Cierra Ortega’s Love Island USA Journey Did not Finish the Approach She ‘Hoped’

Cierra Ortega gave Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen her stamp of approval after her personal Love Island USA journey was minimize brief following a racism scandal.

“Individuals, moments, and recollections I’ll cherish perpetually,” Cierra captioned an Instagram publish on Saturday, July 12, which featured images of her and the remainder of the season 7 forged. “This journey didn’t finish the way in which I hoped, however there was actual connection, love, and development in these moments.”

Cierra acknowledged that there’s “nonetheless a lot extra rising” for her to do, including, “And for that, I’ll all the time be grateful.” She weighed in on her former companion Nic discovering a reference to Olandria, writing, “And for the #nicolandria nation…they’re two folks I care deeply for and completely adore. I’ve all the time needed nothing however happiness for every of them on this expertise. that has by no means & won’t ever change.”

The social media message got here sooner or later earlier than the season 7 finale, which can reveal whether or not Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, Chris Seeley and Huda Mustafa, Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia or Nic and Olandria are voted the winners. Earlier within the season, viewers tuned in to see Cierra’s seek for love, which was minimize brief after a racist publish from her Instagram account resurfaced whereas she was offline within the villa.

Cierra subsequently issued an announcement taking accountability for the controversy.

“I’m not the sufferer within the scenario,” Cierra stated in an Instagram video shared on Wednesday, July 9. “Whereas I used to be within the villa, there have been some posts that resurfaced from my previous the place I used to be very naively utilizing an extremely offensive and derogatory time period. I wish to first begin by addressing not simply anybody that I’ve damage or deeply offended — however most significantly — all the Asian neighborhood. I’m deeply, actually, actually, so sorry.”

Within the publish, Cierra claimed she didn’t know she was utilizing a slur, saying, “I had no concept that the phrase held as a lot ache, as a lot hurt and got here with the historical past that it did or I by no means would have used it. I had no in poor health intention once I was utilizing it however that’s completely no excuse as a result of intent doesn’t excuse ignorance. It simply doesn’t.”

She continued: “I simply want you to know that I’m so sorry — however this isn’t an apology video. That is an accountability video. I do wish to maintain my arms up and say that I take accountability for utilizing the phrase, however I do need it to be identified that I genuinely had no concept that it was a slur. I had no concept of its which means.”

Cierra additionally addressed Peacock’s determination to tug her from season 7.

“The reality is that in that second, the lesson was discovered, the phrase was eliminated and it was a real studying second for me. Since that second, I’ve executed a lot rising as a person and I’ve tried my greatest to teach others who may be unintentionally holding house for these kinds of phrases that might be offensive of their vocabulary,” she shared. “I utterly agree with the community’s determination to take away me from the villa. I believe that that is one thing that deserved punishment and the punishment has completely been obtained for certain.”

The publish concluded: “My expertise within the villa was nothing wanting magical. The recollections I made and the folks I met are ones I’ll cherish perpetually. Whereas I’m heartbroken my journey needed to be minimize brief, I perceive that errors, particularly ones like this, deserve penalties. As soon as once more, to the Asian neighborhood, I’m deeply sorry for my inconsiderate mistake and the hurt it prompted.”

Regardless of closing her reference to Nic off earlier than her exit, Cierra later confirmed assist for his romance with Olandria by “liking” a fan edit of the couple posted by his household.

The season 7 finale of Love Island USA is ready to air Sunday, July 13.