Love Island USAstar Cierra Ortega’s parents have come to her defense after her shocking exit from the show. Cierra has been competing onLove Island USAseason 7since the very beginning, having entered the villa in Fiji as a bomshell early on. She has been exploring her relationship with Nic Vansteenberghe, andthe two recently became the first couple of the season to “close off,“or pursue each other exclusively.
As reported byUs Weekly, during the July 6 episode,Love Island USAnarrator Iain Stirling announced that Cierra “left the villa due to a personal situation” after her past racist remarks resurfaced online. After the episode,Cierra’s family released a statement via her Instagram page, asking that the public have “compassion” for their daughter.
Cierra’s parents acknowledged thatfans are “upset, and we know accountability matters,“but they still want people to keep in mind that their daughter is still a human being; they claimed that the backlash has gone too far.
“As Cierra’s parents, this has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives. We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate. And while Cierra hasn’t seen any of it yet, we have… We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that… While she’ll always be our little girl, she’s also a woman, one who will take responsibility in her own time and her own voice. Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion.”
What Cierra’s Parents Speaking Out Means For Love Island USA Star
Love Island USA Has Been Controversial This Season
Love Island USAseason 7 has faced criticismthis year for a multitude of reasons, including the social media activity of the participants.Love Island USAcast members are cut off from the outside world and aren’t aware of news that breaks regarding them and their behavioruntil after they leave the villa.
The season had just started airing when footage of starYulissa Escobar using a racial slursurfaced, andshe was quietly removed from the villa.
Cierra’s departure echoed Yulissa’s in that the audience wasn’t given an explanation for their removal, and the show continued without any further remarks.
By speaking out on behalf of Cierra,her family is acknowledging the severity of Cierra’s actionsbut still showing her support. They mentioned that they weren’t trying to underplay her comments, but they also asked the public to go easier on Cierra and her supporters, saying that “the hate” has gotten out of control.
Our Take On Cierra’s Parents Speaking Out Amid Racism Scandal
Cierra’s Parents Are Standing By Their Daughter
Cierra’s parents are right to remind the viewing audience thatCierra is a human being as well. The online rhetoric has gotten so nasty that they felt the need to release a statement in support of their daughter. Threats and hate should not be the response to this situation, and the public has needed to be reminded many times throughout this season that bullying will not be tolerated.
Cierra will need to answer for her mistakes in due time, but for now, she needs to process everything and come to terms with her removal. She’s been isolated from her family and the outside world for over a month now, which can be a daunting situation for anyone. Participating in a popular reality show likeLove Islandopens up contestants to public scrutiny, and Cierra is no different.
Love Island USAairs every night (except Wednesdays) at 9 p.m. EDT on Peacock.
Love Island USA
Cast
Love Island is the American adaptation of the British reality dating competition. Hosted in a luxurious villa, ten singles aim to form couples over several weeks. Throughout the process, they face public votes and potential elimination, while new islanders join to challenge existing relationships.
