Love Island USA’s Belle-A Reacts to Cierra’s Exit, Resurfaced Post: ‘No Longer Support This Person’

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Love Island USA’s Belle-A Walker has voiced her thoughts following the sudden exit of fellow contestant Cierra Ortega from the villa, which was prompted by a resurfaced post where she used a racial slur.

“As a proud Asian American woman, I want to express my gratitude towards the producers of Love Island USA for taking a firm stance against racism in all its forms,” Belle-A, age 22, stated in an Instagram Story on Sunday, July 6, after Cierra’s departure was revealed in the latest episode.

“When I initially came across what my fellow contestant posted on their social media, I felt a deep sense of heartbreak,” Belle-A added. “However, I chose to wait until they had left the villa to address the matter, sincerely apologize, and show a commitment to learn from this experience before making decisions about our future relationship.”

Nevertheless, she remarked, “As more screenshots came to light, it became evident that I could no longer stand by this individual, prompting me to unfollow them a couple of days prior.”

“Anti-Asian hate is often overlooked and trivialized. As a first-generation American, I've seen and felt the pain of comments like these firsthand,” the contestant from season 7 elaborated. “I hope this incident raises awareness about how significant the problem of anti-Asian hate truly is.”

“Like many other Asian Americans, my mother immigrated to this country in search of a better life for herself and her family. Considering the challenges she's faced along with so many others, I felt compelled to speak out,” she expressed. “What value does this incredible platform granted to me by God and you all hold if I don’t use it to uplift my community?”

Belle-A concluded her message by stating, “I do not support bigotry or racism in any form. However, I also reject hate. I urge you all to reconsider before posting unkind remarks to or about this individual.”

Cierra’s exit from the dating reality show was confirmed by narrator Iain Stirling during the episode aired on Sunday. Stirling mentioned that Cierra had “departed the villa due to a personal matter,” indicating that her romantic interest, Nic Vansteenberghe, is now “officially single.”

Nic had initially partnered with Belle-A at the beginning of season 7, but later decided to couple up with the newcomer Cierra, age 25, leading to Belle-A being eliminated from the island on day six.

In a statement shared on her Instagram Story on Sunday, Cierra’s parents responded to the controversy regarding her past posts, appealing to viewers for understanding and highlighting that Cierra has not yet encountered the backlash from her historical social media activity.

“We’re not here to excuse or ignore what has emerged. We recognize the reasons people are angry, and we understand that accountability is important,” Cierra’s parents wrote, in part. “What’s happening online has escalated far beyond [accountability]. The threats. The harsh messages. The attacks on her family, friends, and even her supporters are truly heartbreaking. It is unwarranted. No one deserves to experience such hate.”

“She has not yet been given the opportunity to reflect on any of this or express her own thoughts,” they stated. “However, we are familiar with our daughter. We understand her spirit. And when she comes back, we are confident that she will confront this situation with sincerity, maturity, and dignity.”

The message wrapped up with Cierra’s parents asking the audience for “understanding” and “tolerance” until she can respond to the issues at hand.