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The Love Island USA season 6 reunion provided some long-awaited updates, though not without added drama. The reunion, hosted by Ariana Madix and aired on Peacock on August 19, brought the Islanders back together, with particular attention focused on the much-discussed couple, Nicole Jacky and Kendall Washington.
Nicole and Kendall, who finished in fourth place behind winners Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, runners-up Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi, and third-place duo JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez, addressed the challenges they've faced since leaving the villa in July, especially after a leak of Kendall's private videos.
"It's been tough outside the villa," Kendall, 27, began explaining to host Madix, only to be interrupted by Nicole, 26, who snapped, "Communicate? You haven't been communicating, you never have."
Kendall tried to elaborate, mentioning they had been attempting to give each other space, but Nicole cut him off again, asking, "After you lied to my face?" He clarified that once they were out of the villa, an incident occurred—referencing the leak of his private videos—and admitted he should have been upfront with Nicole about it.
Nicole then addressed the viewers, saying the video leak was "not okay" and that "nobody deserves that." She added that Kendall told her the video was from years ago, involving someone he trusted, an ex-girlfriend. However, she later found out from fellow Islander JaNa that the video was actually recorded in a hotel room just before Kendall went on the show, which involved a dating app.
Nicole expressed her disappointment, saying, "I was there for you, and I haven't spoken out because it's awful what you went through. But you weren't honest with me." Kendall admitted he should have been truthful with Nicole from the start but wasn't ready at the time due to his life being upended. He added, "I just wanted you to be there, and that's why I said what I did."
Nicole reiterated that she had stood by him, only for Kendall to deceive her, to which he quickly responded that he didn't want to lie. However, Nicole pointed out that he hadn't supported her since the show ended, leaving her to take all the backlash without speaking up to protect him. She also mentioned that Kendall didn't check on her during her social media break after the video leak, only reaching out after she posted on Instagram upon returning.
Kendall admitted he thought he was "doing the right thing" by giving her space, but their fellow Islanders defended him, stating that he had asked them for advice on how to repair things with Nicole. Nicole acknowledged that she believes Kendall loves her, and she loves him too, but her trust in him has been shaken. "We're still together," she clarified, though Kendall pleaded, "All I want to do is fix the lie."
When Madix asked Nicole if she wanted to stay with Kendall, she quickly replied, "That's all I've ever wanted. But there are many conversations we need to have, and I don't take this lightly."
Following the reunion, Kendall addressed the leaked video in a statement on Instagram, explaining it was something he had shared with someone in confidence and trust. "It's unfortunate it's no longer private, but it is what it is. I appreciate everyone's support during this time and am grateful for my Love Island journey."
Neither Nicole nor Kendall had previously given updates on their relationship since Kendall's appearance on The Viall Files podcast on July 30, where he confirmed they were together but taking things slowly. "We're taking it day by day," he said, acknowledging the impact of public scrutiny on their relationship.
