Love Island USA Star Canceled? Cierra Ortega's Racism Scandal Explodes!
Colaboradores
The reality TV world is reeling after a racism scandal engulfed Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega. The influencer, who seemed poised for stardom, has lost over 200,000 Instagram followers in less than 48 hours after resurfaced social media posts containing an anti-Asian slur went viral.
What Happened?
The controversy began when a TikTok video from June 2020 resurfaced. In the video, Ortega, then 20, used a racial slur in the caption while discussing cosmetic procedures. Shortly after, internet users unearthed a 2015 Instagram post where she used the same slur again. The screenshots quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread outrage.
The initial TikTok caption, seemingly harmless, included the phrase: “My smile’s a little ch*nky.” The 2015 Instagram post featured the caption: “Still ch*nkin’ at the top.”
Social Media Backlash
The unearthed posts have ignited fury across Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. While some have attempted to dismiss her words as “self-deprecating,” many argue that using a known racial slur on multiple occasions reveals a deeper issue.
Friends Speak Out
Following the scandal, friends of Ortega have started to address the situation. Johnnie Oliva, a former Love Island USA contestant and friend of Ortega, stated on Instagram that she has refrained from talking about Love Island and supporting Ortega after seeing the offensive posts. MJ Hedderman, who was also managing Ortega’s account, issued a statement condemning racism and claiming she was unaware of the screenshots until recently.
The future of Cierra Ortega on Love Island USA remains uncertain as the scandal continues to unfold. The show's producers are reportedly holding crisis meetings to discuss the situation.