TJ Palma’s eyes welled up after hearing Iris’ emotional message after leaving the villa
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TJ palma’s Tears That Shocked Everyone
A moment that even surprised TJ Palma was when this contestant of Love Island USA could not hold back his tears after hearing Iris Kendall’s final message.
The 23-year-old bombshell admitted that “I did not think I would cry today,” but after hearing the words coming from Iris’ heart, his eyes became moist.
Big Dramatic Shake-up in the Villa
The episode of July 3 showed the most brutal dumping of the season so far, in which five islanders were shown the way home in one go.
TJ, Casa Amor contestants Jaden Duggar and Gracyn Blackmore, bombshell Andreina Santos, and day-one cast member Austin Shepard were all eliminated after a record-breaking audience vote.
Taylor Williams was saved as the rest of the islanders decided to save her.
A Promising Couple’s Journey Cut Short
TJ’s exit was especially heartbreaking as it broke one of the villa’s strongest pairs.
He and Iris reconnected after Casa Amor and looked to be making some genuine connections.
During elimination, TJ confessed to host Ariana Madix, “It sucks but I’m very grateful, but my journey ends here, and I’m just upset that I can’t finish it with her.” Iris then held his hand while silently crying.
Cely’s Phone Gives an Emotional Blow
Thanks to Season 2 alum Cely Vazquez and her famous “Cely Phone,” the eliminated islanders got to hear the final messages from the rest of the villa. When it was TJ’s turn, Iris’ words deeply affected her:
“TJ, I really miss you. You’ve made my experience here so much better than I could have ever imagined,” she began.
“Every morning, I was excited to see you, and going to sleep with you was amazing.”
As she spoke further, TJ’s composure started breaking: “Whatever we did together, in this short time, was truly amazing and I will not forget you, so don’t worry.
And I am truly, truly grateful that I got to meet such a wonderful person like you. I had a great time and I will miss you a lot.”
Plans outside the Villa
Despite his broken heart, TJ is already thinking about his future outside the show.
When Cely asked how she felt after hearing Iris’ message, she called it “f—— amazing” and revealed their date plans after leaving the villa: “Maybe on the beach. She likes coffee too, so maybe at a coffee spot.”
Despite being disappointed that his journey is ending early, TJ seems confident about their connection and firmly says, “We will definitely get out.”
Will this Love Island romance survive in the real world? Only time will tell, but TJ’s emotional reaction suggests that their connection is probably real.
Watch new episodes of Love Island USA daily (except Wednesdays) at 9 pm ET on Peacock.