Cierra Ortega’s parents have released a statement following her departure from the Love Island USA villa and asked viewers for “compassion” after she was accused of being racist when a social media post of hers resurfaced online recently.
During Sunday night’s episode of Love Island USA, it was announced that Cierra had left the show due to “a personal reason”, which left her partner Nic feeling “lost” as he found himself single once again.
In a statement shared on Cierra’s Instagram Story on Sunday evening, her family confirmed that she still isn’t aware of the furore surrounding her exit. Fans had demanded she be removed after a social media post of her using a racial slut resurfaced online.
The lengthy post shared began, “As Cierra’s parents, this has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives. We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate. And while Cierra hasn’t seen any of it yet, we have. And so have the people who love her.”
During the July 6 episode of Love Island, it was confirmed that Cierra had left the villa ( Image: Kim Nunneley/Peacock via Getty Images)
They continued, “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that.
“The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters, it’s heartbreaking. It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made.
“While Cierra is not in the villa anymore, she is still away. She hasn’t had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself. But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace.”
Her parents then added, “While she’ll always be our little girl, she’s also a woman, one who will take responsibility in her own time and her own voice. Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion. For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this.”
They ended the statement by saying, “Thank you to those who’ve continued to show love, even when it’s not easy. With love, Her family.”
A lengthy statement written by Cierra’s family was shared on her Instagram Story
The social media post in question was an Instagram Story Cierra shared while she discussed getting Botox.
She explained it helps her stop frowning when she is thinking or focusing and said, “Botox isn’t for everyone but I love it for me!!! I am incredibly expressive with my face and I catch myself frowning for no reason throughout the day when I’m focusing on something or thinking too hard lol.”
However, she then made an insensitive comment while describing her smile, with a racial slur used to insult people with East Asian features. She wrote, “I can also be a little ch–ky when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift to open up my eyes and get that snatched look. This is not me encouraging but more so sharing.”
Following news of the “crisis meeting,” fans called for Cierra to be removed. It’s unclear which day Cierra actually left the villa, but upon hearing the news on July 6, Love Island USA fans were quick to react online.
One person wrote, “oh wow they actually booted cierra,” and another said, “Cierra’s a– finally out the villa.”
A third viewer posted, “CIERRA HAS LEFT THE VILLA OH MY JAW DROPPED AND I HOWLEDDDDD YESSSSSSSS,” and a fourth wrote, “Omg Cierra is gone.”
Another person said, “I can’t freaking believe it. Cierra is out of the villa !!!!!” and someone else added, “Cierra getting kicked out immediately before a recoupling is hilarious as f—, I’m sorry #LoveIslandUSA.”