The Final Verdict: Are Cely Vazquez And Johnny Middlebrooks Still Together In 2025?
The question of whether Cely Vazquez and Johnny Middlebrooks are still together remains one of the most searched queries from the Love Island USA franchise, even in late December 2025. The short answer, confirmed by both reality stars on multiple occasions, is a definitive no. The fan-favorite couple, affectionately known as "Jely," ended their relationship in early 2021, just four months after the conclusion of Season 2.
Their journey was one of the most dramatic in the show's history, culminating in a messy post-villa split that became a major storyline years later when both Cely and Johnny were cast on Love Island Games. The persistent curiosity from fans stems from their strong connection in the villa and the surprising, public revelations about their breakup that have only recently come to light.
Cely and Johnny: A Complete Biographical Profile
Cely Vazquez and Johnny Middlebrooks became household names after their appearance on the second season of the American version of the hit reality dating show.
Cely Vazquez
- Full Name: Cely Vazquez
- Born: May 23, 1996 (Approx. 29 years old in 2025)
- Hometown: Sacramento, California
- Original Occupation: Legal Secretary
- Reality TV History: Love Island USA Season 2 (Runner-Up), Love Island Games Season 1
- Post-Show Career: Singer, Media Personality, Influencer
- Love Island USA Partner: Johnny Middlebrooks
Johnny Middlebrooks
- Full Name: Johnny Lee Middlebrooks
- Born: June 20, 1998 (Approx. 27 years old in 2025)
- Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
- Original Occupation: Student and Track & Field Athlete
- Reality TV History: Love Island USA Season 2 (Runner-Up), Love Island Games Season 1
- Post-Show Career: Media Personality, Model, Influencer
- Love Island USA Partner: Cely Vazquez
The Rise and Fall of 'Jely': From Runners-Up to a Messy Split
Cely and Johnny quickly became one of the most solid couples on Love Island USA Season 2, which was filmed in a Las Vegas 'bubble' due to the global pandemic. Despite their strong bond, their relationship faced a major test during the notorious Casa Amor twist.
Johnny’s actions during Casa Amor, where he pursued a brief connection with bombshell Mercades Schell, caused significant drama and heartache for Cely. Although he returned to the main villa alone and Cely ultimately forgave him, the incident cast a long shadow over their romance and became a point of contention among viewers. They managed to overcome the obstacle and finished the season as the runners-up, losing out on the $100,000 prize to winners Justine Ndiba and Caleb Corprew.
The January 2021 Breakup Announcement
The couple left the villa and continued their relationship in the real world, but the pressures of distance, public scrutiny, and the lingering effects of Casa Amor proved too much. In January 2021, Cely took to social media to announce the split. "Because you've all been such a close part of our relationship, I wanted to share with you that Johnny and I are no longer together," she wrote.
At the time, the details were vague, suggesting an amicable separation. However, the true, more dramatic story would not emerge until years later, revealing a complicated and somewhat petty final moment.
The Nachos and The 'Love Island Games' Reunion
The full, unvarnished truth about the "Jely" breakup was finally revealed when Cely and Johnny reunited as contestants on the spin-off show, Love Island Games (LIG), which aired in late 2023. The show brought together fan-favorite Islanders from various international franchises, forcing Cely and Johnny to confront their past.
The Infamous Cheesecake Factory Story
During a conversation with fellow Islander Megan Barton-Hanson, Cely shared the bizarre and surprisingly mundane reason for their final split. Cely explained that the breakup happened at The Cheesecake Factory, and the catalyst was an argument over food.
According to Cely, Johnny refused to pay for her nachos, leading to a heated argument that escalated into the end of their relationship. This revelation shocked fans, as the seemingly minor incident highlighted deeper issues of compatibility and respect that had been simmering since their time on Love Island USA Season 2.
The LIG Confrontation and New Connections
The tension between Cely and Johnny was palpable throughout their time on Love Island Games. Johnny, in particular, was criticized for speaking poorly about Cely to other contestants, leading to a heated on-screen confrontation where Cely called him out for his behavior.
While the show was a dramatic reunion for the ex-couple, it also provided Cely with a new potential love interest: Toby Aromolaran from Love Island UK Season 7. Cely and Toby coupled up and developed a strong connection, becoming one of the most popular pairings on the spin-off. While their post-LIG relationship status was initially ambiguous, the pair continued to hint at a romance, suggesting Cely had successfully moved on from the drama with Johnny. Johnny, meanwhile, was briefly linked to other bombshells on the show, but his time was largely defined by the drama with his ex.
Life After the Villa: Cely and Johnny's Individual Status in 2025
As of 2025, both Cely Vazquez and Johnny Middlebrooks have firmly established themselves as media personalities and influencers, leveraging their reality TV fame. They are no longer a couple, and their individual lives have diverged significantly.
Cely's Career and Personal Life
Cely has focused on her career as a singer and content creator. Her social media presence is active, often sharing fashion, music, and lifestyle content with her large following. Following her time on Love Island Games, she maintained a close relationship with Toby Aromolaran, although the exact nature of their commitment has been kept relatively private from the intense public eye that ruined her previous relationship. She has made it clear that her focus is on her career and maintaining a positive, drama-free life.
Johnny's Career and Personal Life
Johnny Middlebrooks continues to work as a model and media personality. He has appeared in various fashion campaigns and maintains a strong presence across platforms like Instagram and YouTube. His appearance on Love Island Games reinforced his reputation as a controversial figure within the franchise, but it also kept him highly relevant in the reality TV sphere. He has not publicly confirmed any long-term relationship since his time on the spin-off, dedicating his time to his modeling and media endeavors.
In summary, while Cely and Johnny's relationship was a defining moment of Love Island USA Season 2, their chapter closed definitively in 2021. The drama resurfaced on Love Island Games, giving fans closure and a bizarre final detail—the nachos—to remember their messy split by. As of 2025, both Cely Vazquez and Johnny Middlebrooks are single reality TV stars pursuing individual careers, with no indication of a reconciliation.
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