Ortega's family wrote that she has been receiving threats and "cruel messages" since the past comments came to light

Cierra's departure follows that of fellow islander Yulissa Escobar, who left the show after videos of her using a racial slur on a podcast in 2021 re-emerged. Yulissa later apologised, saying on Instagram she used the offensive term "ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it".

Following Cierra Ortega's sudden departure from the Love Island USA villa, her family have released a statement via her Instagram and said the 'cruel messages' are 'uncalled for'