Cierra Ortega's abrupt departure from Love Island USA due to a personal matter shocked fans, especially after she and Nic Vansteenberghe had just become exclusive. Nic's seemingly unfazed reaction fueled speculation,

Love Island USA viewers were in for a surprise when Cierra Ortega was suddenly no longer in the villa after being coupled up with Nic Vansteenberghe

During the July 6 episode of the reality TV show, it was confirmed that Cierra Ortega had left the villa following a racism scandal. Narrator Iain Stirling announced that Cierra was no longer on the show "due to a personal reason".