After the smash success of Love Island USA Season 6, fans are keeping a sharp eye on the contestants’ social media. Ever since they got out of the villa, the social media activity of finalists Kendall Washington and Nicole Jacky seemed…off. Not only are they posting less couple content than the other three finalists, they’re barely acknowledging each other at all. When JaNa Craig posted a video of the cast’s Universal Studios trip, Kendall and Nicole appeared to actively avoid one another.
After tons of speculation, Kendall appeared solo, on the Viall Files. While he remained cagey, the Season 6 OG confirmed that, yes, something is up. Here’s everything Kendall had to say about his current- and possibly future- relationship status with Nicole.
Kendall reveals where he and Nicole stand
Before anything else, Kendall told host Nick Viall about his Love Island journey with Nicole. He acknowledged they had ups and downs, but claimed it was “mostly stable.” He continued, “What I built with Nicole in there was something I’ve never felt like towards anyone.” Kendall repeatedly emphasized he never had such strong feelings for someone before. “And the fact that they’re happening so fast, it didn’t seem real. I was like, oh my god, I actually have these feelings for this girl.”
When pressed again for their current status, Kendall claimed they are still together, but acknowledged it’s an adjustment. “There’s a distance thing,” he said, adding, “There’s all these questions that need to be answered by us…we’re just taking it day by day.”
“We really just want to work on what we have currently and adjusting to that in real life,” he said. Sure, a mutual love of Star Wars and video games might be enough to form a connection in the villa. But does that translate to relationship success in the real world?
How the outside world affected things
Obviously, going from a secluded environment to reentering the real world will always be a bit of a shock. Let alone coming off a reality show, where viewers developed very strong opinions of your journey, ones they aren’t afraid to share. Adding to that, of course, is the fact that Love Island USA Season 6 was way more popular than anyone expected. Adjusting to the public eye was already tough enough for Kendall, who suffered a horrific invasion of privacy when a leaked NSFW video came out just after the finale.
“Being in the public eye, and seeing everyone’s opinions, it affects people differently,” Kendall said. He admitted, “When I see any negative comments about Nicole and I, I just brush it off…but Nicole takes things differently.
Kendall was asked if he felt Nicole “pulling away” because of the public reaction. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say pulling away,” he answered, “but…it’s just so much on our minds,” Kendall admitted it would be difficult to quiet that noise and get back to focusing on each other, like in the villa. As he referenced, challenges are thrown at you in the villa, such as the arrival of bombshell contestants. However, as Natalie Joy put it, “The world is a little different than a new bombshell.”
Do Kendall Washington and Nicole Jacky still say “I love you?”
On their final date, Kendall told Nicole he loved her. A stunned Nicole didn’t say it back. It was all very awkward, like watching a rejected marriage proposal. While Kendall told Nicole there was no pressure for her to say it back, she did claim to be falling for him in their final speeches to one another.
Kendall claimed that, once they immediately got out of the villa, they were still sharing I love yous in the hotel. However, he also admitted that saying those words feels very different- and much more serious- in the outside world. Overall, “we still have only said it a couple times…I can count it on my hands.”
Kendall Washington can’t guarantee where they’ll be by the reunion
As one final surprise, Ariana Madix wrapped up the finale by announcing a Season 6 reunion special, which will air on August 19th. Since that’s still weeks away, Kendall was asked if he could give a percentage of a chance that he and Nicole will still be together. He admitted that he can’t say 100%. Kendall explained that there are no guarantees for anything, so, “it would be a lie if I said 100% chance, because I just don’t know.”
Once again, he emphasized that important conversations need to be had. He told the listeners they didn’t get a chance to discuss those yet. However, he admitted that, regarding their future, the decision isn’t just up to him. “It’s in Nicole’s court,” he said, adding, “end of the day, we’re going to respect what we decide on.”
