Overview

• On the July 16 Chicks in the Office podcast, Vansteenberghe revealed producers offered only vague personal reasons for Ortega’s midseason exit.
• He said he strongly considered quitting the villa in solidarity with Ortega before staying to avoid appearing to endorse unknown misconduct.
• He and new partner Olandria Carthen finished the season in second place while he continues to process the racial slur controversy before taking a public stance.
• Cierra Ortega has shared apology and accountability videos on Instagram and reported that her family has faced death threats and harassment online.
• Two midseason ejections for racist language in Season 7 have intensified calls from fans and industry figures for transparent contestant vetting and conduct policies on reality shows.