Cierra Ortega‘s parents are speaking out.
During Sunday night’s episode, the Love Island USA star was removed from the series after it was revealed she allegedly used a racist slur directed towards Asians in resurfaced Instagram posts. She used the term in one post from 2020 while describing her reason for getting Botox done. Check it out:
Awful. The villa is no place for racism!
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Fans have been incredibly upset over the insensitive post since it resurfaced. Along with calling for producers to take action, she’s also lost hundreds of thousands of followers in just days!
Now that she’s got a one-way plane ticket out of Fiji, her parents are addressing the controversy. Taking to her Instagram Story hours after the dumping was announced, her family wrote in a lengthy statement:
“As Cierra’s parents, this has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives. We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate. And while Cierra hasn’t seen any of it yet, we have. And so have the people who love her.”
While not trying to defend her actions or speak on Cierra’s behalf, the family begged for a stop to the hate being sent her way:
“We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that.
The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters, it’s heartbreaking. It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistakes they’ve made.”
The family pointed out that the 25-year-old is still far from home and unable to speak out just yet:
“While Cierra is not in the villa anymore, she is still away. She hasn’t had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself. But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace.”
They hope she’ll “take responsibility” — at some point, at least — but are more concerned for her mental health at this time, the statement concluded:
“While she’ll always be our little girl, she’s also a woman, one who will take responsibility in her own time and her own voice.
Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion. For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this. Thank you to those who’ve continued to show love, even when it’s not easy.
— With love, Her family”
Hmm. They didn’t have much to say on the slur… They’re leaving that for their daughter to deal with on her own! See the full statement (below):
Racism should never be tolerated — nor should violent threats. Hold someone accountable for their actions, 100%, but don’t stoop to cruelty, too!
Reactions? What do U think of this statement? Sound OFF (below)!
[Image via Peacock & Cierra Ortega/Instagram]
The post Cierra’s Parents Break Silence Following Her <i>Love Island USA</i> Exit After ‘Painful’ Racism Controversy appeared first on Perez Hilton.