Are Katie Maloney and Connor Newsum dating? 'Vanderpump Rules' stars' cozy 'date' sparks speculation
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: It looks like love is in the air for 'Vanderpump Rules' star Katie Maloney and 'Love Island USA' islander Connor Newsum.
Katie, 37, was recently seen out and about with 28-year-old Connor, according to Us Weekly. The media outlet reported that the pair were spotted at Laurel Tavern, a popular restaurant in Studio City, California, on Tuesday, July 31.
An insider revealed that the pair chose a secluded corner table and enjoyed their evening without any additional company. The source also noted that Katie seemed to be in high spirits and looked stunning during their casual outing.
This unexpected turn of events has sparked speculation that Katie's colleague, Ariana Madix—host of 'Love Island USA' and fellow actress—might have played a role in connecting the two, following her return from filming the reality show in Fiji earlier this month
What happened to Connor Newsum on ‘Love Island USA’ Season 6?
For those who are curious, Connor Newsum appeared on Season 6 of 'Love Island USA,' where he was seeking love. During his time on the show, Connor had brief connections with JaNa Kraig and Leah Kateb.
However, Leah ultimately chose to pursue a relationship with Miguel Harichi, who became her partner by the end of the season, leaving Connor without a match. After leaving the show, Connor told Us Weekly that he had been staying in touch with Cass Laudano “She got out and I was like, ‘Hey, so what’s up?’ We’ve been texting and, maybe, potentially making some light plans,” he told the publication earlier this month.
“We got along really well. We had a lot in common. We had a few conversations that were just really easy and we work in the same career field. … We just had a lot of similar interests, love for animals. I think everyone saw that weird fishing conversation we had when I was making her grilled cheese. Just random stuff like that. She’s really easy to talk to, she’s gorgeous and just fun to be around," he added.
Why did Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz divorce?
After six years together, 'Vanderpump Rules' stars Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz officially ended their marriage in 2022. Katie has openly stated that she feels no remorse or regret about their decision to divorce.
While making an appearance during the September 2023 episode of the 'Almost Adulting' podcast, Katie said, “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,"
“It was over months — a period of months — and I just got to a point where I was like I need to get real with myself and real with him. I kind of just knew it. I became emotionally withdrawn. I still loved him but the love between us that connection that romance was not there anymore," she continued.
The Bravo star remembered the tough choice she had to make after reaching a point of self-improvement and growth. Katie went on to say, "I never felt prioritized. He didn’t really have my back or defend me or make me fell 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.”
“It took me working on myself in general — not really because of all of that — but I wasn’t feeling great in my body and in general. I wanted to boost my own confidence and just started working on myself," she added.
Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz agreed on not dating anyone in ‘Vanderpump Rules’ friend group
Despite their decision to part ways romantically, Tom and Katie have made a conscious effort to maintain a strong bond post-divorce. As Season 10 of 'Vanderpump Rules' began, the former couple was often seen spending time together, both privately and with their fellow cast members.
“I really value my friendship with Tom, and I want to remain friends. But there’s just one rule: Don’t hook up with anyone in the friend group," Katie shared in an interview. Tom and Katie were hopeful about maintaining their friendship, but some of their fellow cast members expressed doubts about the longevity of their relationship. Ariana Madix jokingly said, “If one of my exes even tried to call me Bubba, I would call the cops."
