Wondering why Cierra Ortega suddenly disappeared from Love Island USA or what caused her unexpected exit? The popular Peacock reality series has kept fans engaged with Season 7’s intense couplings and villa drama, but Episode 30 dropped a surprising update mid-broadcast. With little explanation offered onscreen, many viewers are now asking: Why did Cierra Ortega leave Love Island USA?
Here’s what we know about Cierra’s departure and the controversy surrounding her exit from the show.
Here’s why Cierra Ortega had to leave Love Island USA
Cierra Ortega exited Love Island USA Season 7 following backlash from viewers. The controversy stemmed from a resurfaced social media post where she used a racial slur.
Episode 30, which aired on July 6, 2025, on Peacock, announced her departure. Around 15 minutes into the episode, narrator Iain Stirling stated, “Cierra has left the villa due to a personal situation, leaving Nic officially single” (via Deadline).
The departure occurred after viewers uncovered an older post by Ortega referencing her eyes using a derogatory term toward the Asian community. The post, which showcased cosmetic work, led to widespread criticism across social media platforms, with many demanding her removal from the show. The show edited Ortega out of episodes leading up to the announcement without directly addressing the controversy.
Cierra joined as an original cast member and was in a committed couple with Nic Vansteenberghe when she left. In a conversation with contestant Ace Greene, Nic expressed his confusion, stating, “Right before Cierra had left, my mind was clear. I knew what the future would look like, and now I’m lost.” When asked if he would continue exploring connections in the villa, Nic replied, “I don’t know.”
This marks the second removal of a contestant from the current season due to resurfaced content involving racial slurs. Producers removed Yulissa Escobar in Episode 2 after old podcast clips surfaced showing her repeatedly using the n-word. After her departure, Escobar issued an apology on Instagram acknowledging the harm caused by her words, stating, “Intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real.”
Both incidents prompted the show to quietly address the departures on-air without direct reference to the controversies.
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