The recent removal of Love Island USA contestant Cierra Ortega has ignited a much-needed conversation about anti-Asian hate and the double standards in addressing racism. Ortega was ousted from the reality show after old social media posts resurfaced in which she used racial slurs against the Asian community.
In a 2023 post, Ortega described her eyes as appearing “chinky”—a derogatory term historically used to denigrate Asian people. She wrote, “I can also be a little chinky when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift to open up my eyes and get that snatched look.”
While some defended Ortega, suggesting she didn’t “mean it with hate,” others were dismayed to find she had used the slur before. An earlier 2015 post showed her smiling atop a mountain with the caption, “Still chinkin’ even at the top.” The backlash led to her removal from the show.
This isn’t the first time Love Island USA faced controversy over racist remarks. Earlier this season, contestant Yulissa Escobar was also removed after a resurfaced podcast revealed her using a racial slur directed at the Black community. Yet, some argued that Ortega’s words were not as serious, highlighting a troubling disparity in how different forms of racism are perceived.
With the rise of social media, instances of racism—intentional or not—are increasingly brought to light. In 2020, American rapper Cardi B faced criticism after using the same slur when referring to her daughter’s eyes. She responded by admitting she was unaware of its offensive meaning.
Anti-Asian hate is often overlooked or downplayed, with many failing to recognize the harm caused by racial slurs and stereotypes. In 2014, British politician Nigel Farage defended the use of the word during a radio interview, claiming it was commonly used to describe Chinese restaurants. This normalization of derogatory language perpetuates stereotypes and fuels discrimination.
Racial slurs carry a painful history and can be devastating to those targeted. As one Asian-American TikTok user explained, it’s not about comparing which slur is worse; any racial slur is harmful and should be taken seriously. “People just don’t understand the historical implications of any slur because we’re not taught the history in schools,” he said.
The normalization of anti-Asian hate is a symptom of a deeper issue that perpetuates racism against Asian communities. From the “model minority” myth to Orientalist stereotypes about appearance and culture, anti-Asian hate takes many forms. It’s time we began taking it as seriously as any other form of discrimination.
Since her removal from the show, Ortega released a video apology, taking accountability for her actions. “I was very naively using an incredibly offensive and derogatory term… I had no idea that the word held as much pain… or I never would have used it.” While acknowledging her ignorance is a step forward, it also underscores the need for education on the impact of such language.
This incident serves as a teachable moment. We need to educate ourselves about the history and impact of anti-Asian hate, listen to the experiences of Asian individuals, and amplify their voices. We must call out racism and stereotypes when we see them and support efforts to combat them.
Ultimately, it’s up to all of us to create a more inclusive and equitable society—one where anti-Asian hate is neither tolerated nor minimized. By speaking out against racism in all its forms, we can help build a more just and compassionate world for everyone.
Why is it that so many people are comfortable using slurs targeting Asians without considering them as harmful as those directed at other minority groups? Is it because of the perception that Asians are less likely to speak out? Or have these slurs become so normalized that they’re simply part of everyday vocabulary for some?
By acknowledging and addressing these issues, we can begin to dismantle the double standards that persist around racism and work toward genuine equality.
