The Shocking Truth: What Really Happened To Cierra Ortega And Nic Vansteenberghe After Love Island USA?

The relationship between Cierra Ortega and Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe on Love Island USA Season 7 was one of the most abrupt and controversial departures in the show's history. Their journey, which seemed to be heading toward an "official" couple status, ended with a shocking mid-season removal that left Nic single in the villa and the audience reeling from the drama. The true story of what happened between Cierra and Nic is less about a typical reality TV breakup and more about a scandal that rocked the series, with both islanders breaking their silence in the years since the 2021 season.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, both Cierra and Nic have moved on, forging separate paths in their careers and personal lives. Their short-lived romance remains a key talking point for Love Island USA fans, particularly the dramatic circumstances surrounding Cierra's exit and Nic's subsequent coupling with Olandria Carthen.

Cierra Ortega and Nicolas Vansteenberghe: Biographical Profiles

Before diving into the post-villa drama, here is a quick look at the two islanders who were at the center of the Season 7 controversy.

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• Cierra Ortega
  • Season: Love Island USA Season 7 (2021)
  • Age (at time of show): 25 (Post-show)
  • Hometown/Origin: Unknown (Entered the villa as a bombshell)
  • Occupation: Reality TV Personality / Social Media Influencer
  • Relationship Status: Single (As of 2025)
  • Key Villa Moment: Was half of the first couple to "close off" their relationship before her sudden removal.
• Nicolas "Nic" Vansteenberghe
  • Season: Love Island USA Season 7 (2021)
  • Age (at time of show): 24
  • Hometown/Origin: Jacksonville, Florida
  • Occupation: Nurse, Model, Florida Atlantic University Alumnus
  • Relationship Status: Single (As of 2025)
  • Key Villa Moment: Finished as the runner-up with Olandria Carthen after Cierra's exit.

The Shocking Mid-Season Removal: Why Cierra Left Nic

The relationship between Cierra and Nic was one of the most promising in the villa, particularly after Nic’s initial connection with other islanders fizzled out. The couple even took the significant step of "closing off" their relationship, a term in the Love Island universe that signifies exclusivity and a serious commitment to one another. This moment made them a fan-favorite to potentially win the season.

However, the couple’s journey came to a sudden and controversial end. In an unprecedented move, Cierra Ortega was abruptly removed from the villa mid-season by producers. The official reason given was that she had violated the show's policies and guidelines. The true reason for her exit quickly surfaced online and became a major talking point in the reality TV community.

The removal stemmed from resurfaced social media posts in Cierra’s history that contained a racial slur and other offensive language. The posts, which were shared by viewers on platforms like Reddit and Twitter, quickly gained traction, leading to significant public backlash. The production company, Peacock and CBS, acted swiftly, removing Cierra to maintain the show's integrity and address the serious nature of the controversy.

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Nic Vansteenberghe was left completely blindsided by the departure. He later spoke out, explaining that Cierra "just left" without any explanation, and he was only told she had broken policies. Nic admitted that the shock of the situation led him to strongly consider leaving the show himself, but he ultimately decided to stay.

Nic's Journey Post-Cierra: The 'Nicolandria' Era

Following Cierra’s shocking departure, Nic Vansteenberghe had a choice: leave the villa and pursue Cierra, or stay and look for a new connection. He chose the latter, a decision that proved fruitful, though ultimately temporary.

The Rise of Nicolandria

Shortly after Cierra’s exit, Nic coupled up with bombshell Olandria Carthen. Their chemistry was immediate, and their pairing quickly became known to fans as "Nicolandria." Despite the shadow of Cierra’s controversial exit, Nic and Olandria’s relationship flourished, and they managed to make it all the way to the final, where they finished as the runner-up couple of Love Island USA Season 7.

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The Post-Villa Split

While Nic and Olandria left the villa together, their relationship did not last in the real world. Like many reality TV couples, the pressures of distance and life outside the bubble proved too much. Nic confirmed that the couple had split a few months after the finale, though they remain on good terms. Nic's initial plan to address Cierra post-show and potentially rekindle a romance was also put to rest, as the focus shifted to his new relationship with Olandria.

Cierra and Nic's Current Status in 2025

Years after the dramatic events of Season 7, both Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe have established separate lives and careers, with recent updates continuing to surface in 2025, keeping their story fresh in the minds of fans.

Cierra Ortega Today

After her removal, Cierra broke her silence, issuing a public apology for her past social media posts. She acknowledged the seriousness of the language used and expressed remorse, stating she was committed to removing such language from her vocabulary. Since the show, Cierra has focused on her life outside of reality television, occasionally engaging with the Love Island community. She even participated in social media trends that appeared to "shade" Nic and Olandria's relationship post-villa, suggesting some lingering tension or frustration over the situation. There were reports of her being in talks for a reunion appearance, though her public profile remains lower than many other islanders.

Nicolas Vansteenberghe Today

Nic continues to balance his career as a nurse and his work as a model and social media personality. He remains active on social media, often sharing content related to his travels, fitness, and modeling endeavors. As a Florida Atlantic University alumnus, he has also made appearances at college events, using his reality TV fame to connect with fans. Nic’s journey—from coupling with Cierra to finding love with Olandria, and ultimately returning to single life—has cemented his status as a memorable figure in the Love Island USA franchise, proving that a controversial exit can sometimes lead to a surprising second chance in the villa.