Cierra Ortega’s abrupt removal from Love Island USA has stirred widespread backlash after past social media posts resurfaced, showing her using racial slurs against Asians. Now, her family is speaking out — not to excuse the controversy, but to condemn the hate and threats that have followed.
In a heartfelt message shared on Cierra’s Instagram Stories, her family broke their silence, calling the past few weeks “one of the most painful” times of their 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. So have the people who love her,” the statement began.
The Ortega family made it clear they weren’t defending the content of the old posts, but rather calling for compassion in how the situation is being handled publicly.
“We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced.
“We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that,” they wrote.
The backlash intensified after viewers of Love Island USA discovered the old tweets, leading to Cierra’s expulsion from the show.
Since then, the internet has been flooded with criticism, threats, and harsh comments not only aimed at Cierra but also at her family and friends.
“The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters — it’s heartbreaking.
It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made,” the family continued.
Cierra, who has yet to publicly respond, is reportedly no longer staying at the villa and is processing everything privately.
“She hasn’t had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself. But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace.”
The statement closed with a plea for patience and decency from the public.
“We’re simply asking for compassion. For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this.”
They added, “Thank you to those who’ve continued to show love, even when it’s not easy.”
