Former contestant of “Love Island USA,” Cierra Ortega, made headlines on Wednesday after releasing a heartfelt video on TikTok, where she publicly apologized for previously using a racial slur aimed at Asian individuals. The controversy arose when old social media posts surfaced during her time on the reality show, leading to her removal from the villa just a week before the finale.

Cierra Ortega, who was known as one half of a prominent couple in this season of the show, was informed of her dismissal during an episode where host Iain Stirling announced her exit due to a personal situation. The decision was made amidst growing concerns over her past behavior and its impact on the audience and her fellow contestants. Ortega expressed her agreement with the network’s choice, stating that the situation warranted punishment, and she has received it.

In her nearly five-minute long TikTok address, Ortega directed her apology specifically to the Asian community, emphasizing her remorse. “This is not an apology video. This is an accountability video,” she stated firmly. She explained that she had been unaware of the hurt caused by the term she used, admitting that she had not comprehended the harmful history associated with it. “I had no ill intention when I was using it, but that’s absolutely no excuse because intent doesn’t excuse ignorance,” she added.

In a poignant reflection, Ortega shared how the backlash has affected her family, revealing that they no longer feel safe at home due to threats and harassment they have faced since the issue came to light. “There's no need to fight hate with hate,” Ortega said, advocating for understanding and education instead of retaliation. She pledged to modify her behavior moving forward, indicating that her future actions would provide greater clarity than any words of apology.

Ortega's incident comes on the heels of another contestant from the same season, Yulissa Escobar, who also left the villa earlier due to resurfaced clips of her using racist language. Escobar had issued her own apology shortly after her exit and later took to TikTok to urge viewers to cease cyberbullying contestants, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on both her and Ortega. She expressed her fear upon returning home, concerned about the threats she had received online.

The reality show “Love Island USA,” which is adapted from the original UK series, continues to air its seventh season and showcases single contestants living together in a villa in Fiji. The premise revolves around forming romantic connections, with contestants frequently facing challenges and eliminations based on public votes. As the series draws closer to its finale, viewers await to see which couple will triumph and claim a $100,000 prize.