Love Island’s Cierra Ortega Removed After Racial Slur, Family Targeted by ICE Calls

Cierra Ortega, a contestant on season 7 of Love Island USA, was removed from the show after resurfaced social media posts revealed she had used an anti-Asian racial slur. Ortega publicly apologized, expressing deep remorse and taking accountability, while explaining she was unaware of the slur's offensive history when she used it. She revealed that her family has been targeted with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) calls and that she has also received death threats amid the backlash. Ortega urged fans not to respond to hate with more hate and acknowledged that she deserved the punishment of removal from the show. Despite acknowledging her mistake, Ortega emphasized the emotional toll on her family and called for a more compassionate response. Fans have shown mixed reactions, with some defending her against the extreme backlash targeting her family.