‘Love Island USA’ star Cierra Ortega is finally speaking out after going viral for her sudden exit from season seven. Previously, The Shade Room reported that producers asked the bombshell to leave the villa after old social media posts popped up showing her using a racial slur that targets the Asian community. Now, Cierra’s owning up it and taking full accountability. She also let fans in on how she’s really feeling about everything that went down.
RELATED: Bye Bombshell! Cierra Ortega’s Parents React To Her ‘Love Island USA’ Exit While Fellow Contestant Praises Show Producers
Cierra Ortega Takes Accountability For Her Actions Following Viral ‘Love Island USA’ Exit
In videos reposted by The Shade Room, Cierra Ortega speaks from what looks like a bedroom shortly after leaving the ‘Love Island USA’ villa. The former bombshell says she had no clue she was using a racial slur in her past social media posts. She also addressed the Asian community, took accountability for her actions, and clarified that she doesn’t see herself as the victim in this situation.
“I am deeply, truly, honestly… so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm and came with the history that it did or I never would’ve used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it, but that’s absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn’t excuse ignorance. I take accountability for using the word. I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur and no idea of it’s meaning,” Cierra said in the clip.
Cierra Reacts To Vila Removal & How Her Family Is Facing Heat Over It
While speaking on the situation, Cierra Ortega kept it real and said she fully agreed with getting pulled from the show.
“I completely agree with the network’s decision to remove me from the villa. I think this is something that deserves punishment. The punishment has absolutely been received for sure,” Cierra said.
She also admitted she understands why people are critiquing her for the words she used in the posts.
“I think the backlash has been hard to deal with, but I understand that people are kind of confused on why I would’ve even said or why I would’ve been doubling down on continuing to use it. So, I understand where the hate is coming from.”
While she owned up to her part, Cierra made it clear she is not comfortable with the backlash her family has received. She said it’s been tough knowing they are scared for their safety and even had ICE called on them because of this situation.
“There’s no need to fight hate with hate. I don’t think that’s justice. And if you want to know that you are heard and that I’m sorry… and that I will move differently, I promise you that’s what will happen.”
Here’s What Cierra Said In Her Past Social Media Posts
As The Shade Room previously reported, Cierra’s ‘Love Island’ exit came after some old posts from 2015 resurfaced. One pic showed her on an outdoor adventure with the caption, “Still chinkin’ even at the top.”
While in another selfie she shared her thoughts on Botox. Despite loving her look, she felt as though her face could look a little “ch**ky” at times. “I can also be a little chinky when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift to open up my eyes and get that snatched look,” she wrote at the time.
Once those 2015 posts hit the internet, folks didn’t waste time calling for her removal from the show. A Change.org petition was even launched putting even more emphasis on the situation, calling it “Send Cierra Home #StopAsianHate.”
