What to watch
Best streaming guide in the US
Love Island USA star Kendall Washington’s sudden departure from the new YouTube series Unwell Winter Games was a legitimate last-minute withdrawal and not a scripted publicity stunt.
TMZ confirmed on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that the reality star fully intended to appear in the competition before personal circumstances forced him to drop out.
This clarification follows fan speculation that producers manufactured the "missing" contestant drama in the show's premiere to get more views.
In the debut episode of the series, which Call Her Daddy creator Alex Cooper hosts, the audience learned that Kendall Washington left the cast just as filming began.
Production sources emphasized that "no bad blood" exists between the star and the network, clarifying that the crew genuinely did not expect his absence.
The Unwell Winter Games represents the latest expansion of Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network, featuring a variety of reality stars and influencers competing in physical and mental challenges.
Despite the loss of Kendall Washington, the show continues with a high-profile cast, including Love Island’s Huda Mustafa and Louis Russell.
The "Winter Games" format aims to blend the competitive spirit of shows like The Challenge with the lifestyle and relationship drama typical of the Unwell brand.
