Three days after her exit from Love Island USA, Cierra Ortega has issued a public apology after an old video resurfaced showing her making a racist remark targeting the Asian community. In a video statement, Ortega acknowledged the offense, expressed remorse, and said she never intended to hurt anyone.
“I want to start by addressing not just anyone I offended, but especially the entire Asian community,” she said. “I’m deeply, truly, honestly sorry. I didn’t know the word carried so much pain, harm, or history-or I never would have used it.”
The Love Island USA contestant accepted responsibility for using the slur and explained that she learned about its offensive nature only after a follower reached out in 2024.
She also revealed that her family has suffered consequences because of the controversy. “ICE has been called on my family, and they no longer feel safe at home,” she said. “I’m getting death threats. But fighting hate with hate isn’t justice. If you want to know that I hear you, that I’m sorry, and that I’ll act differently moving forward-I promise you, I will.”
What Did She Say?
In a 2015 Instagram story, she wrote, “Still ch**kin’ ay the top,” referring to her smile. In a 2020 video, she said, “I can also be a little ch**ky when I laugh/smile, so I love getting a mini brow lift.” Both posts resurfaced during her time in the villa, sparking backlash that led to her exit from the show.
Following the controversy, Ortega lost nearly 200,000 Instagram followers in just two days.
Her departure marked the second contestant exit this season linked to inappropriate behavior; earlier, producers removed Yulissa Escobar for saying the N-word on two separate podcast episodes.
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