Cierra Ortega has been doing everything she can to move forward after the controversy that overshadowed her time on “Love Island USA.” But for some online users, her past remains impossible to separate from her present.
A recent post highlighting her new tattoo reignited old conversations, with critics arguing the design carried a layer of irony.
On August 27, the “Love Island USA” star shared a TikTok video documenting the process of getting a spine tattoo, suggesting the decision was spontaneous. Two days later, she returned with a series of photos on Instagram and TikTok, putting the ink front and center.
About a week later, she shared another video while getting ready for a “fashion and wellness event,” and then hours later, posted the finished outfit in another video.
The look featured a completely backless long-sleeve crop top that she described as “business in front, party at the back.” She paired it with baggy denim jeans, knee-length Zara boots, dangling earrings, wraparound sunglasses, and what appeared to be a Balenciaga Le Cagole Graffiti shoulder bag.
The Tattoo Reignites Her Past Controversy
In the latest clip, Ortega confidently walked away from the camera, keeping the focus squarely on the fine-line spine tattoo exposed by the open-back top. The design features a lotus flower, which has deep and ancient origins in Asia.
Interestingly, Ortega had Childish Gambino’s “L.E.S.” track playing in the background, specifically the part where he says, “She got ironic tattoos on her back.”
In the comments section, one person played off the lyric, writing, “Truly an ironic tattoo considering it’s Asian,” earning nearly a thousand likes from supporters.
This remark referenced Ortega’s controversial past when she used an anti-Asian slur in videos that resurfaced during her time on “Love Island USA.” Although she publicly acknowledged her mistake and apologized, many online users have refused to let go.
Fans Applaud Her Resilience
The resurfaced videos also led to Ortega’s removal from “Love Island USA” Season 7. After facing weeks of intense backlash, she gradually returned to social media, continuing to share fashion, travel, and lifestyle content while rebuilding her audience. As a result, many followers now applaud her resilience and growth.
Ortega’s exit from the show also ended the budding romance she had started with Nic Vansteenberghe, who later coupled up with Olandria Carthen. To date, some fans still believe “Nic fumbled Ortega,” pointing out how he moved on quickly after she left.
Chelley Bissainthe Remains One Of Her Closest Friends
Although Ortega didn’t leave the villa with a relationship, she did build lasting friendships. One of her closest bonds is Chelley Bissainthe. The pair recently vacationed together, fueling speculation from fans that they might be dating.
Alongside Clarke Carraway, the three women make up the fan-favorite “C3” friendship trio, which some fans claimed is the “best” thing that came out of “Love Island USA” Season 7.
Cierra Ortega Launches Her Own Podcast
From influencing, Ortega has expanded into podcasting, unveiling a project she says she’s been “dreaming” about for a long time.
Titled “Touching Grass with Cierra Ortega,” she’s positioning the series as a “little corner” for discussions about “identity, healing, growing up, love, and all the other weird, beautiful things that come with being alive.”
The debut episode, filmed during her recent trip with Bissainthe, featured her close friend as the first guest. Ortega thanked Bissainthe for encouraging her to finally launch the project and for keeping her accountable throughout the process.
Since premiering on September 3, the episode has drawn nearly 100,000 views, and fans have been kind in the comments.
