Another Love Island USA Contestant Removed From Villa

Another Love Island contestant has been removed from the US villa – the second time this has happened in a few weeks.

Cierra Ortega was told to leave the villa following reports that she had used a racial slur on a social media post, prior to appearing on the show.

Love Island USA confirmed the news this week, as Iain Stirling said: “Welcome back to Love Island USA, Cierra has left the villa due to a personal situation, leaving Nic [Vansteenberghe] officially single.”

Nic later lamented the loss, saying he didn’t know if he was going to explore another connection in the villa.

“Right before Cierra had left, my mind was clear,” he said.

“I knew what the future would look like, and now I’m lost. I think now that my strongest connection is gone, there’s like — just figure it out from here.”

This is the second time a Love Island USA contestant has been removed from the villa this year.

Yulissa Escobar left the show after two episodes, after a podcast episode depicting her using a racial slur was unearthed.

At the time, she apologised for her actions, saying: “In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur. I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it.

“I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use.”

Cierra has yet to comment on her exit from the series. Her parents, however, have asked for “compassion” and “patience.”

“As Cierra’s parents, this has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives,” they wrote on social media. “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.”

“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.”

They went on, “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.”