NEED TO KNOW
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KJ Dillard claimed that Dara Levitan ended their relationship during a difficult period when he was experiencing financial difficulties and mental health issues following the 10th season of the reality show. «Summer House» .
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Earlier at a band reunion, KJ revealed that he had been hospitalized for self-harm and was later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
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Despite the temporary separation, KJ stated that he and Dara have weathered the public scrutiny together and remain determined not to let other people's opinions affect their relationship.
KJ Dillard has shared new details about his temporary split from Dara Levitan, which occurred during a period when he was experiencing serious mental health issues.
28-year-old newcomer to the show Summer House shared his thoughts on the ups and downs of dating in the public eye and revealed that he and Levitan briefly separated during his recovery in a podcast episode More Life With Carl Radke, released on Tuesday, June 2.
«"A lot of people support me, and I'm grateful for that," KJ said. "But at the same time, a lot of people hate me.".
Reality show viewers Summer House We watched as KJ and 33-year-old Dara developed a romance during the hit show's 10th season after being introduced by co-star West Wilson. While KJ admitted his relationship with West was strained, he said he was still grateful for the encounter.
KJ Dillard in March 2026. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty.
«"We're doing a good job of not letting [the public] tear us apart. Of course, it affects each of us individually, but in a relationship, we both know what we want and what we've been through together," KJ said. "It's been tough. Honestly, it's such a love story, and we're not going to let outside influences affect that.".
Later in the conversation, KJ revealed that he and Dara had problems after filming ended.
«"Before the show, I wasn't doing very well. Modeling was slow. I took a break over the summer to focus on the show," he explained. "Financially, I was in dire straits. Dara and I were struggling because I was taking my problems out on her. I didn't even realize it.".
According to KJ, the relationship eventually ended temporarily while he worked through these issues.
The revelation comes just weeks after KJ opened up about his struggles with mental health issues during the first part of the reality show's season 10 reunion. «Summer House» , which aired on May 26.
During the episode, KJ became emotional as he revealed that he was hospitalized for self-harm and was later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
«"I even had to go to the hospital for self-harm," he said during the meeting. "I was there for a week. Mia [Calabrese] and Ciara [Miller] were there almost every day.".
KJ told host Andy Cohen that his co-stars Ciara Miller and Mia supported him during what he described as a "tough time mentally" in the fall.
Holding back tears, KJ explained that he had dedicated several months to his recovery.
«"I need to focus on myself. I've needed it," he said. "All my life, I've been distracted and running away from my problems instead of facing them head-on.".
Dara Levitan and KJ Dillard in May 2026. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty.
He is currently undergoing therapy and taking medication, KJ added.
Reflecting on his diagnosis, KJ said he was lucky to have survived it.
«"I'm grateful to be alive, because otherwise I wouldn't be here," he said. "I'm grateful for the support of my friends. Everyone here expressed their support in one way or another. I really appreciate it.".
KJ also thanked viewers who responded positively to his decision to open up about his mental health struggles.
«"I'm really grateful to the audience for embracing this because it's my truth," he said. "I'm not going to hide what I'm going through, especially if it can help others.".
At the meeting, his castmates quickly rallied around him, and a touched Jesse Solomon hugged KJ after hearing his story.
«"I feel for you," Jesse said. "I'm glad you're okay, because I don't want anyone to go through this. I'm glad he's feeling better.".
Radke also expressed his support, telling KJ that he will "continue to do great things.".
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Show Summer House airs Tuesdays at 9:00 PM ET on Bravo and can be watched online the following day on Peacock.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, emotional stress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat on the website 988lifeline.org 24/7, 7 days a week.
Read the original article on People.