Cierra Ortega, 25, entered Love Island USA Season 7 as a Casa Amor “bombshell,” who is someone brought in to shake things up. Hailing from Phoenix, she quickly formed a strong romantic connection with Nic Vansteenberghe and became a standout in the Villa.
The Beginning: Yulissa’s Departure
The season’s first shock came early when Yulissa Escobar was quietly removed in episode 2. Old podcast clips resurfaced of her using the N‑word, prompting producers to send her home. In her own tell‑all, Yulissa confirmed she was pulled from the Villa “in broad daylight” after a producer told her a resurfaced video “wasn’t looking too good.”
What Led to Cierra’s Exit
On the July 6 episode (Day 26), viewers learned Cierra was also being removed due to a “personal situation.” But in reality, it came after her past posts, an Instagram Story from 2023 and an older post from 2015, surfaced, in which she used a racial slur toward East Asian people. The backlash was swift. There was a public petition, thousands of angry social‑media comments, and even brands distancing themselves. Her family later released a statement acknowledging her mistakes, asking for accountability while condemning the hate she’s received.
Cierra and Nic: Their Time Together
Before her exit, Cierra and Nic had become one of the show’s most talked‑about couples. The two were physically and emotionally intimate, and seemingly “exclusive” within the Villa. But after Cierra was asked to leave, narrated by Iain Stirling with “Cierra has left due to a personal situation,” Nic was visibly shaken and admitted he was “lost” without her.
Reigniting “Nicolandria”: Nic & Olandria
Almost immediately after Cierra left, Nic pivoted to Olandria Carthen, a Villa original who had previously built a connection with him during Casa Amor. In confessional, Olandria confessed she wanted to “be there” for Nic “in this time of need.” Nic reciprocated, expressing he loved spending time with her and was drawn to her authenticity. When the recoupling happened that evening, she chose him. The pairing, affectionately dubbed “Nicolandria” by fans, has since dominated chatter, but it hasn’t been without skeptics.
Some viewers have questioned its genuineness. Others felt the chemistry was both real and compelling. Whatever the case, it’s safe to say, and as the show confirms, Nicolandria is now official.
What’s Next?
With just days left before the finale, the Villa now includes finalists like Nic & Olandria, Ace, Chelley, Amaya, Huda, Clarke, and Taylor. While Cierra’s exit marks the second racism‑linked departure this season, producers’ quick decisions reflect their zero‑tolerance policy and a shift toward greater accountability. Meanwhile, fans are divided. Some see “Nicolandria” as genuine healing after Cierra’s removal. However, feel it’s storyline scripting or nostalgia-driven casting.
Cierra’s exit isn’t just reality‑TV drama, it mirrors the real consequences of past behavior in the age of digital accountability. Yulissa’s removal laid the groundwork, and Cierra followed suit when her remarks resurfaced. Nic’s immediate connection with Olandria shows how layers of grief and attraction play out on‑camera and why fans are invested. That said, the sincerity of Nicolandria is open to interpretation: are they genuinely rebuilding love or simply moving with the momentum?
Cierra’s exit is a wake‑up call for influencers and reality stars that outdated, insensitive content can and will catch up.