Caleb Greenwood and Alina Kasha Finally Share Their First Kiss

January 5, 2022 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

Thirteen years ago, Alina Kasha and Caleb Greenwood were teenagers who struck up an online friendship.

A couple of years ago, they reconnected, this time as adults, and their adolescent friendship became a long distance relationship.

That is a long time to go with no physical contact. Even when they saw each other in person, sparks did not immediately fly.

On the latest episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, that changed, as Alina and Caleb locked lips for the first time.

When Caleb first arrived in Turkey to meet with Alina, she was fully rested, having arrived with Elijah beforehand.

Caleb, on the other hand, had just spent many hours on a flight.

He felt gross. He was exhausted. While Alina washed her face before bed, he fell asleep on their bed.

The next morning, however, Caleb was much better rested.

He treated Alina to Turkish coffee in bed.

She — and viewers — also got to enjoy the sight of his shirtless torso, covered only by his flowing mane.

Alina could not help but crack a joke about how she might have enjoyed “American coffee” for breakfast.

Folks, she was not talking about coffee.

She had a long time to be excited to meet Caleb in person and be with him, and she wasn’t shy about it.

When it came time for them to process how they felt about meeting, Alina was very honest.

She explained to Caleb that it felt a little weird and even hurtful that he fell asleep so quickly after meeting her.

From her perspective, she just went to wash up before bed, and came back to find him conked out.

Honestly, we were getting very early Jovi Dufren and Yara Zaya vibes from them — with Caleb in the role of Yara.

Yara also just wanted to sleep after her long flight, to Jovi’s chagrin, but look at them now: married parents.

Clearly, Caleb and Alina can bounce back from this very normal early awkwardness.

In fact, Caleb immediately charmed Alina by asking what sorts of things she would like to do with him if getting tired out weren’t a concern.

For instance, if she wanted to go hiking with him, he has a carrier for that — it could fit her.

While Alina acknowledged that some could have found the suggestion demeaning, she was touched that he thought of and wanted to include her.

Downstairs, the two met up with Alina’s good friend, Elijah.

Officially, his reason for tagging along was to help Alina with accommodations for her disability.

He has very clearly taken it upon himself to evaluate Caleb and see if he is a good partner to Alina.

Elijah’s role as Alina’s wingman-slash-advocate definitely made Caleb feel a little put on the spot.

Honestly, it’s understandable.

Alina, Caleb, and Elijah are all clearly good people, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t all get to make each other feel awkward.

Caleb continued to get the hang of helping Alina with her wheelchair.

Taking advantage of their time in Turkey, the trio visited a beautiful mosque.

Taking a break to head upstairs (leaving Alina temporarily behind), Caleb and Elijah had some one-on-one time.

Caleb is very in touch with his spiritual side, as he made clear early in this season.

He commented on the energy in the mosque.

Elijah was clearly unsure of how to respond, since there is a difference between being a spiritual person and expecting others to want to hear about it.

Later, the trio were all eating.

At this point, Caleb wanted to know a little bit more about Alina’s past relationships.

Though she shared that her relationship with her ex lasted about 6 months, there was more to her story.

Alina has not yet told Caleb that she was still living with her ex when things began to heat up with him over long distance.

Until recently, she still lived with that ex, and she hasn’t admitted it to him.

She knows that she needs to, but she’s afraid that Caleb will consider her a “liar” and resent that she hid this from him.

However, for now, things were still progressing very smoothly.

As you can see in the clip that we included, Elijah finished his meal and decided to let the two of them have some “alone time.”

This being 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, their “alone time” included production and the camera crew, even when things got physical.

Caleb, who had already told cameras that he felt that their relationship was deepening and growing more comfortable, was feeling much more romantic.

He and Alina locked lips back in their bed at the hotel.

We hope that they both had a lovely night.

Is Gino Palazzalo a 90 Day Fiance Villain? Alleged Ex Outs Star For Revenge Porn, Stalking

January 5, 2022January 5, 2022 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

Things were mostly going well for Gino and Jasmine on the latest episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days.

No, Gina hadn’t taken off his hat. Yes, Jasmine was still showing red flags.

