The ongoing drama between former Love Island USA stars JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez has taken a new turn. Rodriguez recently broke his year-long silence about the alleged racial text messages that led to their July 2025 split. During a podcast appearance, he claimed the messages were a reaction to what he described as “verbal abuse” from Craig. But Craig quickly fired back, calling his version of events “all a lie” and threatening to release the actual text messages .
The couple, who finished in third place during Love Island USA Season 6 in 2024, became a fan favorite during their time in the villa. They continued their relationship outside the show and even starred in the spin-off series Beyond the Villa. However, their romance came to a sudden end in July 2025 when rumors surfaced that Craig had found disturbing messages on Rodriguez’s phone .
Kenny Rodriguez Finally Speaks Out on The Journey Podcast
More than a year after the breakup, Kenny Rodriguez decided to share his side of the story. He appeared on the July 20 episode of The Journey Podcast with host Zachary Cummings. This marked the first time he publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the leaked text messages .
Rodriguez confirmed that the messages were real and took “full accountability” for what he wrote. However, he insisted that the texts did not reflect his true character or beliefs. He pointed to his background to defend himself against accusations of racism.
“I’ve dated Black women before. I have Black ancestry. I’m Dominican. Half of my family is dark-skinned. So there was never a problem with race.”
Rodriguez claimed that the messages were sent to a friend while he was venting about problems in his relationship with Craig. He said he had been dealing with what he called “verbal abuse” and had reached a breaking point. According to him, he had tried to end the relationship multiple times, but Craig would insist they stay together .
“I made a statement that I’m not proud of, and I take full accountability for it. But I think it’s a bit unjust to take that situation and to have that define me and run with that.”
The reality star also described the night Craig discovered the messages on his phone. He claimed they were staying at a hotel in Los Angeles when she went through his phone without his permission. Rodriguez alleged that Craig got physical with him during the confrontation, and he threatened to call the police .
“She got all up in my face. She got physical. I said, ‘Nope. Here’s your phone. The door is there. I’m going to call 9-1-1.’ That’s the last day that I saw her.”
JaNa Craig Fires Back: “It’s Literally All a Lie”
JaNa Craig did not wait long to respond to her ex-boyfriend’s podcast claims. She took to her Instagram Stories on July 20 and July 21 to share her side of the story. She made it clear that she strongly disagreed with everything Rodriguez said .
“Never in my life have I assaulted anyone. Ever. It’s not even in my character. I am not a violent person.”
Craig denied the verbal abuse allegations and said there were no daily arguments in their relationship. She admitted that they argued occasionally like any couple, but insisted things were “perfectly fine” overall .
She also addressed Rodriguez’s claim that she begged him to stay in the relationship. Craig called this a complete lie and said she never begged anyone to remain in her life .
In a more direct message aimed at Rodriguez, Craig did not hold back her frustration. She accused him of lying during the podcast and reminded him that she had stayed quiet for an entire year.
“You know everything you said was a fcking lie…I spared you for a whole fcking year. Minding my business, literally focusing on myself and my blessings. And you thought that was a good idea. Alright btch, let’s fcking play.”
Craig also revealed that Rodriguez had sent her a cease-and-desist letter before going on the podcast. She found this move “ballsy” and “insane” given that he was simultaneously making public statements about her .
“To the person who thought it was a good idea to send me a cease and desist and go on a whole ass podcast and make up straight f***ing lies, very ballsy of you.”
She even challenged Rodriguez to give her permission to release all the text messages so everyone could see the truth for themselves .
“I think you should give me permission to drop all the text messages… Why don’t we start there?”
Craig also mentioned that her lawyers are now involved and are “drawing up the paperwork” . She accused Rodriguez’s lawyers of not answering their phones and warned him not to come after her .
Kordell Beckham Gets Involved in the Drama
The drama did not stay between the two exes. Kordell Beckham, who won Love Island USA Season 6 with his partner Serena Page, also entered the conversation. During his podcast interview, Rodriguez mentioned that Beckham had reached out to him after the controversy. He said Beckham was the only person from the season who checked on him .
Beckham quickly responded on his Instagram Stories to set the record straight. He made it clear that he did not support Rodriguez or condone his actions.
“We’re not gonna get on how you sat on that podcast and lied the entire time, but what we’re not gonna do is lie like I condone anything you did slash said.”
Beckham also clarified that after he reached out, they had not spoken since. He ended his message by showing support for Craig.
“Love you for life, girl, and keep my name out your mouth. I don’t with you, bro.”
Beckham and Page won the competition in 2024 and have remained together since leaving the villa, while Rodriguez and Craig’s relationship ended in 2025 .
Fan Reactions Pour in on Social Media
The public breakup and the new allegations have sparked strong reactions from Love Island USA fans on social media. Many viewers have taken sides, with a large number expressing support for Craig and criticizing Rodriguez.
One X user wrote:
“Kenny seriously sat his ugly a– on a podcast to blame the entire situation, JaNa. She gave him SOOO much grace when she didn’t have to? This is one of the vilest men ever to walk this earth.”
Another viewer expressed disbelief at Rodriguez’s decision to speak out:
“How shameless do you have to be to say something like that on camera?! Passing the buck after screwing up—he really showed his true colors!”
Some fans also questioned why Rodriguez was given a platform to share his side of the story.
“He is just so shameless, and who the f–k is the person who gave him a chance at an interview? He’s a racist.”
Others felt Rodriguez failed to take real responsibility for his actions.
“Zero accountability. This is why NOBODY cares about ‘your side.’ You’re not a victim.”
The Text Messages That Started It All
The controversy began in July 2025 when Craig allegedly found text messages on Rodriguez’s phone. Reports suggested that the messages contained statements where Rodriguez said he did not “like Black women” and was “faking” his relationship with Craig .
A close friend of Craig reportedly leaked the messages, which led to intense backlash against Rodriguez . Fans and fellow cast members accused him of racism and using Craig for fame and money .
At the time of the split, Craig confirmed the breakup on her Instagram Stories with a emotional message.
“Please know that I have seen all the breakup theories and none have matched up to how terrible, disgusting and disappointing it truly is. Discovering that someone you loved isn’t who you thought they were and that the relationship you thought you were building hasn’t been genuine since day one has been truly devastating.”
What Happened Between JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez
JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez met during Season 6 of Love Island USA, which aired in 2024. Rodriguez entered the villa as a Bombshell two weeks into the season and quickly coupled up with Craig . The pair became one of the most popular couples of the season and finished in third place.
After the show ended, they continued their relationship outside the villa. They moved in together and appeared on the spin-off series Beyond the Villa, which documented their life after the show .
However, tensions appeared to be brewing behind the scenes. In an episode of Beyond the Villa filmed around May 2025, the couple had a tense dinner date for their nine-month anniversary. Craig confronted Rodriguez about having a “side piece” when they were briefly separated in the villa .
On July 27, 2025, TMZ reported that the couple had split . Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Craig had unfollowed Rodriguez on Instagram and removed his name from her bio. Rodriguez did the same .
Craig confirmed the breakup on July 28, 2025, through an Instagram Stories post . A source confirmed to People that Craig ended the relationship and that they would not be getting back together .
Now, a year later, the public war of words between the two reality stars shows no signs of slowing down. With Craig threatening to release the text messages and involving her lawyers, this drama seems far from over.
Also Read: Dream to You Episodes 3-4 Recap: Yi-jae and Soo-bin’s Relationship Takes a Major Turn
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