They’re cracking on.
“Love Island USA” contestant Cierra Ortega shared her thoughts on Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen’s recoupling — and the “Nicolandria” fandom — after being ousted from the villa once her past racial slurs resurfaced online.
“they are two people I care deeply for and absolutely adore,” Ortega wrote on Instagram Saturday. “I’ve always wanted nothing but happiness for each of them in this experience. that has never & will never change ❤️🩹.”
The comment came after the reality star posted a carousel featuring the “people, moments and memories [she’ll] cherish forever” from her time in Fiji.
“this journey didn’t end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love, and growth in these moments. there’s still so much more growing to do,” Ortega, 25, added in her caption.
“and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
Ortega’s sudden departure from “Love Island USA” was announced during Episode 30 of the hit Peacock dating series.
Narrator Iain Stirling simply said that she had to leave due to “personal reasons” — and therefore her former partner Vansteenberghe, 24, was left single.
The two had been one of the strongest couples in the villa after recently “closing off” their relationship.
Following Ortega’s exit, Vansteenberghe decided to once again open himself up to a romantic connection with Carthen, 27 — even though they had mutually agreed there was no spark during Casa Amor.
Meanwhile, after returning home, Ortega shared an “accountability video” on Instagram last week, apologizing for using the “incredibly offensive” racial slur.
“I am deeply, truly, honestly so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm, and came with the history that it did or I never would have used it,” she said.
The content creator also vowed that her actions going forward “will speak louder than any apology.”
“If you want to know that you are heard and that I’m sorry and that I will move differently, I promise you, that’s what will happen.”
