Cierra Ortega, a contestant on Peacock's "Love Island USA," abruptly left the show a week before the finale due to a 'personal situation.' Her departure followed the online circulation of old social media posts appearing to show her using a racial slur. While Peacock declined comment, Ortega's parents released a statement addressing the online backlash, condemning the threats and hate directed at their daughter and her loved ones, and asking for compassion while she processes the situation. An online petition calling for her removal garnered over 17,000 signatures.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.