**Love Island USA Season 7 Couple Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen Announce Split**
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Nicolas Vansteenberghe, a favourite from Love Island USA season 7, has spoken out regarding his recent split from fellow contestant Olandria Carthen. On July 22, it was confirmed that the couple had decided to part ways but would remain good friends. Following this announcement, Vansteenberghe took to social media to clarify the circumstances surrounding their breakup.
In a heartfelt post shared on his subscribers-only TikTok account, the 25-year-old expressed his feelings openly. “The rumours are true. I didn’t want to give people false hope, so I want to clear the air,” he wrote on July 26, addressing the fans who have supported them throughout their romance. He assured followers of their enduring affection, stating, “We will continue to love each other ALWAYS.” He also requested that their privacy be respected during this sensitive time.
A source close to the couple elaborated on the reasons behind their decision to separate, noting that the distance and busy schedules made it difficult for them to maintain their connection. Despite this, the source emphasised the deep love and respect they share, confirming that both will continue to support one another in the future.
The news of their split comes just over a year after Vansteenberghe and Carthen exited the Love Island villa together. Reflecting on their time in the villa, Carthen previously revealed that she had hesitated to pursue a romantic relationship with Vansteenberghe out of respect for her friend, Cierra Ortega, who had been coupled with him earlier in the season. However, once Ortega was eliminated from the show, Carthen allowed herself to embrace the chemistry she felt with Vansteenberghe.
“I’m so happy that I finally did that,” Carthen shared with PEOPLE. “Because I feel like the entire season, I was always considering everyone else’s opinions and feelings before my own. I suffered so much because of it.” Vansteenberghe expressed similar sentiments, describing Carthen as his “secret admirer from day one” and highlighting the history they shared beyond their time on screen.
The couple approached their relationship post-Love Island with intent, prioritising their privacy. Carthen had previously commented, “We don’t monetise our relationship or put it on display. If you genuinely like spending quality time with somebody, it shouldn’t involve a camera every two seconds.” Their commitment to keeping their romance off social media allowed them to enjoy each other’s company and cultivate a genuine connection, away from the public eye.
The split has undoubtedly come as a surprise to many of their fans, who had rooted for the couple throughout their journey on the reality show. Their decision to remain friends has, in part, reassured supporters that there is a positive relationship between the two despite their romantic separation. Vansteenberghe’s candidness in sharing their breakup signifies a maturity that fans have come to appreciate from the couple.
As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, both Vansteenberghe and Carthen seem dedicated to ensuring that the love they have for one another continues in a different capacity. They remain examples of how strong friendships can develop even after romantic relationships come to an end.
The couple’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships formed in the public eye, where expectations can be high and scrutiny intense. As they focus on their individual growth and supportive friendship, fans will no doubt continue to cheer them on, hopeful for what the future holds for both of them.