Cierra's departure follows that of fellow islander Yulissa Escobar, who left the show after videos of her using a racial slur on a podcast in 2021 re-emerged. Yulissa later apologised, saying on Instagram she used the offensive term "ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it".

Ortega's family wrote that she has been receiving threats and "cruel messages" since the past comments came to light

An inside source has claimed that Love Island USA producers have been "holding crisis talks" regarding Cierra's future in the villa.