Queer Love Island star apologises for racial slurs

Cierra Ortega has apologised for using racial slurs toward Asian people. (Instagram/
cierra.ortega)

Love Island USA star Cierra Ortega has apologised for using racial slurs.

The queer Love Island USA contestant, who had a romance with fellow islander Michelle (Chelley) Bissainthe, was booted off season seven after being found to have shared social media posts that contained slurs toward Asian people.

Ortega shared a video on Wednesday (9 July) in which she apologised for using a racial slur. She also agreed with the producers’ decision to remove her from the show.

“I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry,” she said. “I had no idea that the word held as much pain, as much harm, and came with the history that it did… or I never would have used it. I had no ill-intention when I was using it. That’s absolutely no excuse because intent doesn’t excuse ignorance. It just doesn’t.

“But this is not an apology video, this is an accountability video.”

She claimed to have no idea about the slur’s meaning and said she has gone on to educate herself.

She also shared a message on her Instagram Story, writing: “I’m someone tripping to spread love and light, even when I get it wrong, and I hope my actions from here speak louder than this mistake ever did.

“My experience in the villa was nothing short of magical. The memories I made and the people I met are ones I’ll cherish forever. While I’m heart-broken my journey had to be cut short, I understand that mistakes, especially ones like this, deserve consequences.

“Once again, to the Asian community, I am deeply sorry for my thoughtless mistake and the harm it caused.”