Love Island USA stars Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe were once frontrunners for the $100,000 prize. They coupled up early on and continued to build their connection throughout the season. However, they never made it to finale night. On Day 26, Cierra was removed from the Villa because of a “personal issue,” leaving Nic and the other islanders with a lot of questions.
Cierra’s exit was prompted by a resurfaced Instagram post in which the Love Island star used a a slur derogatory to Asians. Initially, Nic was unsure if he was open to exploring a new connection after Cierra’s departure. But after some encouragement from his buddy Ace Greene, he chose to pursue Olandria Carthen, pleasing fans at home who were rooting for them all season.
What have Cierra and Nic Vansteenburghe said about their relationship since she was fired from Love Island USA?
Cierra and Nic did not reconnect after the Love Island USA finale. Nic chose to continue his romance with Olandria, dispelling fan speculation that their relationship was all for the cameras. For the most part, Nic and Cierra have kept their fallout classy. They’ve remained pretty tight-lipped about their “breakup,” aside from a few comments in interviews and social media. That is until recently. On July 20, Cierra threw some serious shade Nic’s way via an Instagram reel. Let’s get into all the drama.
Cierra says Nic “never liked her”
Cierra broke her silence about Nic and Olandria’s romance in an Instagram reel. The 25-year-old commented on the situation by participating in the “you look happier” trend, while enjoying a vacation in Greece. Creators used the trend to show they are thriving after surviving a difficult period in their life. The caption in Cierra’s video reads, “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.” Yikes.
Nic says Cierra’s exit from the Villa was “overwhelming”
On July 15, Nic appeared on the Chicks In the Office podcast where he spoke candidly about Cierra’s impromptu exit.
The Peacock star said he chose not to leave the Villa with her because he didn’t have enough information.
“She just left,” he said. “I was brought in and told that she was gone for, I think, personal reasons … Very vague. I was never told the details.”
He continued, “I told myself, If whatever is happening in the outside world is something I don’t align with, you know, [me leaving] could be perceived as me supporting that. So, I gave myself the chance to stay in the Villa … It’s been a lot. It’s been overwhelming. I’m still taking the time to process.”
During Nic and Cierra’s one-on-one date, Cierra jokingly asked Nic if she was his dream girl. The comment was lighthearted, but fans noticed Nic’s odd reaction to the question. He didn’t answer and laughed it off. It wasn’t the first time fans noticed Nic dodging questions about his feelings for Cierra. Nic addressed the scene during his Chicks In the Office interview. He told the hosts he doesn’t remember what he thought in the moment. Instead, he took the opportunity to gush over Olandria saying, “I’m grinning ear-to-ear when I’m with Olandria, so.”
Nic says he plans to address the drama with Cierra at the reunion
During an interview with Access Hollywood, Nic said a lot needs to be addressed at the reunion, including the Cierra situation.
“There is just a lot of things in the air, at least for me,” he said.
It is unknown if Cierra will be invited to the upcoming reunion. An “inside source” told The Sun that the former Islander wants an invite.
“Cierra is pushing to be invited, but we haven’t decided yet if she will be attending,” the source told the outlet. “She created controversy and some of us don’t want to have her linked with the show ever again, but we still are discussing if she should come or not.”
Love Island USA is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF CIERRA’S SHADY INSTAGRAM REEL? DO YOU THINK SHE HAS A RIGHT TO BE UPSET?