7 Shocking Twists That Defined Nic And Cierra’s Love Island USA Season 7 Journey

The whirlwind romance between Nicolas "Nic" Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega was one of the most intense and, ultimately, dramatic storylines of Love Island USA Season 7, which aired in 2024. Their connection seemed destined for the final, but a series of shocking events—both inside and outside the villa—led to a sudden split and a massive wave of controversy that continues to be discussed by fans as of today, December 11, 2025.

Their journey was a masterclass in reality TV chaos, featuring a rapid commitment, a friendship betrayal, and an unprecedented mid-season exit that completely upended the villa dynamics. The story of Nic and Cierra is less about a failed romance and more about the explosive consequences of past actions meeting the high-stakes environment of a major reality show.

The Full Profile: Who Are Nic Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega?

Before their intense connection on *Love Island USA*, both Nic and Cierra had established careers and backgrounds that made them intriguing additions to the Season 7 cast. Their profiles reveal a mix of professional ambition and social media savviness.

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Cierra Ortega

• Full Name: Cierra Ortega
• Age: 25 (at time of casting)
• Hometown: Raised in Arizona, currently resides in Los Angeles, California
• Occupation: Content Creator, Influencer Manager, and Model
• Heritage: Mexican and Puerto Rican
• Key Villa Role: Bombshell who quickly formed a strong bond with Nic.

Nicolas "Nic" Vansteenberghe

• Full Name: Nicolas Vansteenberghe
• Age: 24 (at time of casting)
• Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
• Occupation: Registered Nurse and Model
• Key Villa Role: Original Islander who was initially coupled up with another contestant before Cierra’s arrival.

From First Glance to Villa Commitment: The Nic and Cierra Romance

Nic and Cierra’s relationship was one of the quickest to escalate in Season 7, providing fans with a seemingly stable couple amidst the usual villa chaos. Nic, who had been struggling to find a genuine connection, was immediately captivated by Cierra when she entered as a bombshell.

Their early days were filled with romantic dates and deep conversations, leading them to "close things off" relatively early in the season, a term on *Love Island* that signifies a mutual commitment to stop getting to know other people. This early commitment solidified them as a power couple and a frontrunner to win the $100,000 prize.

The couple shared a special romantic picnic date, where they discussed their future and life outside the villa, giving fans the impression that they were truly meant to be. This period of stability provided a crucial contrast to the drama that would soon follow, making their eventual downfall all the more shocking for viewers and fellow Islanders.

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However, the villa environment is a pressure cooker, and while their connection was strong, it was frequently tested by the arrival of new bombshells and the inevitable drama of Casa Amor looming on the horizon. Despite these pressures, Nic and Cierra remained committed, a testament to the intensity of their initial spark.

The Shocking Exit: Cierra Ortega’s Mid-Season Controversy

The biggest twist in the Nic and Cierra saga had nothing to do with a re-coupling ceremony or a dramatic argument. It was an external force that brought their time on the show to an abrupt and controversial end.

Midway through the season, Cierra Ortega was unexpectedly removed from the villa. The official reason was a "mutual decision" with production, but the real-world controversy quickly surfaced. Posts from Cierra’s past on social media, reportedly containing a racial slur, had resurfaced and gone viral. This led to a public outcry and significant pressure on the show’s producers.

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Cierra's immediate departure left Nic and the other Islanders stunned. The suddenness of her exit, combined with the serious nature of the allegations, created an atmosphere of confusion and tension in the villa. For Nic, who had just closed off his relationship with Cierra, the exit was a major emotional blow that forced him to quickly re-evaluate his entire experience on the show.

Following her exit, Cierra took to her social media to break her silence on the matter, posting a video to apologize for the resurfaced posts and the harm they caused. This unprecedented scandal became one of the most talked-about moments of *Love Island USA* Season 7, highlighting the intense scrutiny reality stars face regarding their digital history.

The Aftermath: Nic, Olandria, and the ‘Nicolandria’ Drama

Following Cierra’s sudden departure, Nic was left single and vulnerable. The villa’s dynamics quickly shifted, and Nic found an unexpected connection with Olandria Carthen, who was a close friend of Cierra’s in the villa. This pairing, quickly dubbed "Nicolandria" by fans, became the new central focus of the season.

Nic and Olandria’s relationship blossomed, and they ultimately made it to the finale, finishing in second place. This rapid transition from Cierra to Olandria was a major talking point among the fan base, with many questioning the speed and the loyalty involved, especially given Olandria’s friendship with Cierra.

The drama did not end when the season finale aired. The real heat began once Cierra was back in the public eye and could address the situation. In the months following the finale, Cierra took to her Instagram Story to address Nic and Olandria’s ongoing relationship, expressing her feelings and frustrations about the coupling, particularly the apparent betrayal by her villa friend, Olandria. This created a highly public, messy post-show feud that dominated social media.

Nic and Olandria, who are still together as of the latest updates in 2025, also reacted to Cierra’s posts, defending their relationship and their actions in the villa. Nic explained in a recent appearance that Cierra's exit was a final decision and that he felt he had to move on to continue his journey and find a genuine connection. The 'Nicolandria' couple has continued to showcase their romance outside of the villa, proving that their connection was strong enough to survive the intense public scrutiny and the shadow of the Cierra controversy.

Where Are Nic and Cierra Now? (2025 Update)

The lives of Nic Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega have taken completely different paths since their time on *Love Island USA* Season 7.

• Nic Vansteenberghe: Nic is currently still in a committed relationship with Olandria Carthen. The couple is frequently featured on each other’s social media, sharing updates on their life together and interacting with their large fan base, proving that their villa romance translated successfully into the real world. Nic continues his work as a model and nurse, balancing his professional life with his new reality TV fame.
• Cierra Ortega: Cierra has returned to her work as a content creator and influencer. She has maintained a strong social media presence and has used her platform to address the controversy and share her journey post-*Love Island*. Her focus appears to be on building her brand and moving forward from the intense drama that surrounded her exit. The entire experience, though turbulent, significantly boosted her profile as a reality TV personality.

Ultimately, the story of Nic and Cierra is a reminder that the connections formed in the villa are only one part of the *Love Island* experience. For this couple, their journey was a short-lived romance overshadowed by a major scandal, leading to a dramatic friendship betrayal and a lasting relationship for "Nicolandria."