The Shocking Truth About Cierra And Nic Love Island: Where Are They Now In 2025?
The whirlwind romance between Cierra Ortega and Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe was one of the most compelling storylines of Love Island USA Season 7. The fan-favorite couple seemed destined for the finale, only for their journey to be derailed by one of the most abrupt and controversial exits in the show's history. As of December 2025, the dust has long settled, but the details of their dramatic separation and their lives today continue to captivate reality TV fans, especially with one half of the former couple thriving in a new, long-term relationship.
The latest updates confirm that while Cierra and Nic’s connection was strong in the villa, their post-show reality is vastly different. Nic has found lasting love with another Islander, Olandria Carthen, forming the beloved "Nicolandria" duo. Cierra, meanwhile, has been vocal on social media about the events that led to her removal and her perspective on Nic's subsequent romance. This article dives deep into the biographies of the former couple, the explosive controversy that tore them apart, and their current, separate lives in 2025.
Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe: Full Biography and Love Island Journey
Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe entered the villa during Love Island USA Season 7 and quickly established themselves as a power couple. Their connection was immediate, leading many viewers to label them as early frontrunners for the $100,000 prize.
- Full Name: Cierra Ortega
- Age: 26 (as of late 2025, born October 8, 1999)
- Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
- Occupation: Digital Creator and Brand Partnerships Manager. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona.
- Love Island Journey: Entered the villa on Day 2 as the first 'bombshell.' She coupled up with Nic on Day 20.
- Full Name: Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe
- Age: 24 (at the time of the show)
- Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
- Occupation: Registered Nurse (RN) and Model, previously signed with Next Model Management in Miami.
- Love Island Journey: Entered the villa on Day 1. He was coupled with Cierra until her exit on Day 26, then later coupled up with Olandria Carthen, finishing in second place on Day 32.
The pair’s chemistry was undeniable, and they often spoke about their strong feelings for each other. They were one of the few couples to "close their relationship" in the villa, a term used to signify exclusivity, just days before Cierra’s sudden departure, making the breakup even more shocking for fans.
The Real Reason Behind Cierra Ortega's Sudden Love Island Exit
The pivotal moment that shattered the Cierra and Nic pairing was Cierra's abrupt removal from the villa on Day 26. The show’s narrator, Iain Stirling, simply announced that "Cierra Ortega has left the villa due to a personal situation," leaving Nic and the other Islanders visibly shocked and devastated.
However, the true reason for her departure was revealed shortly after. Cierra was removed from the series following intense backlash from viewers after old social media posts resurfaced. These posts contained a racial slur directed against Asian people. This was a major controversy for Love Island USA Season 7, as Cierra was the second contestant that season, following Yulissa Escobar, to be removed for similar issues involving the use of a racial slur.
The scandal left Nic officially single and heartbroken. He later confessed that he was "definitely strongly considering leaving" the show after her exit, but ultimately chose to stay. The show's producers made the decision to remove Cierra to address the serious nature of the resurfaced comments and the resulting public uproar.
Nic and Olandria: The 'Nicolandria' Romance That Shocked Fans and Lasted
After Cierra's dramatic exit, Nic was left to navigate the final week of the competition alone. It was during this time that his friendship with fellow Islander Olandria Carthen blossomed into a romantic connection. Olandria had initially been coupled up with Taylor Williams, but her bond with Nic deepened rapidly in the final days.
The unexpected pairing of Nic and Olandria, dubbed "Nicolandria" by fans, finished Love Island USA Season 7 in second place.
The Current Status in 2025: Cierra, Nic, and Olandria
In a rare success story for the reality franchise, Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen are still together in 2025. Their relationship has endured long after the cameras stopped rolling, a testament to the genuine connection they forged in the villa's final week. They frequently share updates on their lives, traveling, and the growth of their relationship on social media, much to the delight of the "Nicolandria Hive" fanbase.
Cierra Ortega has also spoken out about the situation post-show. She addressed her unexpected departure and later commented on Nic and Olandria's thriving relationship in a multi-part TikTok video series and on her Instagram Story. While she initially expressed her disappointment, she has since moved on, focusing on her career as a Digital Creator and her life in Phoenix, Arizona.
The story of Cierra and Nic is a complex one, highlighting the volatile nature of reality TV fame, the impact of social media scrutiny, and how quickly alliances and relationships can change. While the original couple did not reconnect after the finale, Nic's lasting partnership with Olandria provides a happy ending for one of the season's most dramatic storylines, solidifying Love Island USA Season 7 as one of the most memorable in the show's history.
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