The Final Verdict: Are Iris And Pepe Still Together? Unpacking The Love Island USA Split

The question on every *Love Island USA* fan's mind has a definitive, and unfortunately, final answer as of late 2025. After finishing in fourth place on Season 7 of the popular Peacock dating series, Iris Kendall and Jose "Pepe" Garcia-Gonzalez’s post-villa romance was highly scrutinized, but the couple ultimately decided to go their separate ways just a month after the finale. The split was quickly followed by speculation and drama, including serious cheating allegations that Pepe was forced to address publicly. The timeline of their breakup is a classic example of the challenges reality TV couples face when transitioning to the real world, proving that a villa romance doesn't always translate to a long-term commitment.

The latest updates from August 2025 confirm that Iris and Pepe are officially broken up, with both parties issuing separate statements to confirm the sad news to fans. The core issue behind the split appears to have been a fundamental difference in their relationship goals: Iris was reportedly ready to commit to a serious, exclusive relationship, while Pepe preferred to take things much slower. This relationship mismatch, coupled with the pressures of public life, led to the swift end of their journey together.

Iris Kendall and Jose "Pepe" Garcia-Gonzalez: A Complete Profile

Before diving into the details of their dramatic split, it's important to know who Iris and Pepe are and how they became one of *Love Island USA* Season 7's most talked-about couples. They entered the villa as bombshells and quickly made an impact, coupling up late in the season.

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Iris Kendall Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Iris Kendall
• Age: 25 (at the time of the show)
• Hometown/Residence: Los Angeles, CA / Calabasas, California
• Occupation: Spray Tan Artist and Digital Content Creator
• Zodiac Sign: Libra
• Love Island Journey: Iris entered the villa on Day 9. She was known for her emotional maturity and desire for a serious, committed partner.

Jose "Pepe" Garcia-Gonzalez Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Jose "Pepe" Garcia-Gonzalez
• Age: 27 (at the time of the show)
• Hometown/Residence: Miami, Florida (Originally born in Madrid, Spain)
• Occupation: Real Estate and Hospitality Professional / Former Professional Basketball Player
• Height: 6'3"
• Love Island Journey: Pepe also entered as a bombshell. He was known for his laid-back demeanor and his past as a pro athlete in both South American and Spanish basketball leagues.

The Relationship Timeline: From Villa Spark to Real-World Split

Iris and Pepe’s relationship was a whirlwind, even by *Love Island* standards. They didn't couple up until late in the game, but their connection was strong enough to propel them all the way to the finale.

The Villa Romance: A Late-Game Surge

Iris and Pepe became one of the newer pairings on *Love Island USA* Season 7, forming their official connection during the final week of the season. Despite the short time together, they managed to secure a fourth-place finish, a testament to the genuine connection they developed in the villa. They left the show as a couple, expressing their excitement about continuing their relationship outside of the Fiji bubble.

The Reunion Tension and Differing Expectations

The first signs of trouble appeared almost immediately after the show wrapped, specifically during the reunion filming. While they were still technically dating at the reunion, reports indicated there was palpable tension between them. The main point of contention was their differing views on the pace of their relationship. Iris was looking for a partner and was ready to move forward with a serious commitment, but Pepe was focused on taking things "slow." This fundamental incompatibility proved to be a major obstacle once they were back in the real world.

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Cheating Rumors, Public Statements, and the Aftermath of the Breakup

The official news of the split broke in late August 2025, about a month after the finale aired. The announcement was not a quiet affair; it was immediately surrounded by drama and speculation, particularly regarding Pepe's fidelity.

Pepe Confirms the Split and Denies Cheating Allegations

Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez was the first to publicly confirm the breakup, doing so in a statement to TMZ. Crucially, he used the opportunity to vehemently deny rumors that he had cheated on Iris. The nature of the rumors suggested infidelity, but Pepe's quick and direct denial aimed to control the narrative surrounding the end of their relationship.

Iris’s Emotional Response and Desire for Privacy

Following Pepe's public confirmation, Iris Kendall released her own exclusive statement to E! News, expressing her disappointment and her initial desire to keep the matter private. Her statement reflected a sense of maturity and gratitude for the support she received from fans. "I had hoped to keep this private, but I'm so grateful for all of the love and support," she stated, confirming that the "connection that I formed has ended."

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The breakup was also made evident on social media, a common indicator in the reality TV world. Fans noticed that Iris had unfollowed Pepe on Instagram and had removed all of their couple photos from her feed, a clear sign that the relationship was definitively over. This digital scrubbing further fueled the public's interest in the reason for the split.

What Happened Next? The TJ Palma Reconciliation

The post-breakup drama didn't end with the statements and social media unfollows. Iris Kendall made headlines again when she was linked to another Season 7 Islander: TJ Palma, her former partner from the villa. Iris and TJ had a connection earlier in the season, and their post-split reconciliation sparked immediate fan speculation and media attention.

Pepe addressed this new development on the 'Sorry We're Not Cyrus' podcast. He opened up about the aftermath of his split from Iris and her subsequent reunion with TJ. This public discussion ensured that the love triangle narrative, which had been a part of the show, continued long after the finale. Pepe's comments provided a candid look at the challenges of watching an ex move on, especially in the public eye.

The Final Word on Iris and Pepe

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Are Iris and Pepe still together?" is a resounding No. The *Love Island USA* Season 7 couple broke up in August 2025, just weeks after leaving the villa. While they created a memorable connection on the show, the pressures of the real world, coupled with differing expectations for the pace of their relationship, proved too much to overcome. Both Iris Kendall and Jose "Pepe" Garcia-Gonzalez have moved on, with Iris exploring a renewed connection with TJ Palma, officially closing the chapter on her romance with Pepe.