But from the trailer for this season, fans have been bracing themselves for Gino to reveal himself as the true villain.

Trailers can be misleading, but a woman claiming to be Gino’s ex took to social media to call him out.

Gino Palazzolo has yet to tell her that he's still friends with an ex

Before Season 5 premiered, viewers saw Jasmine Pineda confront Gino Palazzolo in the trailer.

There, she told him that she received a message from one of his exes.

While trailers are often deliberately dishonest, it appeared that she accused Gino of sending her nude photos to his ex.

Jasmine confronts Gino on Before The 90 Days

Sending his new love’s nudes to his ex would give a whole new, twisted meaning to “revenge porn.”

If that is what happened, i twas a catastrophic violation of Jasmine’s privacy and her trust in Gino.

It also would mean that Gino was, on some level, still hung up on his ex instead of focusing on his current romance.

Gino Palazzolo introduces himself on 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days

In a now-deleted Reddit post, a woman claiming to be that very ex of Gino’s spoke her mind.

There, she reported having dated him “during a dark, desperate time” in her life.

When it was time to end the relationship and move on, however, she said that Gino wouldn’t leave her be.

Gino Palazzolo texts with Jasmine (preview)

According to her, Gino would “email, text, and Facebook message me photos of other girls, soemtimes nude photos.”

She added: “He was meeting off Seeking Arrangement, bragging about how he was paying them more than he paid me.”

According to her, this post-breakup harassment went on for years, and did not stop when he began to date Jasmine.

Gino Palazzolo fell in love with Jasmine instantly

One day, she wrote, Gino sent her nude photos of Jasmine.

Something was different about this, she could tell.

“Then,” she explained, “the producer contacted me.” She did not return their call.

Gino Palazzolo packs for his trip (preview)

“I was really upset that I was even being mentioned,” she expressed.

Gino’s alleged ex explained “because there are certain parts of my personal life I do not want made public.”

In hindsight, she said, she wished that she had “exposed” Gino for being “the complete jerk that he is.”

Gino Palazzolo wants to leave a tip of course

“I decided to reach out to Jasmine to warn her,” she explained.

This was only “after Gino told me she was going to propose to him on the show.”

She admitted: “I wasn’t sure what this show was all about and for the small chance, it was a legitimate relationship/marriage.”

Gino Palazzolo prepares food in his Male Living Space (TM)

“She should be aware of the fact that he sent me (and who knows who else) intimate photos and videos,” she affirmed.

She made sure that Jasmine knew that Gino was messaging her during the relationship.

She added: “Also, how does one ‘accidentally’ send someone nude pics of their fiancé without their consent? 3, to be exact. I am just curious.”

Gino Palazzolo drives home bewildered (preview)

That is a very fair question.

To be clear, we do not know who this woman is, cannot verify her claims, and do not know what Gino’s side of the story may be.

Her description does seem to match up with what we have seen and heard on screen. Whether that means that it’s true is anyone’s guess.

Memphis BUSTED by Hamza’s Mom After Sleepover on 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days (Recap)

January 3, 2022January 3, 2022 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

Season 5, Episode 4 was the first 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days of the New Year.

Memphis and Hamza’s language barrier isn’t the only obstacle, because he lied to her about something important.

This leads to Memphis’ resolve being tested … and a painfully awkward moment for Hamza’s mother.

Caleb and Alina wake up after their first night together, but nothing happened.

Is that the way that it’s going to be? Maybe Elijah can get to the bottom of it.

Ella introduces viewers to her faith, and Johnny introduces himself on the show — sharing his plans to propose to Ella.

Jasmine and Gino bask in the afterglow of their first night together, but things get tense when they go shopping.

Kimberly goes with Usman for a “professional” meeting but ends up feeling like a third wheel, still without sleeping with him.

And Mike meets Ximena’s family. After a year of talking online, she’s ready to take him to bed.

1. Memphis Smith and Moknii Hamza

Last week, we saw Memphis arrive in Tunisia to meet Hamza in person for the first time. This weekend’s episode showed Hamza introduce Memphis to Youssef, his friend, who had agreed to take them on the VERY long drive from the airport to Hamza’s (mother’s) home. Either Youssef knows English better than Hamza does, or he had been practicing to greet Memphis.

