JaNa Craig Slams Kenny Rodriguez as “Manipulative Liar” as Love Island USA Split Turns Volatile
Los Angeles, July 30, 2025 – The breakup of Love Island USA Season 6 stars JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez has erupted into a public feud, with Craig labeling Rodriguez a “manipulative liar” and hinting at a “terrible, disgusting” truth behind their split. The couple, who placed third in the reality show’s 2024 season, confirmed their breakup on July 29, 2025, after a year of dating, sparking intense speculation and drama among fans and fellow islanders.
A Shocking Split
Rumors of trouble surfaced on July 27, when fans noticed Craig had unfollowed Rodriguez on Instagram, removed his name from her bio, and deleted photos of the couple. Rodriguez reciprocated, and several Love Island USA castmates, including Serena Page, Leah Kateb, Kordell Beckham, Miguel Harichi, Olivia Walker, and Connor Newsum, unfollowed Rodriguez, signaling a united front behind Craig. The breakup followed their appearance together at YouTube star David Dobrik’s birthday party on July 26, though sources confirm to People that no public altercation occurred at the event. Instead, Craig ended the relationship the following morning, with insiders stating, “They will not be getting back together.”
Craig broke her silence on Instagram Stories on July 29, addressing fans: “Hi my loves. Thank you for all your love & support. It means the world to me. As you know, Kenny and I are no longer together. Please know that I have seen all the breakup theories and none have matched up to how terrible, disgusting and disappointing it truly is. Discovering that someone you loved isn’t who you thought they were and that the relationship you thought you were building hasn’t been genuine since day one has been truly devastating.” She concluded, “As a child of God, I will always be okay.”
Escalating Accusations
Rodriguez responded with a statement on Instagram, taking a diplomatic tone: “The past few days have been incredibly difficult. I’ve been quietly sitting with a lot of emotions and doing my best to process everything privately. Breakups are never easy, especially in the public eye. Sometimes, despite how deeply you care for someone, you come to the hard truth that the relationship was not something that could last long-term. I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared and the memories we created. I release this chapter with no ill will, only a hope that JaNa’s path forward brings her nothing but happiness.”
Craig fired back within hours, tagging Rodriguez directly: “stfu you manipulative liar. You not taking accountability and telling people the type of person you really are is insane to me!! My first statement was me being nice. Do not piss me off.” Her close friend and Season 6 co-star Leah Kateb amplified the accusations, reposting Craig’s statement and adding, “Kenny, put a sock in it ChatGPT headass. Tell the truth for once! Racist, clout/money hungry and a scammer since DAY 1!!!! Tryna make it seem like it’s something it’s not. Dw, our Nay is blessed & highly favored.” Fellow islander Olivia Walker also chimed in, calling Rodriguez’s statement “pathetic” and labeling him a “f—king loser” chasing clout.
Hints of Betrayal
While Craig has not disclosed specific details, her friend Charmane Smith posted a since-deleted Instagram Story hinting at the reasons for the split. Smith urged women to check their partners’ phones, suggesting they search for phrases like “I don’t like black women,” “I thought I would get more money from this,” “I’m faking this relationship,” and “going on the show would be for clout.” The post, which prompted Smith to go private on Instagram, fueled speculation of infidelity or deceit, with some fans theorizing Rodriguez’s motives were tied to fame or financial gain.
Posts on X echoed the drama, with @whereisthebuzz reporting Kateb’s “racist” accusation and @PopBase sharing Craig’s fiery response, amplifying the public’s perception of Rodriguez’s alleged dishonesty. However, Rodriguez has not addressed these specific claims, and his Instagram Stories have gone silent since his initial statement.
A Fan-Favorite Romance Unraveled
Craig, 28, and Rodriguez, 25, met on Love Island USA Season 6, which aired in June 2024. Craig, an original islander, initially coupled with Coye Simmons and Connor Newsum before connecting with Rodriguez, a bombshell who entered on Day 13. Despite a hiccup during Casa Amor when Rodriguez recoupled with another contestant, they reconciled, finishing third and continuing their relationship post-show. The couple navigated long-distance challenges, with Craig based in Las Vegas and Rodriguez in Dallas, and appeared committed, with Craig telling Us Weekly in August 2024, “My biggest priority is to make sure Kenny feels comfortable at all times.”
Their relationship was further documented on Peacock’s spinoff Love Island: Beyond the Villa, which premiered July 13, 2025, following Season 6 couples navigating life in Los Angeles. Tensions surfaced over their decision to live separately while filming, with Rodriguez citing privacy needs due to Craig’s large glam team. The upcoming Episode 4, airing July 31, is expected to reflect their strained dynamic, though it was filmed before the breakup.
A Messy Fallout
The split has divided fans, with many rallying behind Craig, as evidenced by the #TeamJaNa sentiment on X and her castmates’ swift support. Speculation about Rodriguez’s alleged racism, clout-chasing, or infidelity remains unconfirmed, but Craig’s statements and her friends’ accusations suggest a profound betrayal. A source told People there was no public blowout at Dobrik’s party, contrary to fan theories, but the breakup’s timing and Craig’s emotional response indicate a significant breach of trust.
As the drama unfolds, both Craig and Rodriguez continue to appear on Beyond the Villa, leaving viewers eager to see how their breakup will shape the show. For now, Craig’s warning to Rodriguez—“Do not piss me off”—sets the stage for a contentious fallout, with fans and castmates firmly in her corner.