Cierra Ortega, a contestant on Season 7 of the reality series "Love Island USA," was removed from the show following the resurfacing of social media posts in which she used a racial slur directed at Asian people. The removal was announced during the July 6 episode, approximately a week before the season finale. The show cited a "personal situation" for her abrupt exit but did not elaborate further. Ortega's departure marks the second such incident this season, with another contestant, Yulissa Escobar, having left earlier under similar circumstances. Following her exit, Ortega issued a public apology, acknowledging the use of the offensive term and stating she was unaware of its full impact. She emphasized taking accountability and denied any ill intent. Ortega also revealed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was called on her family amid the controversy. Her family has publicly condemned the backlash and called for compassion, describing the experience as painful. Fellow cast members and the show's producers have addressed the situation, with some expressing their perspectives on the sudden departure. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about accountability and the consequences of past social media behavior in reality television.