2. The language barrier is rough

Memphis and Hamza were already communicating in simple sentences over long distance. In person, things are even less clear. Memphis also admits to the camera that she feels insecure that Hamza may be trying to hide his relationship with her from others, as his phone background is a photo of himself, not of her.

3. Hamza knows SOME English

One questions how far this relationship can go if the language barrier remains in place. Memphis is looking for a stepfather to her two children, not for a vacation fling.

4. Hamza has bad news

Hamza me mema told me not to sleep before marriage

He had previously lied to Memphis, telling her that his mom was fine with it if she shared a room with him. He now comes clean and tells Memphis — a grown 34-year-old woman — that they have to sleep in separate bedrooms. Memphis is unhappy that he lied to her, but doesn’t seem devastated.

5. Poor Youssef

Youssef has to listen to all of this for two hours

Maybe the editors are just playing games with his expressions as he drives, but we are all reminded that he’s listening to all of this — Hamza’s confession, Memphis’ questions about his phone background, and the “big boobies” talk.

6. Meet the family

Hamza introduces Memphis to his mother and sister. His sister speaks some English but asks Memphis to speak more slowly. It’s all very sweet, actually.

View Slideshow

90 Day Fiance Before The 90 Days Recap: Jasmine Pineda BLASTS Gino Palazzolo for Leaving a Tip!

December 27, 2021December 27, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

Things got awkward in more ways than one on Season 5, Episode 3 of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days.

If you were too busy with the holiday season to catch the full episode, don’t worry.

We have a full recap for you.

Most eye-catching was Gino and Jasmine’s attempt at a first date … one that spun out of control at the very end.

In Turkey, after thirteen years of friendship, Caleb and Alina met for the first time.

We are finally introduced to Ella, an Idaho girl who is over the moon for her “Asian prince,” Johnny.

She already has fans divided, but we’re rooting for her happiness.

Kimberly arrives in Zanzibar and meets Usman in person for the first time … and she has some gifts for him.

Hamza introduces himself and his family in the final hours before Memphis arrives in Tunisia.

And while Mike packs for his trip to Colombia, Ximena introduces herself and her young sons.

1. Gino Palazzolo and Jasmine Pineda

Gino palazzolo and jasmine pineda on their first dinner date

Possibly the most can’t-miss couple of this season (so far) is already together in Panama and goes on their first-ever in-person date as a couple. They go out to dinner, where Gino orders a very typical burger like he would get in the U.S. … and Jasmine, who does not eat meat, compares him (to the camera) to a T Rex and does not seem to approve.

2. Jasmine gets a text

Jasmine pineda shows gino palazzolo her phone messages

Most people either ignore a notification or check. Jasmine gets up behind Gino in a somewhat intimate stance and shows him her phone so that he can see her message. This is when he realizes that this is the level of access that Jasmine wants him to reciprocate. Sure enough, when he pulls out his phone to give her access, he sees a friend request on Instagram from someone he doesn’t know. Jasmine deletes the request for him.

3. But mostly, the date goes well

Jasmine pineda youre paying the first date

Gino will be paying the bill for the date, which is no big deal … until Jasmine decides to make it one.

4. Gino wants to leave a tip

While there is some nuance to the discussion of tipping (it’s not done at all in some countries, and its history in the United States actually stems from 19th Century racism), it’s still a good thing to do. Oddly, Gino suggests that a 15% tip is “good,” which is not true (20% or more unless the waiter personally and intentionally stabs you), but that’s not the issue on this particular date.

5. Jasmine tells him to not leave a tip

Jasmine pineda we dont have that money so no

Specifically, she says that a lot of American tourists leave tips out of habit, so there’s now a space on bills for tips, but she says that people in Panama can’t afford to tip so Gino shouldn’t leave a tip.

6. She’s unfortunately not kidding

When Gino even slightly protests by talking about how good the service that they received was, Jasmine is openly fuming, accusing Gino of ruining things. She also later accuses him of having some sort of “thing” for either that specific waitress or waitresses in general.

View Slideshow

90 Day Fiance Before The 90 Days Recap: Gino Palazzo Finally Meets Jasmine Pineda!

December 20, 2021December 20, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days continues to introduce its new cast on Season 5, Episode 2.

