Australian actor, activist, and podcaster Kath Ebbs is speaking out for the first time since their highly publicized breakup with JoJo Siwa. In an interview with Betches, Ebbs reflects on the emotional toll of the split, the challenges of navigating public scrutiny, and the complexities of queer relationships in the spotlight.
A Sudden and Public Split
The breakup occurred shortly after JoJo Siwa’s appearance on Celebrity Big Brother 2025. While in the house, Siwa formed a close bond with fellow contestant Chris Hughes, sparking rumors of a romantic connection. Upon exiting the show, Siwa ended her relationship with Ebbs at the afterparty, citing “confused feelings” and stating that Ebbs wasn’t the person she saw a future with.
Kath Ebbs Speaks Out
In their interview, Ebbs describes the past weeks as the “most depressed I’ve been in six years, for real.” They express feeling overwhelmed by the public’s reaction and the lack of direct communication from Siwa. “There have been so many times in the past month when I’ve thought about disappearing when this all feels way too overwhelming,” Ebbs admits. “The person who used to be my support system has not only vanished but turned against me and allowed this behavior to continue towards me. Everyone’s talking about me, but not to me. I feel voiceless, and that’s a really big trigger for me because of things that I’ve grown up with.”
The Impact of Public Scrutiny
Ebbs believes that the media’s treatment of their breakup is influenced by underlying homophobia. “I’m telling you right now, if Chris Hughes had a girlfriend or if he was even just casually seeing someone on the outside and was acting like that, I don’t know what kind of conversation we would be having,” they say. “I believe there is a small percentage of the conversation that is influenced by people’s either unconscious or conscious homophobia.”
The Role of Labels in Identity
The interview also touches on the complexities of sexual identity and the use of labels. Ebbs reflects on Siwa’s public shift from identifying as a lesbian to coming out as queer. “It’s easy to discuss sexual fluidity until it’s your partner on TV saying this stuff,” Ebbs says. “I think my boundaries were crossed in a way that felt like a betrayal of trust repeatedly around affection.”
Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, Ebbs is focusing on healing and personal growth. They have been engaging in activities that bring them joy, such as line dancing, and are leaning on their support system. “I’m just heartbroken, and I’ve just gone through a really messy breakup that I didn’t see coming, and I’m in shock, and I’m picking up the pieces of my love life and of my life in that,” Ebbs shares.
Who Is Kath Ebbs?
Beyond their relationship with Siwa, Kath Ebbs is a multifaceted individual with a significant presence in the Australian entertainment industry. They made history as the first non-binary character on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, portraying Asher Nesmith. Ebbs is also a podcaster, co-hosting I’ve Always Said That with fellow influencer Carmen Azzopardi, and a content creator with a strong following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They are known for their authenticity and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
As Kath Ebbs navigates the aftermath of their breakup with JoJo Siwa, they are committed to using their platform to share their journey and continue advocating for queer representation in media. Their resilience and dedication to authenticity serve as an inspiration to many facing similar challenges.
