“Snowballed into an excuse for cruelty” - Love Island USA’s Cierra Ortega slams haters following racism scandal

Ex-Love Island USA participant Cierra Ortega has given a second public statement after facing heavy criticism for a racist social media post that resurfaced. This issue came up while she took part in Season 7 of the popular dating show leading to her official exit from the villa due to a "personal situation."

Cierra Ortega first talked about the incident in an Instagram video on July 9, two days after viewers saw her leave the show. She recognized that the word she used in a 2024 post was offensive and said sorry to the Asian community. She admitted she didn't know the word's history and cultural weight at the time but took full blame saying, "Intent doesn't excuse ignorance." Ortega learned about the damage her words caused when a follower sent her a message calling the term "hurtful."

She removed the post once she understood how offensive it was and started to learn more about the issue herself and teach those close to her. In her video, Ortega showed remorse saying she didn't mean to hurt anyone but agreed she should face the results of her actions.

Cierra Ortega steps up with an accountability video, owning her past use of an incredibly offensive and derogatory term. She makes it clear: she's not the victim. Full story: https://t.co/o6CKjNXmzU pic.twitter.com/w6KiQwUguW

— Complex (@Complex) July 10, 2025

Cierra Ortega addresses backlash with message of reflection and compassion

On July 13, Cierra Ortega returned to social media with a written statement shared via Instagram Stories. The message, posted the same evening the season finale aired, addressed the ongoing backlash and urged for a broader conversation around the impact of derogatory language.

“For those who wish harm on me, I carry nothing but love in my heart,” the Islander began. “What should be a collective opportunity to address derogatory language and the harm they carry, has instead snowballed into an excuse for cruelty," she wrote.

Ortega pointed out that she can handle criticism, but she wants to see a move toward compassion and growth. She also said,

“I have every belief that all this energy can be alchemized into something with real impact. If even a fraction of it was used to uplift the community directly impacted — to continue amplifying Asian voices & their healing — imagine how much further we could be as a collective.”

A photo of Cierra Ortega taken from behind showing her waving with both hands up in the air, came with the message. She wrapped up the post by asking people to use their energy to support the communities affected. "If just a part of it went into uplifting the impacted community, into continuing to highlight Asian voices and their healing, think about how much farther we could go together," she said.

Cierra Ortega ended her post by urging kindness. She reminded everyone to “be kind to someone today. And tomorrow. And every day after.” She signed off with a red heart emoji wrapped in a bandage.

Love Island USA producers have not shared any follow-up statements about the issue.