Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Jul 7: Tensions soared in Season 7, Episode 30 of Love Island USA after Cierra Ortega made a sudden exit from the villa due to a personal situation. While viewers were still processing the shock, all eyes turned to her partner Nic Vansteenberghe, whose calm and quick rebound with another Islander sparked major backlash online.

Narrator Iain Stirling confirmed Cierra’s departure, saying she had left the villa, leaving Nic officially single. The announcement came just days after the couple agreed to become exclusive, making her absence all the more jarring.

Nic appeared surprised but not heartbroken. “Right before Cierra had left, my mind was clear. I knew what the future would look like and now I'm lost,” he said, before adding, “Well, I think now that my strongest connection has gone, I’ll just figure it out from here.”

Fellow Islander Pepe tried to comfort him, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment, but Nic’s detached demeanor didn’t sit well with fans.

Social media erupted with criticism. Viewers accused Nic of faking his feelings for Cierra, pointing to how quickly he reconnected with Olandria Carthen. “Nic is just evil and so in love with Olandria. He never liked Cierra,” one user posted.

Olandria was quick to offer comfort, saying, “I could be there for you in this time of need,” to which Nic responded, “That person would be you.”

By the end of the episode, Olandria chose Nic in the recoupling ceremony, declaring, “I’ve loved him from the moment I met him. I’m super excited to spend the rest of my days with this person.”

Fans remain divided over Nic’s actions, with some calling it a typical Love Island twist, while others believe Cierra deserved better. As villa emotions heat up, the drama is far from over.