James Reid on going public about romance with Issa Pressman: ‘We knew what the consequences would be’
James Reid looked back on the time he made his relationship with Issa Pressman public, noting it was "not something [he] wanted to hide."
In a recent interview with entertainment journalist MJ Marfori, the singer opened up about facing backlash on social media after confirming their romance.
According to James, he had no regrets about making it known to all as he's always been someone who wants to live his life "authentic[ally]."
"We knew what will happen once we became public and it’s not something I wanted to hide. I want to live my life authentic[ally]. What’s real to me, that’s what I want to show," he said.
James also noted that while he understood people's mixed reactions to their relationship then, their happiness is what truly matters at the end of the day.
"We knew what the consequences would be and we just had to stick it out until people see that we’re happy, and then eventually all that noise won’t matter," the 31-year-old said.
"At the end of our lives, it’s not how much we please other people. At the end of our lives, it’s how happy we were together. That’s all that matters," he continued.
In a previous interview, Issa opened up about overcoming backlash against their love, sharing it made her realize "how much of a supportive boyfriend" she has.
"Honestly, I think every single couple who goes through challenges, that’s a good test to know how you’re gonna be there for each other,” Issa said when asked about the mixed reactions they've been getting from Internet users since they soft-launched their relationship.
"I think that moment really proved to me how much of a supportive boyfriend I have," she said.
"I really felt like, I wouldn’t have gone through that situation if it wasn’t for him. He really made me feel comfortable, strong, safe, very much protected. And he always made me see the positive in every single negative, you know, and that brought up the positivity in me. But I’m happy. We’re happy,” she added.
James and Issa sparked dating rumors in March 2023 when they shared photos of each other during Harry Styles' Love on Tour concert in Manila. The photos included a mirror selfie as they held each other's hands.
Their "soft launch" garnered different comments online as Issa had been accused of being a third party during James' relationship with actress Nadine Lustre. James and Nadine, or JaDine to fans, announced their breakup in January 2020, though they said they split up in November 2019.
Days later, James took to Twitter and Instagram Story to address criticisms against Issa, saying that past rumors about them "are just that, rumors."
At the time, James said he felt the need to speak up "now" because "this is the start of something beautiful,” which he stressed he won't let anyone take away from him.
“All you need to know from me," he said, "is that [I’m] the happiest I’ve ever been."