First up, we have Gino and Jasmine.

Part horny, part awkward, part controlling, we finally see them meet in person for the first time.

Alina and Caleb are both nervous to see each other and see how they mesh in person.

Kimberly is nervous to leave her elderly mother, but receives her blessing — but Usman’s entourage has more concerns on their end.

Memphis prepares for her trip to Tunisia, but her foster sister very directly shares some concerns with her.

This episode finally introduced Mike, a 34-year-old from Thiells, New York.

He has not dated for 20 years, but he is prepared to commit himself to Ximena, a Colombian mother of two.

1. Gino Palazzolo and Jasmine Pineda

Jasmine pineda introduces herself on episode 2

With Habanera from Carmen playing for some reason (Italian opera … in Panama?), we get our first official introduction to Jasmine, whom we previously “met” through Gino’s phone. Now, the english literature teacher gets a chance to introduce herself.

2. Jasmine knows that she is a lot

She is an intense and passionate woman who has clearly been burned in the past and is looking for something new. She has never dated an American before but clearly likes Gino.

3. Jasmine is also a mother

She has two young sons. One lives with his father. The other lives with her normally, but due to undisclosed special needs, he struggled with staying indoors during the pandemic, so she and her mother decided that he would stay with her — outside of the city. This has been a difficult time for her, and we can only imagine how tough it was to choose the best option for her baby boy.

4. Jasmine makes some points

Jasmine pineda i was so sick and tired of dumbass men

She doesn’t go into a lot of specifics, but she has clearly been through the wringer when it comes to men disappointing and cheating on her. Gino seems different, and she’s hoping that her instincts are right about him.

5. Even she hasn’t seen him without his hat

Jasmine pineda i dont know how his head is

Gino is clearly extremely self-conscious about what the top of his head looks like, and uses a baseball cap in order to hide it. Everyone is entitled to their insecurities, but dating and going on television may mean that Gino has to bare it all — including the top of his head. We hope that this can be an affirming journey for him.

6. Jasmine is really excited to meet Gino

Jasmine pineda i hope that gino is very sexual

While she does laugh over how little fashion sense he has (none), she is hoping that he will reciprocate her desire.

View Slideshow

Jasmine Pineda: I’m Not a 90 Day Fiance Psycho! I Just Stalk Gino at All Times!

December 16, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

On the season premiere of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, fans got to know Gino and Jasmine.

There was a lot of horniness and insecurity alongside plenty of awkward laughs.

Many fans raised cries of alarm over the way that Jasmine insisted upon tracking Gino’s every movement.

In this sneak peek of Sunday’s episode, Jasmine is defending the tight leash that she keeps on Gino.

So why exactly doesn’t Jasmine Pineda trust Gino Palazzolo?

As she tells her friend in this preview clip, there has been dishonesty in the past.

For one thing, when they were first talking, he lied about his age.

Gino initially told Jasmine that he was only 44.

Given that he is just shy of 52, that sounds like a nearly 8-year fib.

That is about half of their age gap.

That kind of dishonesty is not a great sign, but it’s not the worst thing in the world.

Her friend very sensibly asks if Jasmine is confident that he hasn’t lied to her about “other things.”

“Because I know,” Jasmine says. “I’m always calling him.”

“And when he goes outside,” Jasmine continues, “he needs to send me evidence and all that.”

Viewers have already caught on to this much.

We saw Jasmine video chat with Gino while he ran a simple errand, followed by chastising him for being so friendly with one employee.

In fact, that toxic possessiveness has been widely memed — something that Gino and Jasmine have been enjoying on social media.

“He has to video call me when he’s at the place, when he’s in the car, [and] when he’s back home,” Jasmine says.

That is excessive to the point of being a major red flag.

Jasmine admits to the camera that she has serious trust issues.

According to her, she has learned some difficult lessons over the years.

No amount of being beautiful or being nice will keep a man from cheating.

She also believes that more or less all men are cheaters.

This kind of “life lesson” can be difficult to shake for people who have been betrayed and hurt repeatedly.

But … what’s her issue with Gino just being friendly with people when he’s out and about?

