Kenny Rodriguez addresses leaked texts after JaNa Craig breakup
The “Love Island USA” alum said on The Journey Podcast that he regrets generalizing in private messages that sparked backlash.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Kenny Rodriguez says the private messages that set off a racism controversy after his split from JaNa Craig were real, regrettable and written while he was venting to a friend.
The “Love Island USA” Season 6 cast member addressed the backlash during an appearance on The Journey Podcast, where he said the texts came from a private chat after his relationship with Craig ended. Rodriguez said he takes "full accountability" for the messages, while arguing they do not represent who he is.
According to Rodriguez, one message included a sweeping generalization that he now regrets. He pushed back on accusations from fans who interpreted the texts as racist, pointing to his personal background and past relationships.
"I've dated Black women before. I have Black ancestry. I'm Dominican. Half of my family is dark skin. There was never a problem with race. The problem was with how you were treating me," Rodriguez said on the podcast.
Rodriguez said the texts were sent during a private exchange with a friend after what he described as “verbal abuse” in the relationship. That is his account of the situation, and Craig has not been reported to have responded to that specific claim in the same forum.
He also acknowledged that the words in the messages could have caused harm. Rodriguez said he “generalized” and was “not proud” of what he wrote.
The controversy has been playing out in public since the breakup, with TMZ reporting that fans online accused Rodriguez of making racist remarks after the messages surfaced. The texts spread after Rodriguez and Craig, both known from “Love Island USA,” called off their relationship.
Craig also took to Instagram with her own move. In a video posted to her Instagram Story, she claimed Rodriguez sent her a cease-and-desist letter. She asked him to give her permission to post the texts so people could read them for themselves.
TMZ previously reported that Rodriguez and Craig split in July 2025. The leaked-message dispute has now added a new round of public scrutiny to a breakup already followed closely by “Love Island” fans.
Rodriguez’s podcast appearance marked his first public explanation of the leaked texts, according to TMZ. His position: he accepts responsibility for the language, regrets the generalization and denies that the messages prove he is racist.
Craig, meanwhile, has made clear through her Instagram Story that she wants the full text exchange aired publicly, provided Rodriguez allows it. No full set of messages was included in the reporting.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.