Cierra Ortega left "Love Island USA" days ahead of the Season 7 finale, after viewers resurfaced social media posts where she used a racial slur.

The 25-year-old’s shocking departure left fellow contestant Nic Vansteenberghe single. Her parents released a lengthy statement via Instagram.

Cierra's departure follows that of fellow islander Yulissa Escobar, who left the show after videos of her using a racial slur on a podcast in 2021 re-emerged. Yulissa later apologised, saying on Instagram she used the offensive term "ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it".