Love Island USA‘s Iris & Pepe Just Responded to Rumors He Cheated on Her the Day Before the Reunion Aired
Jason Pham
It’s been less than a month since the Love Island USA Season 7 reunion aired, but one couple may already be over after rumors that Pepe cheated on Iris the day before the Love Island USA Season 7 reunion aired.
Iris Kendall, a 25-year-old from Los Angeles, California, and Jose “Pepe” Garcia-Gonzalez, a 27-year-old from Santa Ana, California, both joined as bombshells on Day 9 of Love Island USA Season 7. They coupled up for the first time on Day 16 after both of their strongest connections, Thomas “TJ” Palma and Hannah Fields, were dumped from the island due to a public vote from America. They remained together until the Love Island USA Season 7 finale, where they came in fourth place.
Related: All the Love Island USA couples who are still together
Pepe and Iris seemed like one of the strongest couples to come out of Love Island USA Season 7… until the day before the reunion aired on August 25, 2025, when alleged news broke that Pepe had cheated on Iris with another woman. So who did Pepe allegedly cheat on Iris with, and what happened between the Love Island USA Season 7 couple? We break down the rumors ahead.
Did Pepe cheat on Iris from Love Island USA?
Rumors that Pepe cheated on Iris first sparked when a woman allegedly shared Instagram Story of Pepe playing basketball at The Cardinal at Saint John’s golf course in Plymouth, Michigan, with the caption: “Balllllin’ @pepe.garcia15.”
Fans also shared an alleged Snapchat post from the woman where she allegeedly claimed to have sex with Pepe. “Had sex with Pepe in the hotel lobby last night and have to work with him all weekend still gonna be sick.” Fans also shared another alleged photo of Pepe and the woman allegedly FaceTiming a friend together.
Pepe confirmed that they had split “We’re not together anymore,” he told TMZ Aug. 28, “and that’s the way it goes.” He suggested the public attention played a part in the split.
“It’s a tough thing when there’s a lot of eyes on you 24/7,” Pepe said. “It’s stressful. Being in the limelight isn’t always the best thing in the world.”
Pepe denied the cheating rumors, adding that he paid “no mind” to any hate he received: “I don’t care what people think.”
Iris also broke her silence. “I had hoped to keep this private,” she told E! News, “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.”
“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,” she continued. “It’s been a difficult transition, but I’m moving forward with hope, gratitude, and positivity for the future.”
Fans noted that Iris and Pepe have unfollowed each other on Instagram before the reunion. Iris’ sister, Ruby Kendall, has also unfollowed Pepe, as well as his ex from Love Island USA Season 7, Hannah Fields. (Pepe also unfollowed Hannah back.)
Iris also seemingly addressed the cheating rumors with an Instagram Story of a sunset set to Fleetwood Mac’s breakup song, “Silver Springs.” “Time cast a spell on you, but you won’t forget me / I know I could’ve loved you, but you would not let me / I’ll follow you down ’til the sound of my voice will haunt you / You’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you,” the lyrics read.
Prior to the rumors, Iris and Pepe confirmed they were still together in an interview with Access Hollywood after the Love Island USA Season 7 finale, in which Iris also explained a TMZ video of her meeting her villa ex, TJ, Palma after leaving the villa. “TJ and I, we obviously left off at a very hard [time],” she said. “It was very hard for me to express to him how I felt with having microphones on and everything going on. I knew the whole time I was there that I needed to have that conversation with him as soon as I get out. So that’s what it was. It was just me having a conversation. Explaining everything that I felt. Everything that I feel. Just having that closure conversation with him. He’s such a great guy. He’s very kind. Very mature. I have nothing but love and respect for him and we’re friends. I’m glad I was able to breathe and have that conversation with him. It felt good.”
