By Ilana Frost | July 7, 2025
The internet is on fire over the latest Cierra Ortega racial slur controversy, and fans of Love Island USA are furious. The Los Angeles-based influencer, who rose to fame as a contestant on Season 7 of the hit reality show, is now facing intense backlash after an offensive Instagram post resurfaced — and the fallout has been massive.
Within just a few days, Cierra Ortega has reportedly lost over 200,000 Instagram followers, with fans demanding her immediate removal from Love Island USA. But what exactly happened, and why is this controversy causing such a stir?
Let’s break it down.
Cierra Ortega Racial Slur Controversy: What You Need to Know
The Cierra Ortega racial slur controversy exploded after fans discovered an old Instagram story allegedly posted by the reality star. In the post, Cierra was casually discussing her recent Botox brow lift, a popular cosmetic procedure among influencers looking for that lifted, snatched look.
But what should have been a harmless beauty post quickly turned into a scandal when Cierra allegedly used a racial slur directed at East Asian people while describing how her eyes appeared when she smiled.
The exact phrase, which has been widely circulated across TikTok and Reddit, included a derogatory term that has historically been used to insult individuals of East Asian descent. Needless to say, the internet wasted no time calling her out.
Why Cierra Ortega Is Losing Instagram Followers So Fast
The Cierra Ortega racial slur controversy has resulted in a mass exodus of followers from her social media pages. In just a matter of days, Cierra has lost more than 200,000 Instagram followers, a devastating blow for an aspiring influencer who was clearly hoping to use Love Island USA as her big break.
But it’s not just unfollows. A Change.org petition demanding her removal from Love Island USA has already surpassed 5,000 signatures, with many viewers expressing outrage that someone with a history of making racist remarks was cast on the show in the first place.
The petition reads:
“Cierra Ortega said a racial slur while promoting Botox to ‘fix’ the natural features many of us have. This isn’t just ignorance — it’s racism. Love Island must hold her accountable.”
Production Responds to Cierra Ortega Racial Slur Controversy
So far, Peacock — the network behind Love Island USA — has stayed mostly silent. However, insiders close to the production team have confirmed that serious discussions are happening behind the scenes regarding Cierra Ortega’s future on the show.
A source from the production team told The US Sun:
“Cierra is in deep trouble. That kind of language is completely unacceptable. The team is very disappointed, and a lot of us believe she should be removed from the show immediately.”
This wouldn’t be the first time this season that Love Island USA has been rocked by controversy. Just weeks ago, contestant Yulissa Escobar abruptly left the show after her own racist remarks from a past podcast resurfaced. Peacock wasted no time taking action then — and fans expect the same response now.
Fans React to the Cierra Ortega Racial Slur Controversy
The internet has been flooded with reactions to the Cierra Ortega racial slur controversy. On Tik-Tok, videos discussing the incident have racked up millions of views, with many users expressing their disgust and disappointment.
Reddit threads dedicated to Love Island USA are filled with fans demanding accountability and questioning how contestants with such problematic histories keep slipping through casting.
One Reddit user commented:
“It’s 2025. There is no excuse for using racial slurs — especially when you’re an influencer trying to build a public career. If Peacock doesn’t act, they’re complicit.”
What Happens Next for Cierra Ortega?
While the outrage grows, Cierra Ortega remains inside the Love Island villa, cut off from the outside world and likely unaware of the scandal. Contestants are not allowed access to their phones or the internet while filming, which means she has no idea that her social media following is crumbling and that her reputation is on the line.
Industry experts believe her influencer career could suffer long-term damage, even if she isn’t removed from the show. Many brands are known to quickly distance themselves from influencers involved in racial or discriminatory controversies, making it unlikely that Cierra will secure sponsorships anytime soon.
Final Thoughts on the Cierra Ortega Racial Slur Controversy
The Cierra Ortega racial slur controversy is a harsh reminder that nothing stays hidden on the internet — and past mistakes can come back to haunt you, especially in the age of social media.
As the backlash continues and her follower count plummets, fans are eagerly watching to see whether Love Island USA producers will take action. With the precedent set earlier this season, many expect Cierra’s removal to be imminent.
For now, one thing is clear: reality TV fame comes with responsibility — and the internet is no longer forgiving when it comes to racism.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.