Benito Skinner and Terrence O’Connor have parted ways, ending nine years of togetherness. The viral sensation, known for his celebrity impressions under the name Benny Drama, announced the split with a touch of warmth, emphasizing that their breakup was amicable and that they still care for each other as friends.
During the October 22 episode of his RIDE podcast, Benito shared, "We both love each other so much and have so much love and respect for each other. We treated each other with love and respect until the end." He admitted that he's heard many fans say over the years that if the duo broke up, they would "stop believing in love." Benito responded, "If our breaking up makes you stop believing in love—I think it should be the opposite. Because I was with someone so special to me for nine years, in a committed relationship with my best friend."
The 31-year-old podcaster explained that the former couple "loved and championed each other" and grew up together, especially as Benito spent all of his 20s with Terrence. "I feel so unbelievably lucky to have met him and be a part of his family—I love his family. I love the cousins," he gushed. "So I hope that if anything, you should believe in love because I really had it and I really feel so lucky to have met him and be around his genius. He is always a friend of this pod, Grandpa Terry forever."
Benito also joked that he made Terrence promise never to date anyone younger than him, laughing that the two "spit-shook on it." But on a more serious note, he added, "I would love a little bit of privacy and respect for both of us." While he didn't elaborate on the reason behind the breakup, he did share that they are "literally two people who want the best for each other and I’m so excited to root him on."
Benito’s podcast cohost Mary Beth Barone was especially grateful for how well the two handled their breakup, telling him, "I love you both so dearly and thank you for parting ways on such good terms where it’s like we can really just ride for both of you into the sunset."
As for Terrence, the photographer has yet to publicly speak out about the breakup, although he did recently recall the moment he first met Benito at a party in 2016. "I really had a That’s So Raven moment," Terrence shared with Nylon in April, "where I was immediately like, ‘I’m going to marry him.’" And when Benito told him he wanted to be an actor, Terrence was ready to support his dreams, telling him, "I don’t know how I could help you become an actor, but maybe we could try to get you a following on Instagram?"
