded both in and out of the season 7 villa, has left fans buzzing and Nic grappling with the harsh realities of reality TV fame.
The controversy began in July when Cierra, 25, took to TikTok to throw shade at Nic via a viral trend. Her post read, “‘You look happier!’ Thanks, I booked a flight to Mykonos after surviving the villain edit on reality [TV] and I didn’t end up with the guy who never actually liked me and wanted my friend the entire time.” The pointed jab left Nic stunned, especially given how he had spoken glowingly of Cierra during their time together on the Peacock hit.
“I was taking my time to process things,” Nic shared with host Keke Palmer. “That video was so off-putting for me. I spoke so positively about her and our relationship. I never bashed her, never said I wasn’t interested. I even said we were exclusive in the villa—that’s a huge deal for me.”
Cierra entered the Love Island USA season 7 villa as a bombshell in June, quickly sparking a connection with Nic. However, her journey was cut short in July when a resurfaced Instagram post from her past revealed her use of a racist slur, leading to her removal from the show. The backlash was swift, and Cierra addressed the controversy in an Instagram video, calling it an “accountability video” rather than an apology.
“I am not the victim here,” Cierra stated. “I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term. I want to address the entire Asian community and say I am deeply, truly, honestly sorry. I had no idea the word held as much pain and history as it did, or I never would have used it. Intent doesn’t excuse ignorance.”
Cierra maintained she was unaware the term was a slur, emphasizing, “I had no ill intention, but that’s no excuse. I take accountability, but I genuinely didn’t know its meaning.”
With Cierra out of the villa, Nic turned his attention to Olandria, 27, a connection that fans had been rooting for all season. “I cared about Cierra,” Nic explained on the podcast. “But Love Island is about exploring connections. When Cierra left, I found something great and amazing with Olandria.”
Cierra’s public digs, however, painted Nic as disingenuous, accusing him of never truly liking her and secretly wanting Olandria all along. Nic found the accusations unfair. “I took it on the chin,” he said. “If that’s how she feels, fine, but I’m moving forward.”
Nic’s candid confession revealed how close he came to walking away from the spotlight altogether. The whirlwind of being in the villa for two months, coupled with relentless meetings and the pressure of nurturing a new relationship with Olandria, was overwhelming enough. Cierra’s post, he admitted, pushed him to the edge. “Seeing that made me feel so uncomfortable,” he shared. “I’m happy where I’m at, and I don’t want to indulge in the online negativity.”
Reflecting on what might have been, Nic acknowledged that his path with Cierra could have been different had she stayed in the villa. But he’s clear about his priorities now: building a future with Olandria and leaving the drama behind.
As Nic navigates the fallout, his connection with Olandria remains a bright spot. Fans have rallied behind the couple, celebrating their chemistry and rooting for their success outside the villa. For Nic, the focus is clear—tune out the noise and embrace the love he’s found.