Peacock's Love Island USA has faces a shake-up, contestant Cierra Ortega exited the show just before its Season 7 finale following the resurfacing of past racist social media posts.
Narrated by Iain Stirling as a "personal situation," her departure followed widespread backlash due to old Instagram messages containing anti–East Asian slurs.
Viewers quickly responded with outrage, an online petition demanding her removal amassed over 17,000 signatures, and her exit comes on the heels of season-mate Yulissa Escobar’s earlier departure over similar issues.
The show has previously removed contestants in response to racist content.
In response to the controversy, Ortega’s parents posted on her Instagram account, urging fans to pause the threats and cruel messages she’s received.
They acknowledged the hurt caused, taking accountability for their daughter's actions, but also stressed that Ortega hasn’t yet seen the uproar and asked for compassion.
“We know our daughter... When she returns, we believe she'll face this with honesty, growth, and grace”.
Fellow Islander Belle‑A Walker, who was previously eliminated after initially coupling with Ortega’s partner, praised the show’s swift action, saying it made a clear stand “that racism of any kind is not tolerated”.
As the villa now prepares for its final episodes, the departures have sparked debate over the need for stronger vetting of contestants and how reality TV handles past misconduct. Love Island USA remains a ratings powerhouse—its latest season garnered over a billion streams in its second week (businessinsider.com)—but the controversy has reminded everyone that accountability and social responsibility remain paramount for viewers and producers alike.
