Love Island USA's Nic Vansteenberghe Breaks Silence on Cierra Ortega's Exit Over Racial Slur

Published: Jul 16 2025

Nic Vansteenberghe is opening up about the unexpected twist in his journey on Love Island USA, detailing his encounters with Cierra Ortega, who was axed from the reality dating series on July 6th due to her past use of a racial slur. Nic shares that he was blindsided by Cierra's abrupt departure from the Peacock-aired show, unaware of the circumstances that led to her exit – a factor that influenced his decision to stay put in the villa rather than accompanying her out.

Love Island USA's Nic Vansteenberghe Breaks Silence on Cierra Ortega's Exit Over Racial Slur 1

"It was an unremarkable day," Nic reminisces during the July 15th episode of Chicks in the Office. "One moment, she was there; the next, she was gone." Shortly thereafter, producers summoned Nic, furnishing him with a cryptic explanation for Cierra's exit. "They cited some personal reason or another," he reveals, adding that he was kept in the dark about the specifics.

The 24-year-old nurse admits to having shared a "profoundly close" bond with Cierra, 25, and was seriously contemplating leaving Fiji by her side, having just solidified their relationship. However, his confusion mounted as he lacked any understanding of her dismissal. "I was torn between staying true to myself and navigating behind-the-scenes dynamics," he reflects. "I realized if I left due to something I didn't condone, it might be misconstrued as my endorsement of it. So, I granted myself the opportunity to remain."

Now, having wrapped up season seven and gained insight into Cierra's resurfaced social media post employing an offensive term for Asians, Nic offers clarity. "In hindsight, understanding her actions and aligning them with my values gives me a clearer perspective," he clarifies.

Addressing Critics who questioned his swift move to couple up with Olandria Carthen after Cierra's departure, Nic sets the record straight. "I wasn't eager to jump into something new with Olandria right away," he clarifies. "It wasn't that simple. Olandria and I had discussions about it. We both had deep connections – she with Taylor [Williams], and I with Cierra. We were both lost and bewildered in those initial days, finding solace in our shared confusion."

Nic emphasizes that their relationship evolved gradually, without immediate romantic gestures. "It took time, countless conversations, and a mutual sense of disorientation to forge our bond," he adds. "That's what initially united us, and it's how we've progressed to where we are today."

Meanwhile, Cierra has spoken out about her removal, acknowledging her ignorance of the slur's offensive nature at the time but expressing sincere remorse upon being corrected by a follower. "I fully concur with the network's decision to remove me," she shared in an Instagram video on July 9th. "I deserved the punishment meted out, and I've certainly felt its weight. The backlash has been challenging, but I understand people's confusion regarding why I'd use such language."

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