Jasmine insists that she needs to be “the center,” as in the center of Gino’s attention, when he is out and about.

That is harder to understand, because obviously Gino is not sleeping with someone when she can see them both clearly on camera.

But it is clear that her insecurities about how a partner will behave and treat her are severe.

Ultimately, what matters most is not what viewers think of Jasmine’s overbearing behavior.

She’s not marrying the fandom. She’s potentially marrying Gino.

Is this something that Gino can live with for years or even decades to come?

Viewers are concerned that this is an abusive relationship, with Jasmine watching Gino’s every move.

Others remind us all of how creative editing can warp our view of the relationship, so take what we see on screen with a grain of salt.

We may need multiple episodes before we can determine how well these two mesh together. Fortunately, the season has scarcely begun!

Gino Palazzolo Packs Little Blue Pills to Keep Up with "Soul Mate" Jasmine Pineda

December 14, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

Even before the Season 5 premiere of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, fans had an impression of Gino and Jasmine.

Jasmine came across as horny and jealous. Gino seemed a little out of his depth and a lot awkward.

On the premiere, Gino shared everything but his scalp with the cameras, including his plans for the bedroom.

Conscious of the age gap with his future fiancee, Gino packed his bags full of “little blue pills” to ensure that he could keep pace.

Gino Palazzolo is a 51-year-old auto engineer from Michigan.

He is clearly taking his upcoming meeting with Jasmine in Panama very, very seriously.

Most people would shop online for travel supplies, not ask a pharmacist to walk him through which supplies he’ll need for sex.

Gino palazzolo do you have any lotion for couples

This particular moment will live rent-free in our minds for a long time.

In addition to his shopping misadventures, Gino took viewers on a mini-tour of his home and his life.

We swear that we’re not trying to be mean when we say that aspects of his residence looked like something from Male Living Spaces.

Gino palazzolo prepares food in his male living space tm

“Normally, I’m a creature of habit,” Gino admitted. “I like thinking things through before something happens, you know what I’m saying?”

He shared: “I really don’t live a flashy lifestyle. I’m pretty conservative and stuff. I’m someone who enjoys the simple pleasures of life.”

There was some very unkind camera work and editing highlighting Gino’s fondness for frozen dinners.

Gino palazzolo fell in love with jasmine instantly

“Jasmine does not like how I eat,” Gino confessed.

He shared: “She is a vegetarian and she’s very fit and I eat, you know, anything.”

Apparently, Gino’s state of relaxation also extends to medicine.

Gino palazzolo these are the little blue pills

On top of things like an anti-diarrhea medicine for his trip, Gino packed little blue pills.

This is a reference to medicines designed to help produce and maintain an erection.

In other words, Gino would like to be able to keep up with Jasmine when he arrives to visit her.

“She’s got the best personality, funny, caring, intelligent,” Gino gushed.

“She’s just the ultimate girl,” he raved. “She’s got a beautiful face, beautiful eyes, beautiful butt, you know, hips, you name it.”

Gino confessed: “And to be honest, she’s out of my league.”

“But, you know, we’ve been talking for nine months and she’s like, I think my soulmate and I haven’t even met her yet,” Gino told the camera.

“I can’t wait any longer, so I bought a flight to see Jasmine next week over Christmas and New Year’s,” he shared.

“And,” Gino announced, “I hope to return back to Michigan engaged.”

“Jasmine is a very sexual person it seems,” Gino observed.

“We have shown each other naked on video and talked about the first night together,” he shared.

Gushing about the pills, Gino added: “I’ve already trialed these, so I know they work. Like, wow, man. I mean, this stuff works, it’s good.”

“It’s been a few years since I’ve been with a woman sexually and she is 17 years younger than me,” Gino stated factually.

“So when I’m in Panama,” he continued, “I just want to make sure I can keep up, you know?”

Only time will tell whether Gino and Jasmine hit things off in person as he hopes.

90 Day Fiance Before The 90 Days Recap: Kimberly Says Usman is Her Last Chance at Love

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days is back with Season 5.

On the season premiere, viewers were introduced to four of the season’s seven brand-new couples.

