If you thought we were free from the shackles of Love Island USA season seven, think again. Iris Kendall and TJ Palma, two contestants who were formerly coupled up before Palma was dumped from the villa, appear to be rekindling their relationship. Well, that was fast.
In footage obtained by TMZ, the formerly coupled up pair can be seen hugging and chatting while waiting outside an unidentified door in Los Angeles. Just one minute later, fellow contestant Austin Shepherd appears to let the pair into the building and embraces Kendall in an extremely tight bear hug. Okay, so it looks more like a triple hang than a romantic get-together.
#LoveIslandUSA contestants #IrisKendall and #TJPalma look like they may be giving things another shot back home on the mainland … because she's hanging out with him, and not #PepeGarcia.#Exclusive story at the 🔗 HERE: https://t.co/ggTP2mSA4J pic.twitter.com/jzNsT8vJD0
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 15, 2025
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The group could very well be having a friendly, off-camera debrief of what their time post-villa has been like, which feels logical when you think about the absurdity that has gone on since show started airing. Still, I have to wonder what Pepe Garcia, the last person who was coupled up with Kendall in Fiji, thinks of this little reunion. According to his Instagram, he’s back home in Orange County spending time with his parents and dogs. Maybe his next move is to also reunite with Kendall in Los Angeles? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
We won’t really know what’s going on between the cast members until the Love Island USA season 7 reunion airs on August 25, which feels a bit too soon for any real romantic advancements to happen. Until then, I’ll just have to keep an eye on what the former islanders are doing on social media. I’m looking at you, Nicolandria.
