Love Island USA season seven stars Pepe Garcia and Iris Kendall have ended their relationship. The couple confirmed their split in late August 2025, just weeks after the show’s reunion episode aired. Both have spoken about the breakup, with Pepe denying rumors that he was unfaithful. Their romance began on the Peacock reality series but did not last long outside the villa.
Pepe Garcia publicly confirmed the breakup during an interview with TMZ on August 28. He stated directly that they were no longer together. He also talked about the difficulties of being in the public eye. Iris Kendall shared her own statement on the same day. She expressed gratitude for the support from fans and said she was moving forward with hope.
The couple first met on Love Island USA. They entered the show as bombshells, which are contestants who join later to shake up existing couples. Pepe and Iris made a connection and finished in fourth place. Their time on the show ended in July, but they decided to keep dating after leaving the island.
Pepe and Iris Share Their Statements on the Split
Pepe Garcia did not avoid talking about the breakup when asked by TMZ. He was clear and brief in his comments. He also addressed gossip about cheating, which had been spreading online. He emphasized that his focus was on the opinions of those close to him.
“Iris and I are not together anymore. That’s just the way it goes,” Pepe told TMZ. He added, “It’s a tough thing when there’s a lot of eyes on you 24/7. It’s stressful. Being in the limelight isn’t always the best thing in the world.”
Regarding the cheating rumors, he said:
“I like to say, my friends and family, are the people that support me, they know who I am as a person, and that’s honesty. That’s the biggest, the most important thing.”
Iris Kendall shared her thoughts through a statement to E! News. She had hoped to keep the matter private but wanted to update her supporters. She reflected positively on her experience despite the sadness of the breakup.
“I had hoped to keep this private, but I’m so grateful for all of the love and support I’ve received since leaving the villa, and I wanted to share an update,” Iris said. She continued, “The connection that I formed has ended, and while it isn’t how I would have imagined, I will always value the unique experience that we shared. It’s been a difficult transition, but I’m moving forward with hope, gratitude, and positivity for the future.”
She ended by thanking fans for their continued support.
Signs of Trouble Before the Official Announcement
Fans of the show began to suspect problems before the breakup was confirmed. They noticed that Iris and Pepe had unfollowed each other on Instagram around August 24. Iris also removed all posts featuring Pepe from her social media feed. These actions sparked speculation that their relationship might be over.
Iris also posted subtle hints on her Instagram Stories. One post showed a photo of a sunset with the Fleetwood Mac song “Silver Springs” playing. This song is famously associated with breakups. Another post featured a picture of a cookie decorated with an image of herself crying. She humorously thanked the bakery for it. These posts were seen by fans as clues about her emotional state.
The reunion episode for Love Island USA season seven aired on August 25. It was filmed earlier in the month, and during the taping, Pepe and Iris appeared to still be together. They mentioned they were dating exclusively but were not rushing to put a label on their relationship. This made the split soon after the reunion surprising to many viewers.
Life After Love Island for Pepe and Iris
Pepe Garcia is a former professional basketball player. He played overseas in Spain and Mexico before an injury ended his sports career. After that, he worked as a personal trainer. He joined Love Island USA after a talent scout saw his viral TikTok video. His friend convinced him to go on the show, and it changed his life.
Since the show, Pepe has gained over 1.4 million Instagram followers. He has attended high-profile events like the Los Angeles Chargers’ training camp and played in the Big3 celebrity basketball game. He told ESPN that meeting celebrities like Ice Cube and Shaquille O’Neal was a dream come true. He is now focusing on new opportunities and fun projects.
Iris Kendall is a spray tan artist. She has not shared detailed plans for her future but expressed positivity in her statement. She appreciates the support from Love Island fans and is moving forward with gratitude.
Other Love Island USA Season Seven Couples Have Also Split
Pepe and Iris are not the only couple from their season to break up. The winners of season seven, Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, also ended their relationship. They announced their split on August 27, just one day before Pepe and Iris. Amaya stated that they were on “two different journeys” after leaving the villa. Bryan echoed that sentiment, saying they were on “different paths.”
This means two of the top four couples from the season are no longer together. The status of other pairs from the season is unclear. Many reality TV relationships face challenges when contestants return to their normal lives. The pressure of public attention can also strain new romances.
Love Island USA season seven aired on Peacock. The show features single people living in a villa while trying to find love. Viewers vote for their favorite couples, and the winners receive a cash prize. The show is known for dramatic twists and bombshell contestants.
Also Read: Love Island USA Season 7 Reunion: Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming Special
Credits: TMZ
