Who Is Vince Panaro Girlfriend Kelsey Owens? Big Brother 27 Relationship Drama Explained

Big Brother 27 has ignited controversy after contestant Vince Panaro was caught up in a so-called “cheatmance” with fellow player Morgan Pope, leaving his seven-year girlfriend Kelsey Owens devastated. The storyline has triggered discussions about cheating, reality TV strategy, and the pressures of performing on camera.

Relationship History with Kelsey

Panaro, 34, a marketing executive from Chicago, entered the house projecting a stable home life. His relationship with Owens, a 32-year-old graphic designer, had been steady and low-profile, built on balancing professional goals with personal support.

How They Met

The couple met in 2018 at a Chicago networking event. Panaro was pitching a nonprofit campaign, while Owens handled branding. Their shared love for urban hiking and indie films helped their friendship turn into romance. By 2019, they had moved into an apartment in Wicker Park, choosing career growth over luxury. Their bond, highlighted in pre-show interviews and Owens’ Instagram, stood out for being grounded rather than showy—unlike typical reality TV dynamics.

Seven Years Together

The pair kept their relationship mostly private. They weathered the 2020 pandemic by co-writing a book, adopted a dog in 2023, and maintained a long-term outlook. While Panaro competed on the show, Owens managed his social media to keep life outside steady. However, the couple’s preference for privacy became a challenge once Panaro’s actions were broadcast on national television.

Big Brother 27 “Cheatmance” with Morgan Pope

Panaro’s gameplay centered on social maneuvering, but his alliance with 28-year-old paralegal Morgan Pope evolved beyond strategy. Fans labeled it a “cheatmance,” accusing Panaro of betraying Owens.

Their bond began as a Week 3 game move but deepened by Week 5, with cuddling and nicknames. Even a robot on the show joked about their “strategic cuddling.” A notable moment came when they showered in adjacent stalls. While Morgan later insisted they were only friends, Panaro appeared invested emotionally.

Other houseguests warned Panaro the flirting hurt his reputation. Fans argued over blame, and even the host sided against Morgan—something viewers criticized as unfair. Ultimately, the relationship drama cost Panaro both alliances in the house and credibility with fans.

Kelsey’s Scathing Response

As the feeds exposed the flirtation, Owens shifted from silence to visible anger. She unfollowed Panaro on Instagram and withheld the traditional gift of encouragement sent by loved ones. Fans speculated she felt humiliated.

On September 22, Owens posted a now-deleted Instagram Story: “Seven years of trust, shattered by ‘strategy.’ Humiliated doesn’t cover it—flirting was the line, not this.” The post, shared by The US Sun, hinted at a pre-show understanding that allowed mild flirtation but condemned the “cheatmance” as going too far. Coverage in outlets such as USA Today framed it as a classic case of broken trust under attachment theory.

Are They Still Together?

During the September 28 finale, Owens was noticeably absent from the audience, even as Panaro made emotional pleas for reconciliation in his exit interview.

By September 29, reports from Entertainment Now stated, “There is no relationship at this point.” Panaro’s first post-show X activity—a parody account joking he skipped the after-party to win Owens back—suggested desperation. TV Shows Ace echoed that the damage was irreparable. While Reddit rumors mentioned possible mediation through friends, no confirmed sightings of the couple have surfaced.

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