Caleb and Alina (no, not that one) are already speeding ahead to possible fan-favorite territory, but there’s a lot that could go wrong.

As the outdoorsy and spiritual American meets up with the disabled Russian band member in Turkey, they’ll see if their chemistry is as good in person.

Gino and Jasmine are clearly crazy about each other, but they are both a little “out there.”

While Jasmine seems to alternate between intense jealousy and extreme horniness, Gino seems to make ignoring red flags into a new art form.

Kimberly is 50 years old and thinks that her next relationship could be her “last chance” at happiness.

She is determined for that relationship to be none other than Usman Umar, but she knows that she’s not the first older white American woman to cross paths with him.

Memphis had a rough childhood and had to make a lot of sacrifices to give her kids more happiness and stability than she had.

Now, she’s hoping to reap the rewards of a relationship with Hamza … but her loved ones worry that her “leap of faith” will lead downhill, fast.

1. Caleb Greenwood and Alina Kasha

One of the SEVEN new couples is Caleb and Alina, both of whom are 27 years old. The new season begins with several shots of Caleb jogging shirtless in Arizona. Some viewers already have their fingers crossed that he’ll be one of the cast members who launches an OnlyFans.

2. So who is Caleb?

Caleb greenwood introduces himself on 90 day fiance before the 9

He has done a lot of traveling and has lived internationally. He has also done some extensive self-discovery, tapping into his spiritual side. At one point, production got him explaining (awkwardly) how he felt about himself feeling almost “alien” through extensive self-examination, but editors were kind enough to leave in the part where he then laughs after realizing how that sounds.

3. But Caleb has gotten very spiritual

Caleb greenwood does a tarot spread about his relationship

He does a tarot spread on camera, determining that the cards may be commenting on his future with Alina — one that he hopes will be a bright one.

4. Caleb and Alina go way back

Old social media messages from caleb greenwood and alina kasha

When they were both about 14, Caleb and Alina struck up a friendship on social media. Of course, this was like 2007, so this was on Facebook. They eventually fell out of touch, only reconnecting when Caleb was planning a trip to Russia, checked a dating app for the area, and found that his childhood friend was on it.

5. Now adults at very different places in their lives, they reconnected

This time, even though the pandemic prevented that trip to Russia from happening, things took a turn for the romantic.

6. Meanwhile, in Russia

Alina is modeling a jaw-dropping burlesque look. Burlesque is a recent interest of hers, but you wouldn’t know it from the photoshoot.

View Slideshow

Gino Palazzolo & Jasmine Pineda: Horny, Jealous on 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days

December 10, 2021December 10, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

Gino Palazzolo and Jasmine Pineda are among the seven new couples joining 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days.

Ahead of the Season 5 premiere, viewers got to see trailers and some specific teasers for each couple.

Gino is clearly excited to be with his very “sexual” lady love, Jasmine, even packing a lot of “blue pills” for his trip.

Meanwhile, it sounds like Jasmine is afraid that he’ll meet someone else — to the point where she demands to know his whereabouts at all times.

Before we get into this newest glimpse at the premiere, 51-year-old Michigan native Gino Palazzolo is so excited to see Jasmine.

He is so excited to see her and get to know her, particularly in a carnal fashion.

The guy is planning to be in Panama for only a couple of weeks, but still hopes to leave engaged.

Gino isn’t shy about telling the cameras that Jasmine is a very sexual person.

Like most people in long distance relationships, he and Jasmine have had naked video chat sessions.

According to him, her plans for their first night together are going to be both intense and demanding.

With that in mind, Gino has a stash of pills that he will be taking with him.

He doesn’t throw out any brand names, but they are clearly designed to help him maintain an erection during sex.

Given the age gap at play, he may be anxious about “keeping up” with his lady love in the sexual department.

But in addition to keeping it up, Gino has to keep Jasmine up-dated on his movements.

This sneak peek shows that she has a jealous, even controlling side.

While it’s not particularly threatening in this case … it’s definitely a red flag.

“Jasmine likes to know every time I go out from my home,” Gino confesses to the camera.

He explains: “I let her know, ‘Hey, I’m going at this time, and this is where I’m going.’”

Up to a point, that sounds normal, albeit primarily for partners who live together.

