“Love Island USA” star Melanie Moreno is taking her post-villa life one day at a time, including when it comes to her relationship with Sincere Rhea.
Moreno and Rhea finished third on Season 8 after experiencing plenty of ups and downs throughout their time in Fiji. Now, six weeks after the finale, Moreno told Vulture that the pair have continued spending time together but have not officially defined their relationship.
“We’re not exclusive; we’re not boyfriend-girlfriend,” Moreno told the outlet, adding that she is not rushing to put a title on their connection.
Melanie Moreno and Sincere Rhea Are Taking Things Slowly
Moreno and Rhea have continued going on dates since leaving the villa, including paddle boating at Echo Park and getting ice cream. Rhea currently lives in New Jersey, while Moreno is based in Los Angeles.
Although Moreno said Rhea could eventually relocate to Los Angeles, she made it clear that the two would not immediately move in together. Instead, she wants them to experience dating in the real world after building their initial connection under the unusual circumstances of “Love Island USA.”
Their villa relationship generated significant discussion among viewers as Rhea explored connections with other women before repeatedly returning to Moreno. Moreno acknowledged that fans sometimes wanted her to make different decisions, but she views those experiences as part of being 24 and still figuring things out.
The experience also taught Moreno about handling the intense attention surrounding reality television. She told Vulture that she understands why viewers want the best for her, but she also wants the opportunity to determine what that looks like for herself.
Melanie Moreno Teases the ‘Love Island USA’ Reunion
Moreno also offered a small preview of the upcoming “Love Island USA” reunion, which airs Aug. 31.
Following the season, Moreno’s castmates Sol Dean and Kenzie Annis made comments about her online. Moreno told Vulture that Dean approached her in a hallway during the reunion to clear the air.
While Moreno stopped short of revealing exactly what happened during filming, she suggested viewers will better understand why the interaction surprised her once they watch the reunion. More importantly, she remains open to repairing relationships with castmates.
“Everything is fixable,” Moreno said, adding that she would be happy to rebuild relationships.
Melanie Moreno Looks Toward an Acting Career
Moreno is also thinking well beyond reality television.
The Philadelphia native recently signed with UTA and hopes to continue studying theater in the United Kingdom while pursuing opportunities in film. Before “Love Island,” Moreno studied communications and theater, worked multiple jobs in Los Angeles and previously attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
She has intentionally kept a relatively low profile online while working behind the scenes to arrange meetings and establish herself as someone interested in film. Moreno also hopes to finish her undergraduate degree.
Her ambitions stretch back to childhood, when she told her father she wanted to appear in movies. Years later, her reality television experience has given her a new platform to pursue that dream.
For Moreno, “Love Island USA” was not an ending. She described the experience to Vulture as her “I got there” moment, and she already has her sights set on what comes next.
