“Summer House”’s KJ Dillard Says Dara Levitan Broke Up with Him During a ‘Terrible Place’ in His Mental Health Journey

Deirdre DurkanTue, June 2, 2026 at 11:43 PM UTC

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Dara Levitan and KJ Dillard in March 2026
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty -

KJ Dillard said Dara Levitan ended their relationship during a difficult period when he was dealing with financial hardship and mental health struggles following Summer House season 10

KJ previously revealed at the reunion that he was hospitalized for self-harm and later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder

Despite the temporary split, KJ said he and Dara have endured public scrutiny together and remain committed to not letting outside opinions affect their relationship

KJ Dillard is sharing new details about a temporary split from Dara Levitan, which occurred while he was navigating serious mental health struggles.

The Summer House newcomer, 28, reflected on the highs and lows of dating in the public eye and revealed that he and Levitan briefly broke up during his recovery while appearing on the Tuesday, June 2, episode of the More Life With Carl Radke podcast.

“A lot of people are supportive, and I’m thankful for them,” KJ said. “But then, a lot of people are hating.”

Summer House viewers watched KJ and Dara, 33, spark a romance during season 10 of the hit reality show after being introduced by costar West Wilson. While KJ acknowledged that his relationship with West has been strained, he said he’s still grateful for the introduction.

KJ Dillard in March 2026
Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty

“We do a good job at not letting [the public] tear us apart. It affects us individually, of course, but the relationship, we both know what we want and what we’ve gone through together,” KJ said. “It was gnarly. It’s, honestly, some love story s--- that we’re not gonna let outside influence affect that.”

Later in the conversation, KJ revealed that he and Dara hit a rough patch after filming wrapped.

“Pre-show, nothing was really going on for me. Modeling was slow. I’d taken a break during the summer to focus on the show,” he explained. “Financially, I was in a terrible place. Me and Dara were struggling because I was taking out what I was going through out on her. I wasn’t even aware of it.”

The relationship ultimately came to a temporary end while he was working through those issues, according to KJ.

The revelation comes just weeks after KJ candidly discussed his mental health journey during part one of the Summer House season 10 reunion, which aired on May 26.

During the episode, KJ became emotional while sharing that he had been hospitalized for self-harm and later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

“I actually had to go to the hospital for self-harm,” he said during the reunion. “I was there for a week. Mia [Calabrese] and Ciara [Miller] were there almost every day.”

KJ told host Andy Cohen that castmates Ciara Miller and Mia helped support him through what he described as “some heavy stuff mentally” during the fall.

As he fought back tears, KJ explained that he spent several months focusing on his recovery.

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“I got to focus on myself. I needed that,” he said. “My whole life, I distracted myself and ran away from my issues instead of facing them head-on.”

Dara Levitan and KJ Dillard in May 2026
Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

He is now in therapy and taking medication, KJ added.

While reflecting on his diagnosis, KJ said he feels fortunate to have come through the experience.

“I’m grateful that I’m here alive because I could have not been,” he said. “I’m thankful for the support of my friends. Like everyone here has somehow showed their support in their own way. So I appreciate that.”

KJ also thanked viewers who have responded positively to his decision to be open about his mental health struggles.

“I’m very thankful that the audience is embracing that, because it’s my truth,” he said. “I’m not gonna not be honest about what I’m going through, especially if it can help others.”

His castmates were quick to rally around him at the reunion, with an emotional Jesse Solomon embracing KJ after hearing his story.

“I feel for you,” Jesse said. “I’m glad you’re good, because I don’t want anyone to go through that. I’m happy he’s feeling better.”

Radke also voiced his support, telling KJ that he would “keep doing great stuff.”

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Summer House airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”