Ariana Madix Denies Playing Matchmaker for Katie Maloney and Connor Newsum
Ariana Madix, Katie Maloney, Connor Newsum
Ariana Madix has cleared the air regarding her involvement in Katie Maloney’s rumored romance with Connor Newsum. During a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Ariana, 39, set the record straight, stating that she had no role in playing matchmaker for her friend and the 28-year-old Islander.
When asked about Katie’s relationship status, Ariana confidently stated, “Katie is not dating anyone.” She further emphasized, “I have never played matchmaker with Katie.”
Last month, Katie, 37, was spotted on a date with Connor. A source revealed that the pair enjoyed a quiet evening at Laurel Tavern in Studio City, California, where they sat in the corner, away from prying eyes.
Related: Stars Who Played Matchmaker for Their Friends
Fans of Vanderpump Rules initially suspected that Ariana might have played a role in bringing Katie and Connor together, given her connection to the Islander as the host of his season on Love Island USA. However, Katie remained coy when questioned about the outing on her “Disrespectfully” podcast, saying, “Was I on a date?… I’m not going to deny anything.”
Katie’s cohost, Dayna Kathan, hinted that she possessed inside information but chose not to spill the beans, leaving fans wondering about the nature of Katie and Connor’s relationship.
Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Status Check: Which Couples Are Still Together?
Prior to sparking romance rumors with Connor, Katie was married to Tom Schwartz for six years. Their tumultuous relationship was a central theme on several seasons of Vanderpump Rules, ultimately leading to their divorce in 2022.
In a recent podcast episode, Katie reflected on her past, confessing, “I never felt prioritized. He didn’t really have my back or defend me or make me feel supported or heard. I just wanted that validation from him. So I made myself smaller in ways. I lost myself. I was a shell of a woman.”
Related: ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Cast’s Dating History
Katie has expressed no regrets about her decision to end her marriage, stating, “I was not asking for the world. I was asking for somebody to show up for me and they couldn’t. Over and over and over again. It just became a voice that became louder and louder and I couldn’t deny it anymore.”
Connor, meanwhile, was eliminated from season 6 of Love Island USA after brief connections with JaNa Craig and Leah Kateb. The drama will be rehashed at the upcoming reunion, which films Wednesday, August 14.