‘Love Island USA’ stars Aniya and Carl reveal where their relationship stands after the villa

The pair addressed their relationship status, KC’s controversial comments and life after the show during a candid appearance on “Watch What Happens Live.”

So, are Aniya and Carl officially a couple? That’s the question “Love Island USA” fans have been asking, and the pair finally offered some clarity during a recent “Watch What Happens Live” appearance with Andy Cohen.

According to a recap shared by Pop Pulse Media, Carl set the record straight by confirming that he and Aniya are not yet boyfriend and girlfriend. He explained that he entered the villa late during Casa Amor, leaving the two only a couple of weeks to build their connection. Still, Carl was quick to emphasize that whatever they have is strong, describing them both as happy and eager to keep exploring the relationship at their own pace.

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The exchange fans may react to most, though, centered on KC Chandler’s movie night comments about Aniya. Carl acknowledged he wouldn’t have stood by everything KC said, but also chalked some of it up to “boy talk,” adding that he doesn’t fully fault him given how intense the villa environment can be. Speaking from his own experience playing football, Carl noted that being mic’d up constantly for weeks can make islanders forget they’re always on camera.

Aniya, for her part, opened up about navigating the wave of opinions surrounding her, KC, and Carl since leaving Fiji. As Pop Pulse Media detailed, she said she’s chosen to focus on the support rather than dwell on the negativity, a stance that resonated with viewers online. One fan on Threads praised how she handled the discourse, writing that she “didn’t let the hate define who she is,” calling her response “grown and classy.”

Aniya also addressed why she continued rooting for Melanie and Sincere throughout the season, explaining that viewers only saw a fraction of what actually unfolded. She said that being by Melanie’s side, she witnessed Sincere prove himself in ways that weren’t fully captured on camera.

With the “Love Island USA” season 8 reunion set to premiere Monday, Aug. 31, on Peacock, the couple’s candid answers offer fans a glimpse into where things stand, even if the “official” label is still a work in progress.