Cierra Ortega may be sorry for using a racial slur, but her grandmother thinks this drama has gotten way out of hand!
After getting kicked off Love Island USA for using a racial slur directed toward Asians in a resurfaced post, the 25-year-old finally broke her silence on the scandal in a lengthy apology video on Wednesday evening. In the video and accompanying statement, she insisted she did not know the word’s meaning and immediately stopped using it when someone corrected her. She also slammed haters for attacking her loved ones as a result of her actions, even alleging viewers have called ICE on her family! WTF!
Related: Former Love Island USA Winner Serena Recalls Racism She Endured From Producers!
At the end of the day, Cierra said she was “deeply sorry” for using the offensive language and promised to do better. She seemed genuinely regretful and understanding of the backlash this has caused. But her grandmother has a very different take!
Speaking to TMZ on Thursday, Cierra’s grandmother Magdalena Carrillo came to her defense! First off, she said she watched Cierra’s apology and felt “she meant every word” and that it was genuine. That’s good, though we doubt her grandmother would say anything different! You can hear it (below):
But Magdalena then insisted there’s no way her granddaughter could ever be racist, despite the allegations — in fact, she said no one in their family is! Why?? She pointed out that they are immigrants, which is why she thinks it’s ridiculous to accuse Cierra of being a racist.
Uh… We understand she’s upset about the drama, but just because someone is an immigrant or minority themselves doesn’t mean they can’t also be problematic! Just saying.
Magdalena went on to say she was left feeling shocked and heartbroken witnessing the amount of negativity that has been sent Cierra’s way amid this scandal — and she thinks the hate has become out of control! As for claims ICE has been contacted, she couldn’t confirm if that was true, but the matriarch did confirm that the backlash has been impacting the entire family and that she finds the possible stunt “appalling.” Oof. Can’t disagree with her there. That does cross a line.
Looking to the future, Magdalena said that whether or not Cierra decides to stay in the reality TV world will be totally up to her. It’ll certainly be inneresting to see how she moves on from this! The axed Islander clearly has a strong support system within her family — she’s gonna need that as she processes this ordeal!
Thoughts? Do U agree with Magdalena take on this?? Let us know (below).
[Image via Peacock]
The post <i>Love Island USA</i> Star Cierra’s Grandmother Has A Very Different Response To Racism Allegations appeared first on Perez Hilton.