New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently took a moment to celebrate a hometown hero, Amaya Espinal, the winner of Love Island USA Season 7. In a lively on-the-street interview with TMZ on August 15, Adams beamed with pride as he praised the Bronx native for her historic victory as part of the first Latino couple to win the wildly popular reality dating competition.
Amaya Espinal, affectionately known as “Amaya Papaya,” and her partner Bryan Arenales were crowned the winners on July 13, captivating audiences and securing the $100,000 grand prize. Adams attributed Amaya’s success to her “street savvy” New York roots, specifically her upbringing in The Bronx. “Amaya, you already know what a love island looks like — it’s called The Bronx,” Adams quipped. “Congratulations! You had a heads up on everyone else because, in New York, particularly The Bronx, you know how to find true love. We love The Bronx!”
Elected in 2021, Mayor Adams is currently campaigning for reelection in November, facing a formidable challenge from Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, who made history with a record-breaking number of votes in the mayoral primary.
Amaya, a 25-year-old Dominican-American nurse, entered the Love Island USA villa as a bombshell on Day 5. With her vibrant personality, sharp sense of humor, and self-proclaimed “sensitive gangsta” vibe, she quickly won over viewers. Throughout the season, Amaya explored connections with several islanders before finding a deep bond with Bryan, who joined during the dramatic Casa Amor twist. Their shared Latino heritage and undeniable chemistry made them a fan-favorite couple, ultimately leading to their victory in the show’s most-watched season to date.
As Love Island USA Season 7 concluded in July, Amaya and Bryan not only found love but also split the $100,000 prize. The excitement continues as the couple, along with the rest of the cast, prepares to return for a highly anticipated reunion special. Co-hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen, the reunion promises to deliver plenty of drama, including an extended cut of the infamous “Heartrate Challenge.”