VPR’s Katie Reveals Love Island USA’s Connor ‘Freaked Out’ During Their Romance
Connor Newsum’s insights on Love Island: Beyond the Villa regarding dating within the public sphere resonated with Vanderpump Rules’ Katie Maloney, particularly after their short-lived romance.
In a Tuesday, July 15, episode of “The Viall Files,” Maloney, 38, clarified that she “went on one date” with Newsum, 28, following his stint in season 6 of Love Island USA.
“I didn’t even see it that way,” she remarked after host Nick Viall referred to Newsum as her ex-boyfriend. “[Our date] made [the headlines], and he definitely got a bit anxious.”
Us Weekly reported in August 2024 that Maloney and Newsum were spotted at Laurel Tavern in Studio City, California. The pair sat together in a corner booth without any additional company. An eyewitness noted that Katie “looked fantastic” during their casual outing.
Vanderpump Rules followers speculated at that time that Maloney’s co-star—and business partner—Ariana Madix might have facilitated the match. Madix, 40, encountered Newsum while hosting season 6 of Love Island USA, where he had fleeting connections with JaNa Craig and Leah Kateb before being eliminated from the villa.
In July 2024, Newsum shared with Us that he had been in touch with co-star Cass Laudano after returning home from Fiji.
“She got out, and I was like, ‘Hey, so what’s up?’ We’ve been texting and maybe, potentially making some light plans,” he revealed. “We got along really well. We had a lot in common. There were a few conversations that flowed easily, and we work in the same field. … We shared numerous similar interests, including a love for animals. I think everyone saw that quirky fishing discussion we had while I was making her grilled cheese. Just random moments like that. She’s really easy to converse with, gorgeous, and just a joy to be around.”
Since then, Newsum has made his relationship with Carmen Kocourek Instagram official. Meanwhile, Maloney surprised fans in October 2024 by announcing she was dating someone new.
“I have a boyfriend,” Maloney shared with co-host Dayna Kathan during an episode of their “Disrespectfully” podcast. “Yeah, I’m in love, guys. I’m really happy.”
The reality star explained her reasons for wanting to keep her partner’s identity private, stating, “This weekend, I went to see my boyfriend. He has work travel, so I went to meet up with him and spend time together. It was fantastic because I hadn’t seen him in weeks, and just being able to share quality time was really special and necessary.”
Maloney further expressed, “He’s the most wonderful person I’ve ever known. He’s an incredible guy who makes me feel very cherished, and he’s truly special. I’m just really happy.”
Maloney has confirmed her relationship with Sleeping With Sirens guitarist Nick Martin. This new romance comes two years after her split from Tom Schwartz, with whom she was married for six years before their divorce in 2022.
