Love Island USA’s Cierra Ortega slams ‘bad editing’ and ‘strict rules’ after bullying backlash

Cierra Ortega speaks out on Love Island USA's editing and harsh villa rules after exit over resurfaced racial slur.

Cierra Ortega, a former contestant on Love Island USA Season 7, has spoken out following her controversial exit from the Peacock reality series.

The 25-year-old was removed from the villa after past racially insensitive social media posts resurfaced, sparking major backlash from fans.

In a series of TikTok videos, Cierra criticized the show’s “bad editing”, accusing producers of portraying her unfairly during moments that led to bullying allegations. She referenced a specific scene where she was labeled a “mean girl” for allegedly ignoring fellow contestant Huda Mustafa. According to Cierra, that interaction was edited out of context. “We hugged and said a lot without words,” she explained, adding that she had just calmed down from crying and didn’t want to break down on camera.

@cierraortega

passport stamps are like forehead kisses

♬ original sound - Cierra Ortega

@cierraortega

part one: how I left the villa, media training, fame vs love there are a million and one perspectives floating around about what went down inside the walls of that place. before I begin closing out this chapter of my life, I do feel like my story matters. for those of you who watch & listen through kind eyes and ears without casting judgement, love u lots ❤️‍🩹

♬ original sound - Cierra Ortega

@cierraortega

part three: rapid fire questions

♬ original sound - Cierra Ortega

Cierra also shed light on Love Island USA's “strict rules,” including being forced to wear bikinis daily, limited sleep, and no discussions about villa events during meals. She claims these conditions contributed to her stress and misunderstood behavior on the show.

Cierra confirmed she’s unlikely to attend the August 25 reunion, amid ongoing backlash and her former flame Nic Vansteenberghe moving on with co-star Olandria Carthen. Despite her removal, Ortega remains vocal about her experience and how reality TV can shape damaging narratives through selective editing.

Cierra previously issued a public apology to the Asian community and took responsibility for the offensive language in her resurfaced post.