Belle-A Walker cannot stand by her former friend Cierra Ortega after her racism controversy.
Cierra was removed from Love Island USA on Sunday night’s episode after it was revealed she used a racial slur aimed toward Asians in an alleged resurfaced Instagram Story post in 2020. At least one other post from years prior has also been unearthed in which she uses the same derogatory term. Cierra’s yet to speak out following her departure, but her former co-star is!
Related: Love Island USA’s Jeremiah Breaks Silence On ‘Toxic’ Huda Romance
After the exit, Belle-A, who was also involved with Nic Vansteenberghe during her time on the dating series, shared her gratitude for the producers for standing against racism. She expressed:
“As a proud Asian American woman, I’m deeply appreciative of the Love Island USA producers for taking a stand and making it clear that racism of any kind is not tolerated.”
Shockingly, this isn’t even the first time a contestant has been dumped from the island for a resurfaced racist comment! Like many fans, Belle-A was left appalled by the resurfaced slur — especially because it came from someone she considered a new friend, she acknowledged:
“When I first saw what my fellow Islander said on their social media pages, I was incredibly heartbroken. But I wanted to wait until they left the villa and were able to address the situation, genuinely apologize, and commit to learning from the experience before deciding how our relationship would look moving forward.”
Now? The friendship is over. Belle-A continued:
“As screenshots continued to surface, it became clear that I could no longer support this person, and made the decision to unfollow them a couple of days ago.”
The former Islander pointed out:
“Asian hate is oftentimes overlooked and dismissed. But being a first-generation American, I have personally witnessed and experienced how real and hurtful comments like these are. It is my hope that this situation can help shed light on how big of an issue anti-Asian hate actually is.
Just like so many other Asian Americans, my mom immigrated here to create a better life for her and her future family. Knowing the hardships she and so many others have faced, I could not be silent any longer. Because what good is this amazing platform God and you all have given me if I don’t use it to amplify the voices of my community?”
Good for her!
The reality star concluded her message by wishing no ill will on anyone, stating:
“I do not condone bigotry or racism of any kind. But I also don’t condone hate either. Please think twice before leaving unkind comments to or about this person. I love you all so much
”
Read her full stance on this (below):
Cierra’s family has also asked fans to be kind and give the 25-year-old “compassion” as she leaves the villa following an onslaught of “threats” amid this scandal. As mentioned, Cierra has not yet commented on the situation.
Thoughts? Let us know (below).
[Image via Peacock]
The post <i>Love Island USA</i>’s Belle-A Reacts To Cierra’s Exit Following Resurfaced Racist Posts: ‘Deeply Appreciative’ appeared first on Perez Hilton.