Cierra Ortega, a 25-year-old content creator from Los Angeles and contestant on Season 7 of Peacock's "Love Island USA," was removed from the reality dating show following the resurfacing of social media posts in which she used a racial slur against Asian people. Her exit was announced during the July 6 episode, described as due to a "personal situation," and occurred just days before the season finale. Ortega is the second contestant this season to leave the show amid backlash over past racist comments, following Yulissa Escobar's earlier removal for similar reasons. After her departure, Ortega issued a public apology in an accountability video, stating she had no ill intention and was unaware of the offensive nature of the word at the time. She also revealed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was called on her family amid the controversy. Ortega's family has publicly asked for compassion, condemning the hate and online threats directed at her. Fellow cast members and the show's producers have addressed the situation, with some expressing support for Ortega while acknowledging the impact of the controversy. The incident has sparked broader discussions about accountability and the consequences of past social media behavior for reality TV participants.