If she wanted updates while he’s on car trips or whatever, that would be one thing.

But no, Gino says, she wants to essentially supervise him whenever he leaves the house.

This can be for things as mundane as routine errands or picking up takeout for dinner.

“I don’t know if she’s joking or not,” Gino admits.

“She says, ‘Evidence! Reports!’” he details.

Gino shares: “So, usually, when I go out, I’ll send her a screenshot to check in with her because she wants to know where I’m at at all times.”

“If I don’t send her texts or photos, she can really get upset,” Gino adds.

In the sneak peek, the cameras follow Gino as he picks up food, and he has Jasmine on his phone … as if to monitor his activities.

At first, Jasmine seems to be in a good mood … until he gets into the car.

At that point, Jasmine confronts him on being so “friendly” with the woman at the restaurant register.

Gino says that they were just talking — which is true, we all saw it.

Jasmine clearly thinks that it was a bit too flirtatious, and warns that she will be “tired” so perhaps she won’t be able to talk to him later.

If a woman’s boyfriend or husband were like this, friends would fear for her life — and not without reason.

Even if we don’t fear for Gino’s physical safety the way that we would then, this is a major red flag.

We suspect that this is just a taste of what’s to come on their portion of the season.

90 Day Fiance "Before The 90 Days" Preview: Meet Caleb Greenwood & Alina Kasha!

December 9, 2021December 9, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

One of the seven new couples joining 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days is meeting up in Turkey.

Despite some overlapping plans and a familiar name, Caleb Greenwood and Alina Kasha will be nothing like those other two.

Caleb and Alina are childhood friends who recently reconnected, and between Alina’s disability and some questions of trust, we’re excited to see their storyline.

Ahead of this weekend’s season premiere, we’re already being treated to a sneak peek clip.

Caleb and Alina are both 27 years old, and were first friends as teenagers before losing touch.

Thirteen years later, they have found each other again through a coincidental match on a dating app ahead of Caleb’s planned trip to Russia.

Though that trip fell through, sparks have been flying between these adults … but will they have the same chemistry in person?

As this sneak peek begins, that is exactly what Caleb is wondering.

The emotional bond that he shares with Alina cannot be overstated.

We can even see hints of that in their messaging history.

But he is clearly getting impatient to see if they remain as close in person, which is why they are taking the trip to Turkey.

Russia’s borders are closed — so they have the same reason for holding back as Steven and (the other) Alina did.

As we noted, this story will be very different from those two.

In the trailer, we see Alina modeling in a glamorous burlesque look.

She looks amazing, and it’s wonderful to see that her friends are there to support her.

Asya and Elijah are ooh-ing and ahh-ing as their friend’s photoshoot continues.

Alina explains that her interest in burlesque is recent, and is in part rooted in burlesques embrace of different types of bodies.

She was born, she explains, with diastrophic dysplasia.

This is a rare form of dwarfism, and can lead to numerous medical complications that more common forms generally do not.

Alina is unable to walk or to stand for long periods of time.

She relies primarily upon a wheelchair for mobility.

“I don’t think disability is a problem,” Alina remarks. “In many areas of my life, I try to do everything, really.”

Alina is also in a band, BFF Band, with two of her besties.

Her friend Elijah is also part of that band, and the two are currently roommates.

In fact, we already know from previous trailers that Elijah will be accompanying her on her trip to Turkey.

The plan is that Caleb and Alina will meet up in Turkey and spend two weeks with one another.

During that time, they will figure out if their emotional connection remains intact in person.

There is some subtext here that is familiar to many in the disabled community who try to navigate the dating world.

Sometimes, ableism is a force stronger than love, and a combination of beauty standards and lifestyle habits keeps two people apart.

It is very natural for someone with a visible disability to worry about two things: rejection and chasers.

There are no indications that Caleb rejects Alina upon seeing her in person or that he is fetishizing (or “chasing”) her for her disability, so that is good.

Considering the kind of appalling portrayal of Ella from the trailer, we’d probably know by now if that’s where there storyline is headed.

Meanwhile, it looks like their actual story is going to include real questions of trust.

We’re excited to see it unfold … and we hope that audiences are kinder to Alina than they have been to so many other women from the show.

