Cierra Ortega, a standout from the latest season of “Love Island USA,” recently shared her unfiltered thoughts on the blossoming romance between her ex, Nic Vansteenberghe, and fellow contestant Olandria Carthen. After an early exit from the show, Cierra’s comments have sparked considerable interest among fans and followers.
Season 7 of “Love Island USA,” which debuted in June 2025, introduced Nic as a contestant on a quest for love. Initially, he was linked with Belle-A Walker, but soon shifted his focus to Cierra. The two explored their chemistry for four weeks until Cierra left the villa due to a personal matter, as announced by narrator Iain Stirling just before the finale.
Cierra’s departure was preceded by controversy when a resurfaced social media post revealed her use of a racial slur, leading to her removal from the show. This incident mirrored the earlier exit of Yulissa Escobar, who faced similar backlash for past comments. With Cierra gone, Nic found himself single and began to connect with Olandria, who he had previously been attracted to but had not pursued due to their ongoing relationships in the villa.
After leaving Fiji with Olandria in July 2025, Nic opened up about his feelings for Cierra and whether he would reach out to her. “It seemed like I was jumping from Cierra to Olandria, which is just not true. We were taking baby steps because we were both kind of having those strong connections,” Nic explained. “It took longer than maybe what was perceived. We definitely took things at our own pace.” When asked about contacting Cierra, he stated, “I’m still processing everything with what’s happening. I need more time to think on it and go from there because it’s only been what, a day?”
In the wake of her exit, Cierra issued an apology for her past behavior and began to weigh in on Nic and Olandria’s relationship. After regaining access to her phone, she subtly acknowledged their coupling by liking an Instagram post from Nic’s friends that featured fan edits and behind-the-scenes photos of him and Olandria. The post’s caption read, “And so it was written in the stars.”
Reflecting on her brief experience on “Love Island USA,” Cierra shared her reflections on social media. “People, moments, and memories I’ll cherish forever. This journey didn’t end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love, and growth in these moments,” she wrote. Cierra acknowledged that there’s “still so much more growing” for her to do, expressing gratitude for the experience. “And for the #nicolandria nation … they are two people I care deeply for and absolutely adore. I’ve always wanted nothing but happiness for each of them in this experience. That has never and will never change.”
However, Cierra’s comments took a more pointed tone when she addressed her experience on the show. In a TikTok video, she remarked, “You look happier! Thanks, I booked a flight to Mykonos after surviving the villain edit on reality [TV] and I didn’t end up with the guy who never actually liked me and wanted my friend the entire time.” This statement hinted at her feelings of betrayal and disappointment, adding a layer of complexity to her relationship with Nic and Olandria.
As the dust settles on the drama surrounding Cierra, Nic, and Olandria, fans are left wondering how their stories will unfold. The dynamic between these three contestants has captured the attention of the “Love Island” audience, and Cierra’s candid reflections only add to the intrigue.
In the world of reality TV, where relationships can shift as quickly as the tides, Cierra’s journey serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities that come with love and competition. As Nic and Olandria begin their new chapter, Cierra’s journey of self-discovery and growth continues, leaving fans eager to see what lies ahead for all three.
Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving dynamics of “Love Island USA” and the latest from its unforgettable contestants.
