Pepe Cheating On Iris: 5 Shocking Truths Behind The Love Island USA Scandal And Pepe’s Defiant Denial
The whirlwind romance between Jose “Pepe” Garcia-Gonzalez and Iris Kendall, one of the most talked-about couples from *Love Island USA* Season 7, has officially ended, but the drama is far from over. As of today, December 18, 2025, the central mystery remains: Did Pepe cheat on Iris? The breakup was quickly overshadowed by explosive, unverified claims that circulated widely on social media, sparking a massive controversy that has split the reality TV fanbase. Pepe has been adamant in his denial, dismissing the allegations as a "false narrative" created by the media and online "hate."
This article dives deep into the post-villa fallout, dissecting the specific rumors—including the notorious Snapchat screenshot—and Pepe's definitive response, providing a comprehensive look at the scandal that ultimately ended the relationship between the former professional basketball player and the Los Angeles influencer.
Biography and Profile of the Love Island USA Couple
The relationship between Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez and Iris Kendall began on *Love Island USA* Season 7, a journey that saw them couple up and ultimately finish in fourth place. Their post-show life was quickly thrust into the spotlight, leading to the current controversy.
Jose "Pepe" Garcia-Gonzalez
- Full Name: Jose Garcia-Gonzalez
- Nickname: Pepe
- Age: 27 (at time of show)
- Hometown/Origin: Originally born in Spain, with ties to Los Alamitos, CA.
- Occupation: Former Professional Basketball Player, Reality TV Personality, Content Creator.
- Love Island USA Status: Bombshell contestant, finished in 4th place with Iris Kendall.
- Key Entity: Known for his athletic background and competitive nature on the show.
Iris Kendall
- Full Name: Iris Kendall
- Age: 25 (at time of show)
- Hometown/Residence: Los Angeles, California.
- Occupation: Influencer, Content Creator, Spray Tan Artist.
- Love Island USA Status: Original Islander, finished in 4th place with Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez.
- Key Entity: Entered the villa as a native Angeleno, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her sharp wit and open personality.
The Explosive Cheating Rumors: Dissecting the Social Media Claims
The split between Pepe and Iris became public knowledge shortly after the *Love Island USA* Season 7 finale aired on Peacock. While celebrity breakups are common, this one gained traction due to a specific and unverified cheating allegation that exploded across platforms like Snapchat and TikTok.
1. The Viral Snapchat Screenshot
The most damaging and widely circulated rumor centered on an alleged Snapchat message. An "unknown woman" reportedly posted a selfie or a message that was quickly screenshotted and shared across fan accounts.
The alleged text from the woman claimed she "Had sex" with Pepe while he was still in a relationship with Iris. This unproven screenshot became the primary evidence cited by fans on social media who were convinced Pepe had been unfaithful. Despite the lack of official confirmation or verifiable proof, the screenshot’s virality was enough to fuel the narrative of a cheating scandal.
2. The Hotel Lobby Allegation
Another layer to the controversy involved claims that Pepe was caught in the act. Early rumors suggested that someone had allegedly caught Pepe with another woman in a hotel lobby. This detail added a public element to the alleged infidelity, suggesting a lack of discretion that further enraged the couple's supporters online.
3. The Unfollow and Silence: Fan Speculation Rises
The initial sign of trouble came when fans noticed that Pepe and Iris had unfollowed each other on social media platforms, a common indicator of a celebrity breakup.
For days, both Pepe and Iris maintained silence about the reasons for their split, which only intensified the fan speculation. The lack of an immediate, clear statement from either party allowed the cheating rumors to fill the information vacuum, leading to widespread online discussions and "hate" directed at Pepe.
Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez’s Defiant Denial and The "False Narrative"
After days of intense speculation and online backlash, Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez finally addressed the rumors publicly, offering a definitive and strong denial of all cheating allegations.
Dismissing the Claims as a "False Narrative"
In his official statement, and later during an appearance on the *Sorry We're Not Cyrus* podcast, Pepe confirmed the breakup with Iris Kendall but categorically denied that he was unfaithful.
He referred to the rumors as a "false narrative" that the media and the public were choosing to believe. Pepe emphasized that the online speculation was baseless, stating, "I did not cheat on Iris." He made it clear that he was paying "no mind" to the online "hate" and that his focus was on the opinions of his close friends, not strangers on the internet.
Iris Kendall’s Response and Moving On
While Iris Kendall confirmed the breakup, her statements regarding the cheating allegations were less explicit than Pepe's. She addressed the rumors without confirming or denying their veracity, allowing the public to draw their own conclusions based on the evidence—or lack thereof.
More recently, Iris has been seen moving on, notably with former co-star TJ Palma, sparking further discussion among the *Love Island USA* fanbase. Pepe also addressed this reconciliation, stating that he was okay with Iris moving on, maintaining his focus on his own life post-scandal.
The Aftermath: Fan Reaction and Topical Authority
The controversy surrounding Pepe and Iris highlights a common issue in the world of reality television: the blurred lines between on-screen persona and real-life actions. The intense scrutiny faced by contestants like Pepe, Iris, Amaya Espinal, Bryan Arenales, and Olandria Carthen post-show often leads to amplified drama and unverified claims.
Fans on platforms like TikTok and Reddit were quick to take sides. Many believed the alleged Snapchat evidence, citing the speed and detail of the claims as proof. Others defended Pepe, arguing that a single, unverified screenshot is not enough to ruin a person's reputation, especially given his strong denial. The case of Pepe and Iris serves as a cautionary tale about the power of social media to create a narrative, regardless of the factual evidence.
Despite the drama, both Pepe and Iris have continued their careers as content creators, leveraging their *Love Island* fame. Pepe has been actively working to shift the public conversation away from the cheating scandal, focusing instead on his personal brand and future projects. The relationship, though short-lived, remains one of the most memorable and controversial of *Love Island USA* Season 7.
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