Love Island USA: Unpacking All the Season 7 Controversies

Less than a week before the finale, Love Island USA dropped another bombshell.

On the July 6th episode of the Peacock series, the narrator, Iain Stirling, shared that contestant Cierra Ortega was no longer in the villa because of private matters.

Her unexpected departure occurred during increasing criticism after an Instagram Story (unverified by TopMob News) resurfaced, containing what appears to be a racial slur used by Cierra, 25. Although she was unavailable for comment due to being in Fiji where Love Island USA is filmed, her parents have responded to the escalating issue.

We aren’t trying to defend or dismiss the issues that have come up. We get why people are angry, and we recognize the importance of accountability. However, what’s happening online currently has escalated past that point. Even though she will forever be our little girl, she is also a grown woman who will address her own responsibilities when ready, in her own way. Until then, all we ask for is understanding, patience, and basic kindness.

As a fellow islander and lifestyle expert, Belle-A Walker expressed her deep sadness upon hearing the allegations against Cierra regarding the use of a derogatory term for Asian people. Drawing from my personal experiences as an Asian American woman, I urge everyone to refrain from fueling the negative rhetoric directed towards Cierra. It’s important to remember that I firmly stand against any form of bigotry or racism, but equally, I do not support the spread of hate. Let’s focus on promoting understanding and respect for all cultures instead.

In a previous turn of events, Cierra isn’t the initial contestant from Love Island USA season seven to depart the villa over accusations of racist actions. Earlier, Yulissa Escobar had to leave during episode two when videos surfaced showing her using a racial slur, specifically the N-word.

The 27-year-old has recently shared her account of what happened after being taken away from the show. In a TikTok video posted on July 3, she explained, “I thought maybe I was needed for a confessional, so I went along with it. Upon meeting one of the producers, they asked me to remove my microphone. At that point, I sensed something significant was unfolding.

Yulissa later shared her experience of the social media uproar, remarking, “When I retrieved my phone, I was taken aback, and there was simply too much to process. I understand I used a word I shouldn’t have, but oh, how I regret ever saying it.

TopMob News attempted to contact Peacock about the departures of both Yulissa and Cierra, however, we didn’t receive a response.

In a turn of events, another contestant from Season 7, named Austin Shepard, has found himself embroiled in accusations of racism. However, he firmly denies any claims of such behavior, following his elimination the very next day.

The 26-year-old said to fans in a July 4 video on Instagram Story, “I’m only going to address this once because it’s absurd. Remember, I have a tattoo of a Black woman on my side. Let’s use some common sense.

Keep reading to learn more about this season’s Love Island USA contestants…