LOVE ISLAND USA -- Episode 835 -- Pictured: (l-r) Aniya Harvey, Carl Schmidt -- (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images)
Two weeks after finishing as runners-up on ‘Love Island USA’ season 8, Carl Schmidt and Aniya Harvey have shared an update on where their relationship stands. During a recent appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,’ the pair revealed they are not officially boyfriend and girlfriend, despite saying their connection has continued to grow since leaving the villa. Carl also weighed in on the criticism surrounding KC’s comments about Aniya during Casa Amor.
‘Love Island USA’ Season 8 runner-ups, Carl and Aniya, joined winners Trinity and Bruce on a recent episode of ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,’ where the couples reflected on life after the villa. While Trinity and Bruce confirmed they are officially dating, viewers were still curious about where Carl and Aniya stand.
When Andy Cohen asked about their relationship status, Carl said the two are intentionally taking things slow after only knowing each other for a short time.
“No, so we are not officially boyfriend-girlfriend yet,” he said.
Carl explained that because he entered the villa during Casa Amor, the pair only had about two weeks together before the finale.
“I honestly feel after two weeks, the connection has just been really strong, and we just feel really, really happy. We just kind of want to keep rolling that as long as we can,” he added.
Before finding a connection with Carl, Aniya was originally coupled up with KC. Their relationship unraveled during Casa Amor after KC explored a connection with Tierra, whom he ultimately chose to recouple with. Aniya was left single until Carl returned to the villa following Casa Amor. The two quickly built a connection that carried them to the finale. Tensions between KC and Aniya escalated during the show’s Movie Night episode. Islanders watched clips revealing what their partners had been saying and doing during Casa Amor.
During ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ a fan asked Carl about KC’s comments regarding Aniya. Carl said he would not defend everything KC said, but suggested some of the remarks were likely “boy locker room talk.” He also noted that spending weeks constantly wearing microphones can make Islanders forget they’re being recorded at all times.
Fans quickly flooded social media with reactions after Carl and Aniya’s relationship update.
Instagram user @thereall.lakey wrote, They only knew each for 2 weeks, that very right to take it slow. Yall dont know how to date. You have to be in the talking stage getting to know each other first before you get in a relationship. Aint nobody finna keep riding into relationships to keep falling out of it!
Another Instagram user @heavenleighdes wrote, they be wanting these people to hop in a relationship soon as they meet
While Instagram user @shadyladytree wrote, Last night was Carl and Anitas first time seeing each other since the show ended. They dont have a relationship
Instagram user @luvvaskye wrote, more like lust island
Another Instagram user @asutoras wrote, no chemistry
While Instagram user @thehannahmwale wrote, if they end up like Nic and Olandria imma be disappointed ngl
Instagram user @tifftiffrk wrote, Carl Is real ad for everything he said!!! They are taking things slow and also speaking for KC because thats how men talk when women arent around but a lot of ppl dont realize or think it wont happen. KC and Anita were not exclusive and both had doubts whether anyone wants to admit it or not! kudos to Carl!
Another Instagram user @acireluv wrote, Yes thank you Carl because it wasnt that deep for a hate train on KC
While Instagram user @ajaneetimore wrote, Now this is a PR relationship
