‘Love Island USA’ Viewers Demand Removal of Cierra Ortega Over Resurfaced Racist Slur
LOS ANGELES — July 4, 2025:
Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega is facing mounting public backlash after a resurfaced Instagram post allegedly showed her using a racial slur, prompting widespread calls for her immediate removal from the reality dating show.
Ortega, 25, who entered the villa as a bombshell contestant this season, has come under fire after screenshots of an old Instagram story began circulating online, particularly on Reddit and TikTok. In the post, she wrote:
“Botox isn’t for everyone but I love it for me!!! … I can also be a little c****y when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift.”
The term — censored in most reposts — is widely recognized as a derogatory slur against East Asian communities. The backlash was swift, with fans accusing Ortega of ignorance and insensitivity.
“There’s genuinely no excuse in 2025 to not know that’s a slur,” one Reddit user posted.
“This is a SLUR!!!! IDC where you’re from or where you grew up — this has been a known slur word,” another added.
Social Media Fallout
Following the resurfacing of the post, Ortega reportedly lost over 100,000 followers across her social media accounts within 24 hours. Despite the growing criticism, Ortega has yet to issue a public statement or apology addressing the controversy.
Viewers have pointed out the inconsistency in the show’s handling of such incidents, referencing Yulissa Escobar, a former Love Island USA contestant who was removed from the villa earlier this season after using offensive language.
“Why is Cierra still on the show? If Yulissa was removed for the same thing, this should be treated the same way,” a TikTok comment read.
Calls for Accountability
The situation has sparked renewed debate about accountability and ethics in reality television. Critics argue that networks must hold contestants to consistent standards, particularly when it comes to issues of race and inclusivity.
“These shows need to stop waiting for social media to do their jobs,” said one viewer on X (formerly Twitter). “If there’s a zero-tolerance policy, it needs to apply to everyone.”
So far, neither Ortega nor the show’s producers have released an official comment on the matter. However, pressure continues to mount, with hashtags such as #RemoveCierra and #LoveIslandAccountability trending across multiple platforms.
Context and Precedents
This is not the first time Love Island USA has faced controversy over a contestant’s past behavior. In previous seasons, participants have been removed or disciplined after public outcry over offensive language or conduct.
In the broader entertainment industry, there is growing demand for swift accountability when public figures are found to have engaged in discriminatory or inappropriate behavior, regardless of when the incident occurred.
