In a shocking development, Cierra Ortega exited Love Island USA Season 7 on Sunday. She left after old social media posts using an anti-Asian slur sparked huge backlash.

Old Posts Spark Outrage

In a 2015 Instagram story, Ortega wrote, “Still chkin’ ay the top,”** referring to her smile. Then in 2020, she posted, “I can also be a little chky when I laugh/smile, so I love getting a mini brow lift.”** Both posts resurfaced while she stayed at the villa.

Fans Demand Action

Once fans saw the slurs, they flooded social media with criticism. On X and TikTok, many said she must go. Others noted she used the slur more than once. Some compared her to Yulissa Escober, who left the show earlier for using the N‑word. Moreover, Ortega lost nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram within 48 hours of the posts resurfacing.

Producers Move Quickly

According to US Sun, a production insider said the team met to discuss the crisis. “This kind of language is unacceptable… We had no choice but to act,” the insider explained. Subsequently, on Sunday’s episode, host Iain Stirling told everyone that Ortega had left the villa for personal reasons.

Impact on Villa Dynamics

Ortega’s exit left her partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, single. He decided to stay and pursue Olandria Carthen, another islander he knew before the show. However, the upcoming Casa Amor twist could force Nic to recouple—or face elimination.

Reality TV’s Ongoing Challenge

Ortega was the second contestant this season to leave over past racist remarks. Her departure underscores reality TV’s struggle to prevent discrimination. It also raises questions about how carefully shows vet their participants.