Cierra Ortega parents issue statement after Love Island USA exit over racial slur controversy

Cierra Ortega's parents have issued a public statement calling for compassion after her sudden departure from Love Island USA amid backlash over a resurfaced social media post accused of containing a racial slur. The statement was shared via Ortega’s Instagram Story on Sunday evening, shortly after the show aired her exit, citing a “personal reason.”

During the July 6 episode, it was revealed that Cierra had left the villa, leaving her on-screen partner, Nic, visibly emotional and “lost.” Her exit followed intense online criticism after an old Instagram Story resurfaced, in which she used a derogatory term while describing the effects of Botox on her facial expression.

The incident sparked backlash online, prompting her family to respond. In their statement, Ortega’s parents said the past week had been "one of the most painful" of their lives, acknowledging the anger surrounding the post while condemning the level of hate and threats directed at their daughter and her supporters. "No one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they've made," the post read.

The family clarified that Cierra has not seen the backlash herself and has yet to respond publicly, but they believe she will address the matter “with honesty, growth, and grace” upon her return. They asked fans and viewers for “compassion, patience, and basic human decency,” adding that their daughter would take responsibility in her own time.

Producers described her departure as due to personal reasons. As reactions continued to flood social media, Ortega's parents closed their statement by thanking those who had shown support during a difficult time.