Cierra Ortega, a contestant from Season 7 of Love Island USA, has broken her silence after facing intense online backlash over resurfaced screenshots in which she used an anti-Asian slur. The controversy led to her removal from the show, but according to Ortega, the response from the public has gone far beyond accountability and into dangerous territory.
On Sunday (13), the 25-year-old reality TV star took to her Instagram story to spotlight the abuse and threats she’s been receiving since leaving the villa. In one story, she shared a screenshot of direct messages filled with hateful and threatening language. “Hey so is this still about accountability or…?” Ortega wrote, calling attention to the growing tide of cruelty she says has replaced constructive criticism.
“What should be a collective opportunity to address derogatory language and the harm they carry, has instead snowballed into an excuse for cruelty,” Ortega wrote in a statement posted right after the screenshots. She acknowledged the importance of holding people accountable but voiced concern about how quickly public accountability can turn into targeted harassment. Highlighting the vitriol directed not only at her but at her family, Ortega called for a more compassionate way to have difficult public conversations.
“I truly wish the same energy people put into tearing others down could be alchemized into something with real impact,” she added. Concluding her statement, she emphasized her desire to uplift the very communities that had been hurt by her past actions: “Love will always go further.”
The backlash stems from two separate incidents—posts from 2015 and 2023—in which Ortega used derogatory terms aimed at the Asian community. Shortly after entering the Love Island villa, fans unearthed the screenshots and began calling for her removal. The show's producers took swift action, and Ortega exited the villa by Day 26. Her exit mirrors a similar situation in a previous season, where contestant Yulissa Escobar was removed after a podcast clip revealed her use of a different racial slur.
Following her removal, Ortega shared a five-minute apology video on Instagram, speaking directly to the Asian community. In a heartfelt tone, she stated, “I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry.” Acknowledging the harm she caused, Ortega emphasized that while she may not have understood the full weight of the word at the time, “Intent doesn’t excuse ignorance.” She admitted that the slur was used without knowing its real meaning but took responsibility for her actions nonetheless.
In the video, Ortega also shared that a follower reached out to her and helped her understand the history and pain associated with the term. She said she immediately deleted the post and removed the word from her vocabulary after being educated. Additionally, she stated she supported the show's decision to send her home, acknowledging, “My punishment has been received.”
Although Ortega’s appearance on Love Island USA rapidly boosted her social media presence, the past caught up with her quickly. While she accepts accountability, her latest messages signal a plea for more empathy while still giving space for meaningful conversations about language, impact, and personal growth.
