TJ Palma is a real estate entrepreneur, content creator, TV personality, and former college baseball player who appeared as a bombshell on season 7 of Love Island USA. He entered the villa on Day 14 and left on Day 24 after being dumped. Palma later returned with his girlfriend, Iris Kendall, for the spinoff Love Island: Beyond the Villa.
Key Takeaways
- Palma is a successful entrepreneur with a thriving Airbnb business in Tampa, Florida.
- He played Division II baseball for the University of Tampa, winning a national championship in 2024.
- Palma appeared on Love Island: Beyond the Villa and as a guest on The Viall Files podcast.
- He is in a relationship with Iris Kendall, whom he met on Love Island USA.
Who Is TJ Palma from Love Island USA?
The reality TV personality was born on 16 December 2001 in Pleasantville, New York. He is 24 years old as of 2026, and his zodiac sign is Sagittarius. His mother, Lorraine Daniele Palma, is a licensed aesthetician who owns a skincare and spa business. His father stays mostly out of the public spotlight. TJ grew up with two older brothers, Steven and Anthony, in suburban Westchester County.
Educational Background
TJ attended Iona Preparatory School, an all-boys Catholic school in New Rochelle, New York. After high school, he studied Entrepreneurship at the University of Tampa.
What Does TJ Palma Do for a Living?
TJ Palma is an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and reality TV personality. He gained widespread recognition as a contestant on Season 7 of Love Island USA. He entered as a bombshell on Day 14, formed a close bond with Iris Kendall, and coupled up around Day 20. On Day 24, he was dumped after a public vote placed him in the bottom three.
After the show, Palma built a large social media following as a content creator and influencer, sharing lifestyle, travel, fitness, and entrepreneurship content. He has partnered with major brands like Garnier and Hellmann's Spicy Mayo. Previously, he worked in real estate and hospitality, managing several Airbnb properties in Florida and advising property owners on short-term rentals. He also works as a licensed real estate agent in Tampa, Florida.
Palma has expanded into angel investing, investing in early-stage startups in consumer beverage and health-tech sectors. Before his business and entertainment career, he played as an outfielder for the University of Tampa Spartans baseball team, winning a Division II national championship in 2024.
Is TJ Palma in a Relationship Now?
TJ Palma is in a relationship with Iris Kendall. They met and became a couple on Love Island USA. Although separated when TJ was eliminated, they reconnected after the show and officially resumed dating in late 2025 after a romantic proposal in Malibu. They maintain a strong long-distance relationship: TJ lives in Tampa, Florida, while Iris lives in Los Angeles, California.
TJ told Us Weekly in June 2026: "We're doing great long distance, two opposite sides of the country, but we make it work, and we've been just climbing uphill together. We're going through this new life together. We're best friends, we're lovers. It's just a relationship I've always dreamt of and wanted."
The couple has discussed moving in together. TJ said: "We honestly haven't come to a decision on where, when, or what type of thing. She's always expressed that she was OK moving out of L.A. I've always expressed that I'm OK moving out of Tampa... We're still trying to figure it out." They have worked on brand partnerships together, including a Hellmann's Spicy Mayo summer commercial campaign.
Ex-Girlfriend's Claims
Before Love Island, TJ was in a serious relationship with Jessica Musraca. In July 2025, while Season 7 aired, Jessica appeared on Gossip with Grace: Unfiltered and exposed text messages from TJ. She claimed that the night before TJ left to film the show, he texted her, sent a song titled You're The Love Of My Life, and told her, "I'm gonna marry you, and I love you." He allegedly texted her again the next morning to apologize before going off the grid for production.
FAQs
- Who is TJ Palma from Love Island USA? He is a reality TV star, content creator, and real estate entrepreneur.
- Where was TJ Palma born? Pleasantville, New York, United States.
- What is TJ Palma's age? 24 years old as of 2026 (born 16 December 2001).
- What is TJ Palma's ethnicity? Caucasian with Hispanic-American roots.
- What is TJ Palma's full name? Thomas John Palma.
- What is TJ Palma's job? Full-time content creator and short-term real estate rental business owner.
- Is Iris with TJ? Yes, they are still together as of 2026.
- Did Iris want to leave with TJ? She wanted to leave when he was voted off but decided to stay and finish the show.
- Did Iris end up with TJ? Yes, they reconnected after the show and became official in September 2025.
- What is TJ Palma's height? 6 feet (183 cm).
TJ Palma continues to grow his presence as a content creator and influencer while building his business ventures and maintaining public interest following his time on Love Island USA.
