The internet is collectively taking a moment to process some heartbreaking news. Benito Skinner, known to long-time fans as Benny Drama, has announced his split from longtime partner Terrence O’Connor after nearly a decade of dating. The 31-year-old comedian and Overcompensating star shared the news on his Ride podcast this week, leaving fans reaching for the tissues.
Speaking candidly on the October 22 episode, Benito didn’t beat around the bush. “Terry and I are no longer together,” he revealed. What struck listeners most, though, was the grace and maturity with which both handled the situation. “I will say that we both just 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,” Benito explained during the podcast.
The breakup marks the end of a relationship that many fans viewed as relationship goals. Benito Skinner and Terrence O’Connor first met at a party back in 2016, and their chemistry was instant. In an interview with Nylon earlier this year, Terry opened up about that magical first encounter, saying, “I really had a That’s So Raven moment where I was immediately like, ‘I’m going to marry him.’”
Throughout their nine years together, the couple became a beloved fixture in the LGBTQ+ community. Terry, a photographer and creative director who’s worked with major artists like Charli XCX, HAIM, and Olivia Rodrigo, often collaborated with Benito professionally. Meanwhile, Benito’s online persona as Benny Drama brought joy to millions through his celebrity impressions and comedic skits.
What makes this breakup announcement particularly touching is Benito’s message to fans who’ve followed their journey. Addressing those who said they’d “stop believing in love” if the couple split, he offered a different perspective: “If us 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 9 years, in a committed relationship with my best friend.”
He added, “I really feel so lucky to have met him and been around his genius. He is always a friend of this pod. Grandpa Terry forever.” The affectionate nickname showed that despite the breakup, there’s clearly still deep love between them.
Benito also lightened the mood with some humor, joking that he made Terry promise “he will never date an actor younger than me” and that they “spit-shook on it.” Still, he was serious when asking for privacy. “I would love a little bit of privacy and respect for both of us,” he requested.
The announcement comes just months after Benito discussed the possibility of proposing to Terrence O’Connor. Back in July, he told Cosmopolitan they’d been together nine years but were “both very busy right now.”
Benito’s podcast co-host Mary Beth Barone emphasized that the split was completely amicable, with no drama or bad blood. She thanked both of them for handling things so gracefully, making it possible for everyone to continue supporting them separately.
While Terry hasn’t publicly commented on the breakup yet, it’s clear this is a story about two people who loved deeply, grew together, and are now choosing different paths while still rooting for each other. Sometimes that’s what real love looks like.