Love Island USA’s Chelley, Ace Deny Dating Before Show

These islanders’ romance is only just burning up.

After Michelle “Chelley” Bissainthe and Ace Green finally coupled up on the June 17 episode of Love Island USA, her loved ones shut down rumors about the pair’s connection before docking in Fiji. 

“We want to be transparent and clear the air, as some of the rumors have gotten far from the truth,” Chelley’s friends—who are running her social media account during her tenure—wrote on her Instagram Stories June 19. “Chelley and Ace briefly crossed paths in New York and later connected on social media.”

“They were never in a relationship, never lived together, and there are no children or hidden past,” the post continued. “What’s unfolding now is real, unscripted, and could change at any moment. We’re fully supporting Chelley, wherever her heart leads and with whomever she chooses to couple with.”

While Ace, 22, had been coupled up with Amaya Espinal and Chelley, 27, was with Austin Shepard, their chemistry was clear to fans. So, it was no surprise when he opened her door during episode 14’s recoupling. (Austin went on to choose Amaya.)