Before we dive into the cultural cocktail that makes Iris Kendall such a fascinating Love Island contestant, let’s set the scene: Picture a sun-soaked villa, bubbling drama, and a cast of gorgeous singles looking for love, or at least a viral moment. Among them stands Iris, a 25-year-old LA native who’s turning heads not just for her bombshell looks and flirty charm, but for something deeper: her rich, multicultural roots.
While most reality stars get reduced to tropes (the villain, the sweetheart, the player), Iris brings something fresher to the screen: a real, layered identity that reflects the messy, beautiful blend of modern dating. And in a show that’s often criticized for playing it safe, that’s a game-changer. Now, let’s break it down…
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Who Is Iris Kendall? The Latina-Ukrainian Beauty Shaking Up Love Island
Iris Kendall isn’t just another pretty face on Love Island USA Season 7; she’s a cultural blend that’s got fans talking. Born and raised in Los Angeles, this 25-year-old bombshell (yeah, she entered the villa on Day 9) is more than just her iconic spray tan business and influencer hustle. She’s half-Chilean, half-Ukrainian, with a British-Ukrainian dad thrown into the mix, making her one of the most ethnically intriguing contestants this season.
Her mom, Aileen Kendall, spilled the tea on TikTok, confirming Iris’s Latina roots (Chilean from her mom’s side) and Ukrainian heritage from her dad. That’s a combo you don’t see every day on reality TV, especially not on a show where diversity hasn’t always been front and center. And fans are loving it. Representation matters, and Iris’s background is resonating with viewers who rarely see mixed Latina leads in dating shows.
But here’s the thing, Iris isn’t out here waving a flag for her background. She’s just being herself, which, honestly, is refreshing. Some fans want her to lean into her heritage more (because, let’s be real, a Latina winner would be iconic), but she’s not forcing it. She’s vibing in the villa, making questionable romantic choices (we’ll get to that), and letting her personality shine. Still, knowing she’s repping two underrepresented cultures? That’s a win, whether she’s shouting it from the rooftops or not.
Why Iris’s Ethnicity (and Love Life) Matters in 2025
Fast-forward to July 12, 2025, and Iris is still in the villa, now coupled up with Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez after a messy journey. She started with Jeremiah (thanks to America’s vote), flirted through Casa Amor, and now might just be in one of the season’s most genuine pairings. Fans are obsessed with their chemistry, especially after their steamy ball pit kiss and deep convos about loyalty. Iris even admitted she never saw Pepe as an option before — plot twist!
But back to her background. In a season where Love Island USA has faced controversies (racist past posts from other contestants, anyone?), Iris’s multicultural identity feels like a breath of fresh air. She’s Latina in a genre that often sidelines Latin love stories, and she’s Ukrainian at a time when the world’s hyper-aware of the country’s struggles. That duality makes her more than just a reality star; it makes her relatable to fans who see themselves in her mix.
And let’s talk about timing. The season finale drops July 13, and Iris and Pepe are still in the running. Will her fan-favorite status (and maybe her cultural resonance) push them to the top? It’s possible. Either way, Iris has already won in one sense: She’s proving that reality TV doesn’t have to stick to the same old scripts. A half-Chilean, half-Ukrainian bombshell with a spray tan empire and a knack for stirring drama? That’s the kind of representation that keeps Love Island interesting.
So yeah, Iris Kendall’s mixed ethnicity is a big deal, not because she’s making it her whole personality, but because it’s part of what makes her her. And in 2025, that’s exactly the kind of authenticity viewers are craving.
