Cierra Ortega gave Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen her stamp of approval after her own Love Island USA journey was cut short following a racism scandal.
“People, moments, and memories I’ll cherish forever,” Cierra captioned an Instagram post on Saturday, July 12, which featured photos of her and the rest of the season 7 cast. “This journey didn’t end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love, and growth in these moments.”
Cierra acknowledged that there’s “still so much more growing” for her to do, adding, “And for that, I’ll always be grateful.” She weighed in on her former partner Nic finding a connection with Olandria, writing, “And for the #nicolandria nation…they are two people I care deeply for and absolutely adore. I’ve always wanted nothing but happiness for each of them in this experience. that has never & will never change.”
The social media message came one day before the season 7 finale, which will reveal whether Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, Chris Seeley and Huda Mustafa, Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia or Nic and Olandria are voted the winners. Earlier in the season, viewers tuned in to see Cierra’s search for love, which was cut short after a racist post from her Instagram account resurfaced while she was offline in the villa.
Cierra subsequently issued a statement taking accountability for the controversy.
“I am not the victim in the situation,” Cierra said in an Instagram video shared on Wednesday, July 9. “While I was in the villa, there were some posts that resurfaced from my past where I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term. I want to first start by addressing not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended — but most importantly — the entire Asian community. I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry.”
In the post, Cierra claimed she didn’t know she was using a slur, saying, “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 have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it but that’s absolutely no excuse because intent doesn’t excuse ignorance. It just doesn’t.”
She continued: “I just need you to know that I am so sorry — but this is not an apology video. This is an accountability video. I do want to hold my hands up and say that I take accountability for using the word, but I do want it to be known that I genuinely had no idea that it was a slur. I had no idea of its meaning.”
Cierra also addressed Peacock’s decision to pull her from season 7.
“The truth is that in that moment, the lesson was learned, the word was removed and it was a true learning moment for me. Since that moment, I’ve done so much growing as an individual and I’ve tried my best to educate others who might be accidentally holding space for these types of words that could be offensive in their vocabulary,” she shared. “I completely agree with the network’s decision to remove me from the villa. I think that this is something that deserved punishment and the punishment has absolutely been received for sure.”
The post concluded: “My experience in the villa was nothing short of magical. The memories I made and the people I met are ones I’ll cherish forever. While I’m heartbroken my journey had to be cut short, I understand that mistakes, especially ones like this, deserve consequences. Once again, to the Asian community, I am deeply sorry for my thoughtless mistake and the harm it caused.”
Despite closing her connection with Nic off before her exit, Cierra later showed support for his romance with Olandria by “liking” a fan edit of the couple posted by his family.
The season 7 finale of Love Island USA is set to air Sunday, July 13.
