Love Island’s Pepe Opens Up About Iris and TJ’s Reconciliation Following Cheating Scandal
Love Island USA‘s Pepe Garcia shared his candid thoughts on ex Iris Kendall rekindling her relationship with TJ Palma after their breakup, which was marred by various cheating allegations.
In the Thursday, September 25 episode of the “Sorry We’re Cyrus” podcast, Pepe discussed the difficulties of contending with cheating rumors after he and Iris returned from Fiji.
“The toughest part has been being under constant scrutiny from so many people who can call out some nonsense but aren’t always accurate in their observations,” he remarked. “Especially with Love Island, the fans want the drama to continue indefinitely. They don’t want it to be over.”
Pepe expressed his frustration with the misleading narratives being formed by fans, saying, “It feels like an abrupt ending, and fans will try to piece together any information to create a story. You reach a point where everything seems fine, and then suddenly, everyone is watching your every move.”
While reflecting on changes in his personal life since Season 7, Pepe addressed rumors suggesting he was unfaithful to Iris during their relationship.
“Then someone makes a remark that isn’t true, and you’re left hoping you have a support system that stands by you or not,” he added. “In my case, it’s quite strange. We left the island, and she had the cheating scandal.”
Season 7, which debuted in July, introduced viewers to Iris and Pepe as new arrivals. Iris initially connected with Jeremiah Brown but ultimately found a bond with TJ, whose early exit meant Iris remained in the game and finished the season with Pepe.
After the season ended, Iris publicly reunited with TJ while still involved with Pepe.
“I just said, ‘It’s the first day. No one deserves hate,’” Pepe recounted on Thursday, referring to messages urging him to leave Iris. “I don’t think anyone deserves that. The truth is often unknown. I stood by her then.”
He further stated: “Having it flip so quickly and suddenly fall on me, with not the same support, is odd. I chose to remain silent because I know what actually happened. It’s strange because she’s now back with the guy involved in the cheating scandal.”
After Pepe faced allegations of infidelity, which he denied, he and Iris decided to part ways.
“We’re no longer together, and that’s just how things unfold,” Pepe told TMZ in August. “It’s challenging when there’s constant attention on you. It can be stressful. Life in the spotlight isn’t always a blessing.”
Pepe acknowledged the support of his family and friends during the breakup, stating, “I like to say that my friends and family know the real me. That’s truly what matters most.”
In reflecting on the breakup, Pepe admitted he wasn’t pleased to see Iris spending time with TJ again.
“How can you move on so quickly?” he questioned. “And the next person is supposedly someone she had a history with, yet it doesn’t seem to register with anyone?”
