Peacock has removed contestant Cierra Ortega from “Love Island USA” Season 7 after viewers resurfaced a social-media post in which the 25-year-old Los Angeles content creator used a racial slur targeting Asians. Narrator Iain Stirling informed audiences 15 minutes into the July 6 episode that Ortega had “left the villa,” and the network later cited a “personal situation.” Major news outlets quickly confirmed the departure was tied to the offensive language, prompting a wave of criticism and renewed scrutiny of the show’s vetting process. Ortega is the second islander ejected this season for similar reasons, following Yulissa Escobar’s silent removal in June. In separate statements Ortega’s parents appealed for “compassion,” while Peacock urged fans to show “respect and kindness” toward cast members. The contestant herself released a nearly five-minute apology video on July 10, saying she “had no idea” the term was a slur and claiming U.S. immigration authorities had been contacted about her family amid the backlash. The controversy emerged just a week before the dating show’s July 13 finale and highlights the broader challenge reality franchises face in balancing rapid production schedules with more rigorous background checks. Industry observers say the twin exits underscore a growing intolerance for discriminatory content and raise questions over how streaming platforms will police contestants’ past conduct in future seasons.