5 Shocking Reasons Why Pepe And Iris Broke Up Just Weeks After Love Island USA Finale

The whirlwind romance between *Love Island USA* Season 7 finalists Pepe Garcia and Iris Kendall has officially come to an end, a development that shocked fans who rooted for the couple after their dramatic journey in the villa. Just weeks after the show wrapped, the pair confirmed their split in late August, extinguishing the hope of a lasting relationship outside the reality TV bubble. This article, updated as of December 10, 2025, dives deep into the complex reasons behind the breakup, the public statements, and the swirling rumors that followed the end of "Pepiris." The news of the separation first broke on social media, a familiar pattern for reality TV couples, as eagle-eyed fans noticed the two had unfollowed each other on Instagram. Iris also removed all photos featuring Pepe from her profile, a digital sign-off that preempted the official public statements and fueled intense speculation, particularly regarding alleged infidelity.

Pepe Garcia and Iris Kendall: A Finalist Biography

Pepe Garcia and Iris Kendall captured the hearts of *Love Island USA* viewers with their late-blooming connection, eventually securing a spot in the season's final four. Their relationship faced challenges in the villa, but their commitment to each other in the last few weeks seemed to promise a future together.

Iris Kendall Profile

• Full Name: Iris Kendall
• Profession: Influencer/Digital Creator
• Hometown: Los Angeles, California
• Age: (Age at time of show - Varies)
• Love Island Status: Finalist, *Love Island USA* Season 7
• Key Relationship: Pepe Garcia
• Post-Show Focus: Content creation, fashion, and social media presence.

Pepe Garcia Profile

• Full Name: Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez
• Profession: Former Professional Basketball Player / Model
• Hometown: (Varies, often linked to his basketball career)
• Age: (Age at time of show - Varies)
• Love Island Status: Finalist, *Love Island USA* Season 7
• Key Relationship: Iris Kendall
• Post-Show Focus: Modeling, fitness, and media appearances.

The couple's journey was marked by a strong physical attraction and a seemingly genuine desire to make the long-distance relationship work. However, the transition from the controlled environment of the villa to the real world proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for the reality TV stars.

The Conflicting Statements: What Really Caused the Split?

The confirmation of the breakup came swiftly, with both Pepe and Iris issuing statements to the media, though their narratives hinted at underlying tensions and disagreements about the future of their connection. The public discourse quickly centered on two main factors: a fundamental difference in relationship expectations and explosive cheating allegations.

1. Differing Relationship Paces and Intentions

One of the most significant factors contributing to the demise of "Pepiris" was a clear misalignment in what each person wanted post-show. Insider reports and public statements suggest Iris was looking for a committed, exclusive relationship immediately, ready to define their future together. Conversely, Pepe was reportedly focused on taking things slow, prioritizing his career, and easing into a relationship outside the intense environment of the villa. This difference in pace—Iris seeking commitment and Pepe preferring a casual approach—created a tension that became unbearable in the real world.

2. The Cheating Rumors and Pepe's Denial

Perhaps the most dramatic element of the split was the immediate emergence of cheating rumors directed at Pepe Garcia. These rumors spread rapidly across social media platforms and fan forums, alleging that Pepe had been unfaithful shortly after leaving the show. Pepe, however, was quick to address the speculation directly, confirming the breakup but vehemently denying any claims of infidelity. In an interview, he stated that the split was simply "the way it goes" and that the cheating allegations were false.

3. The Instagram Unfollow and Digital Deletion

The initial sign of trouble was a public and dramatic one: the unfollowing spree on Instagram. In the world of reality television, an unfollow is the modern-day equivalent of a breakup announcement. Iris took the step of deleting all shared photos of her and Pepe, a move that strongly suggested a final, irreversible end to the relationship and signaled her strong emotional reaction to the events unfolding. This digital drama confirmed the split before any official press release.

Iris Kendall's Emotional Statement on the Connection's End

While Pepe's statement was brief and focused on damage control regarding the cheating rumors, Iris's public address was more reflective and emotional. She acknowledged the deep connection they had formed but conceded that it had ended, stating, "The connection that I formed has ended, and while it isn't how I would have imagined, I will always..." Her words, though measured, suggested a sense of disappointment and a feeling that the ending was not the hopeful future she had envisioned while in the villa. The contrast between their statements—Pepe's denial and Iris's lament—painted a clear picture of two people moving in different directions, both literally and emotionally. The pressure of maintaining a relationship under public scrutiny, combined with the geographical distance and the sudden return to their individual lives, proved too much for the fledgling romance.

Post-Breakup Life: Where Are Pepe and Iris Now?

Since the August split, both Pepe Garcia and Iris Kendall have been focusing on their individual careers and leveraging their newfound fame from *Love Island USA*. * Pepe Garcia has continued to pursue modeling and fitness opportunities, maintaining a strong social media presence. He has consistently focused on his professional life, reinforcing the earlier narrative that his priority was not a serious relationship immediately after the show. * Iris Kendall has returned to her life as an influencer in Los Angeles, engaging with her followers and focusing on fashion and lifestyle content. She has been more open about her journey and has used her platform to connect with fans who supported her throughout the show. The story of Pepe and Iris is a classic example of the "Love Island curse" striking again. While they managed to build a strong connection on television, the reality of life outside the villa, with its pressures, distance, and conflicting priorities, ultimately led to their separation. Despite the dramatic end and the subsequent rumors, both individuals appear to be moving forward, leaving the intense reality TV romance behind them. The "Pepiris" chapter may be closed, but their individual journeys as reality TV stars are just beginning.