Cierra Ortega reveals in a TikTok video how watching Nic and Olandria’s ‘Nicolandria’ pairing after her Love Island exit left her hurt, seeking closure.
Cierra Ortega, the “Love Island USA” Season 7 contestant who was sent home in Episode 30 after past racist social‑media posts resurfaced, has broken her silence on the fan‑favorite pairing known as “Nicolandria.”
In a nine‑minute TikTok video, Ortega opened up about watching Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen explore their connection after her abrupt exit—and admitted it “f—ing hurt.”
Ortega and Nic had forged a deeply private bond in the villa, often keeping their conversations and flirtations shielded from the other Islanders. “I come out thinking Nic and I are in this amazing place… we’re closed off and have these strong feelings for each other,” she said. But when she emerged from the poolside fire pit and saw fans cheering on Nic and Olandria, one of her closest in‑villa friends, Ortega felt blindsided.
“Watching their connection forming after I left? Damn, it fucking hurts,” she confessed.
Despite her pain, Ortega emphasized that mixed emotions can coexist. “Two things can exist at once,” she explained. “I can be sad for myself that I am mourning this relationship…and also be happy for two people I care about.” Yet the silence from both Nic and Olandria in the days following her departure amplified her sense of loss. “As days went on and I didn’t hear from either of them, the more hurt I became,” she said. The lack of closure—feeling “shut down with no closure”—has lingered, even as she tries to move forward.
@cierraortega part four: stance on nicolandria, fashion + hair + jewlery, thank you for being here ❤️🩹
♬ original sound – Cierra Ortega
Nic Vansteenberghe has so far refrained from public comment on Ortega’s feelings. When Variety asked after the finale if he planned to reach out, he sidestepped the question, saying he’s “still taking time to process her whole situation and see where that goes. I’m taking time with Olandria to focus on us and this new life that we’re living.”
Ortega’s departure from the show was mired in controversy after old social‑media posts in which she used a racial slur reemerged online. The backlash was swift and severe: Ortega was bombarded with hateful messages and threats targeting her and her family.
In the immediate aftermath, her relatives released a joint statement acknowledging her mistake and calling for an end to the vitriol. “We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters,” the family wrote. “But the threats, the cruel messages—it’s heartbreaking. No one deserves that kind of hate.”
A few weeks later, Ortega issued her own apology on Instagram, directly addressing the Asian community. “I am deeply, truly, honestly so sorry,” she wrote, expressing that she had “no idea” the word held such painful history. Her willingness to own up and learn from her mistake has garnered support from viewers who believe in second chances.
As “Love Island USA” gears up to air its Season 6 reunion on Peacock on Monday, August 25, Ortega seems focused on healing and personal growth. While she mourns what might have been with Nic, she’s determined to embrace the next chapter—both for herself and for the people she once called friends.
