Love Island USA star Kenny Rodriguez is finally speaking on the racist text message controversy that emerged on the heels of his breakup with fellow islander JaNa Craig. He confirmed the messages that were leaked from a private chat contained broad generalizations he now regrets making. He also pushes back that these messages make him a racist.
The reality star pushed back on claims after his JaNa Craig breakup
The couple officially called it quits in July of last year. Rumors were spreading before JaNa officially confirmed it on social media. She said a lot of things about her former beau, and reposted a message from a fellow Islander alleging he was “disgusting,” “money-hungry,” and a “racist.”
Now the Season 6 star is saying that he takes “full accountability” for what he wrote but also shared that the leaked messages don’t reflect his true character. He pushed back on the racist allegations by sharing his family background and dating history.
“I’ve dated Black women before. I have Black ancestry. I’m Dominican,” Kenny shared on The Journey Podcast (at the 1:11:00 mark). “Half of my family is dark skin. There was never a problem with race. The problem was with how you were treating me.”
Kenny alleges the text messages were just him venting to a friend after enduring “verbal abuse” during their relationship. He admitted he “generalized” in his messages and he’s “not proud” of the comments.
JaNa was not going to let this stand. She got her side out right away in a story on her Instagram. She said Kenny sent her a cease-and-desist letter, and she was surprised he chose to speak about it. JaNa asked him for permission to release the texts since he had so much to say.
She also said she would let her lawyers handle it and dared Kenny to answer the phone because she alleges that he is trying to turn it all around.
And he hasn’t just pissed off JaNa — he’s also upset other former castmates. Kordell Beckham, the Season 6 winner, also got on social media to tell Kenny to “keep his name out of his mouth” because he never condoned anything he did.
Love Island USA is available to stream on Peacock.
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