Nic Vansteenberghe has confirmed that his Love Island USA romance with Olandria Carthen has come to an end, telling supporters the former couple will “continue to love each other ALWAYS.”
Vansteenberghe, 25, addressed the breakup in a July 26 message posted to his subscribers-only TikTok, days after PEOPLE confirmed that he and Carthen, 28, had separated following more than a year together.
“The rumors are true. I didn’t want to give people false hope, so I want to clear the air,” he wrote, according to a screenshot shared on X. “We will continue to love each other ALWAYS. It’s a sensitive, as well as a private subject, thank you for respecting our privacy.[heart emoji]”
He also explained why he chose the smaller online space to share the news, writing, “I wanted to do it on here because you guys are our biggest supporters.”
A source previously told PEOPLE that the season 7 fan favorites “decided to part ways” but “remain close friends.” Distance and demanding schedules reportedly made it difficult for them to maintain their relationship.
“They share a deep love and respect for each other and will always support one another whenever possible,” the source said.
Vansteenberghe and Carthen left the Fiji villa together in July 2025 after their friendship developed into a romance. He later described himself as her “secret admirer from day one.”
The pair largely kept their relationship away from social media after the show, choosing to enjoy their time together without documenting every moment.