Cierra Ortega Exits ‘Love Island’ After Past Use Of Anti-Asian Slur Resurfaces

Love Island contestant Cierra Ortega has left the villa following the resurfacing of past social media posts where she used an anti-Asian slur. This decision comes after weeks of backlash from fans and concerns about the normalization of anti-Asian racism, shedding light on the vetting processes of reality TV shows. Another contestant, Yulissa Escobar, also left the show earlier in the season after old clips of her using the N-word on a podcast surfaced.

The controversy surrounding Ortega escalated when posts from 2015 and 2023 showed her using a derogatory term to describe her eye shape. Fans were outraged by Ortega’s past statements, particularly her use of the slur in reference to features she wanted to alter with cosmetic procedures. A Change.org petition calling for Ortega’s removal from the show garnered over 17,000 signatures, with supporters emphasizing the importance of speaking up against racist jokes towards Asians.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about anti-Asian racism in pop culture and the long-overdue accountability for xenophobic tropes and racist language. Comedian Jay Leno, for example, only issued an apology in 2021 after making anti-Asian jokes for decades. The show’s real-time filming format allows producers to address fan feedback as the season unfolds.

Ortega’s departure from the program was announced as a result of a “personal situation,” according to the show’s narrator. A Peacock spokesperson has not yet provided a comment on the reason for Ortega’s exit. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions while also highlighting the need to address and combat anti-Asian racism in all forms.