Cierra Ortega‘s family is speaking out amid her racism controversy.

During the Sunday (July 6) episode of Love Island USA, it was announced that Cierra has “left the villa due to a personal situation.” Cierra‘s exit comes after a racist post from her social media resurfaced online and fans called for her firing.

After the episode aired, Cierra‘s family released a statement on her Instagram account addressing the situation.

Keep reading to find out more…“As Cierra’s parents, this has been one of the most painful weeks of our lives,” the statement began. “We’ve seen the posts, the headlines, the hurt and the hate. And while Cierra hasn’t seen any of it, we have. And so have people who love her.”

They continued, “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. We understand why people are upset, and we know accountability matters. But what’s happening online right now has gone far beyond that. The threats. The cruel messages. The attacks on her family, her friends, even her supporters, it’s heartbreaking. It’s uncalled for. And no one deserves that kind of hate, no matter what mistake they’ve made.”

“While Cierra is not in the villa anymore, she is still away,” Cierra‘s family wrote. “She hasn’t had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself. But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she’ll face this with honesty, growth, and grace. While she’ll always be our little girl, she’s also a woman, one who will take responsibility in her own time and her own voice.”

“Until then, we’re simply asking for compassion. For patience. For basic human decency. Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this,” the statement concluded. “Thank you to those who’ve continued to show love, even when it’s not easy. With love, Her Family.”

Cierra‘s Instagram has since been deactivated.

Earlier this season, another contestant was removed from the show after their past racist remarks also resurfaced.