The Real Reason Nic And Cierra Split: Inside The Love Island USA Season 7 Drama, Removal, And 'Villain' Accusations

The tumultuous and short-lived romance between Nicolas "Nic" Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega on Love Island USA Season 7 was one of the most talked-about storylines of the 2025 season, but fans hoping for a post-villa reunion have been left disappointed. As of today, December 11, 2025, the couple has definitively gone their separate ways, a separation fueled not just by a natural split but by an unprecedented on-screen removal that sent shockwaves through the villa and the online fan community. Their journey was defined by a dramatic coupling, an official "closing off," and a sudden, controversial exit that ultimately paved the way for Nic to find a new connection with runner-up Olandria Carthen.

The story of Nic and Cierra is less a tale of star-crossed lovers and more a deep dive into how quickly reality TV fame can turn sour, with social media history playing a devastating role. Their relationship status post-show is a firm "split," and the public drama that unfolded afterwards confirms there is no love lost between the former islanders. The controversy surrounding Cierra's mid-season departure remains a central entity in their shared narrative, permanently altering the course of Nic's time in the villa and the final outcome of Season 7.

The Full Story: Nic and Cierra's Love Island USA Season 7 Biography

Both Nic Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega entered the villa as fan favorites, each bringing a unique background and personality to the show. Their initial connection was undeniable, leading many viewers to believe they were a lock for the finale.

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Cierra Ortega Profile

• Full Name: Cierra Ortega
• Age: 25 (at the time of the show)
• Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
• Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
• Occupation: Content Creator / Influencer
• Heritage: Mexican and Puerto Rican
• Love Island Status: Entered Day 2, Removed Day 26

Nicolas "Nic" Vansteenberghe Profile

• Full Name: Nicolas "Nic" Vansteenberghe
• Age: 24 (at the time of the show)
• Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
• Occupation: Registered Nurse / Model
• Love Island Status: Entered Day 1, Finished as Runner-Up (with Olandria)

From Hot Couple to Controversial Exit: Their Villa Journey

Nic and Cierra’s journey began early in Love Island USA Season 7. They quickly formed a strong bond, often seen as one of the most stable pairings in the villa. Their chemistry was apparent, and they were one of the first couples to take a significant step, officially "closing off" their connection, which signaled their commitment to one another and their decision to stop pursuing other islanders.

This commitment, however, was shattered mid-season by a major off-screen scandal. On Day 26, Cierra Ortega was abruptly removed from the villa by producers. The removal was a direct result of old social media posts resurfacing online where she had used an anti-Asian slur.

Cierra's sudden departure left Nic in a state of shock and uncertainty. He was now single and suddenly faced with the decision of whether to leave the villa with Cierra or continue his journey. Nic ultimately chose to stay, a decision that proved to be pivotal for the rest of the season.

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While Nic initially struggled with the emotional fallout of Cierra's exit, his decision to remain in the competition quickly led him to form a new, unexpected connection. This is where Olandria Carthen, who had been coupled up with Taylor Williams, entered the picture. Nic and Olandria’s bond developed rapidly in the wake of Cierra’s removal, leading them to become one of the most popular pairings of the season, affectionately nicknamed "NicOlandria" by fans.

Where Are They Now? Nic, Cierra, and the 'NicOlandria' Aftermath

The question of "Are Nic and Cierra still together?" is a resounding no. Their connection ended the moment Cierra left the villa, and the subsequent events have solidified their separate paths.

Cierra's Post-Villa 'Villain' Claims

After her removal, Cierra was vocal about her experience and the relationship on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. She posted about feeling "happier" after "surviving the villain," a comment widely interpreted by fans and media as a direct jab at Nic Vansteenberghe.

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This post-show drama highlighted the acrimonious nature of their split. Cierra also publicly addressed Nic's new relationship with Olandria, making it clear she was not supportive of the "NicOlandria" pairing.

Cierra also issued a public apology for her past social media posts, taking responsibility for the racist comments that led to her removal from the competition.

Nic's Relationship with Olandria Carthen

Nic and Olandria’s relationship flourished after Cierra’s exit. They became a strong, committed couple, beating the odds to finish as the runner-up couple of Love Island USA Season 7.

Post-show, Nic and Olandria confirmed they were still together, though they expressed a desire to take their relationship slowly and avoid putting labels on it too quickly. They were focused on navigating their connection in the real world, outside the intense environment of the villa.

Nic also publicly addressed Cierra's "villain" comments, explaining his perspective on why he chose to stay in the villa and pursue Olandria, emphasizing that he was simply following his heart.

The Final Verdict on Nic and Cierra's Love Story

The coupling of Nic and Cierra on Love Island USA Season 7 will forever be remembered for its sudden and dramatic conclusion. What started as a promising, committed relationship was cut short by external controversy, leading to Cierra's removal and Nic's subsequent pivot to Olandria.

Today, Nic Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega are living entirely separate lives. Nic has continued his romantic journey with Olandria Carthen, maintaining a relationship that has been closely followed by the Love Island fanbase. Cierra, now an influencer, has moved on from the show, addressing her past mistakes and focusing on her career.

For fans who were invested in the Nic and Cierra pairing, the final takeaway is clear: the villa's drama extended far beyond the finale, and the controversial exit ensured that their love story was a chapter closed permanently, making way for the enduring "NicOlandria" narrative to take center stage. The Season 7 drama serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly public perception and relationships can change in the high-stakes world of reality television.