Season 5 premieres on Sunday, December 12 on TLC and on Discovery Plus.

Caleb and Alina are just one out of seven brand new couples, meaning that we’re being introduced to 13 new stars … and reintroduced to Usman Umar.

It’s time to get excited!

Deavan Clegg: 90 Day Fiance is Making Ella Look Super Racist!

December 8, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

We are just days away from Season 5 of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days and its seven new couples.

One of the most talked about new pairs is Ella and Johnny, but viewers have noticed some major red flags.

The Other Way alum Deavan Clegg has seen the trailer and agrees.

She has laid out a very thorough and informed breakdown of why this couple is a problem … but also why production fakery could be to blame.

Ella and Johnny for 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days Season 5

29-year-old Ella is an American from Idaho.

The self-described country girl admits that she is fascinated by Asian cultures.

In fact, she used a dating app designed to connect white American women with Asian men.

Ella worries how Johnny will react to her in person

That is how she met her “Asian prince” (her words, not ours), a 34-year-old Chinese man named Johnny.

In the past, Ella has faced cruel rejection that have had an indelible impact upon her relationships and self-esteem.

Johnny, she says, accepts her for who she is, though she cannot shake the fear that history will repeat itself.

There are some red flags in this relationship, despite it being very age-appropriate with no obvious signs of scamming.

Ella can be seen wearing an anime-inspired wig while chatting with Johnny in one of the trailers.

She is also seen practicing with a sword in her yard while a voiceover discusses her Asian fixation.

Ella practices with a sword on Before The 90 Days

Appreciating the cultures, fashions, media, and histories of other groups of people is a wonderful experience.

Ella appears to be going above and beyond that, and the way that she seems to be speaking of Johnny and Asian cultures is alarming.

It sounds like she fetishizes Asian men and Asian cultures, which is detrimental and alarming to see.

Ella hit the proverbial jackpot on Before The 90 Days

Being interested in other cultures isn’t fetishization, but zeroing in on a specific dating pool sure is.

There is more to the cringe elements of Ella’s part of the Season 5 trailers than that.

And we’re sure that editors went above and beyond to make the trailer as inflammatory as possible. That’s their job.

There are other elements to the trailer, of course.

The first is that Johnny’s family, if not he himself, appears to be doing some body-shaming of Ella.

The world can be incredibly cruel, particularly to women. We hope that Johnny himself is not.

Johnny says that Ella eats dessert because "well it's America"

Additionally, the full trailer for Season 5 showed Ella in tears.

She appeared to have gotten some sort of bad news from Johnny.

We have yet to see a photo of them spending time together in person, so … does Johnny make the trip?

Ella faces heartbreak and despair on Before The 90 Days

That, we don’t know. We’ve only seen the trailer and a bit of a blurb from TLC about Ella and Johnny.

But that alone was enough to make a first impression upon viewers, and upon 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way alum Deavan Clegg.

Taking to social media, Deavan is offering a very nuanced and informed take on Ella and the trailer … one that will be dismissed by 90% of those who read it.

“I don’t think its right to fetish someone for their race,” Deavan Clegg wrote in an Instagram comment.

“I don’t know if it’s producers trying to do that for the story line to make it interesting,” she admitted, “or if she’s really like that.”

Some have accused Deavan and Ella of being the same, but Deavan explains that she has a family connection to Korea.

“I have ties to Korea because my uncle is korean and I would watch my nieces often,” Deavan stated.

“That’s how I got introduced into the culture,” she added.

“It’s okay to love and appreciate a culture,” Deavan affirmed, “but to strictly go out of your way to find an Asian man or women is not okay and different.”

“I didn’t go out of my way to meet my ex,” Deavan said, referring to Jihoon Lee.

“He had his international turned on and we matched,” she explained.

“I’ve dated lots of men from different cultural background,” Deavan added. “I don’t have a preference.”

Deavan Clegg and Topher Park Dress Up Fancily

“As for dating Topher,” Deavan said of her current love, “we met on an airplane and connected.”

“I didn’t strictly go out of my way to meet another korean man,” she emphasized.

“As for keeping the culture in my household,” Deavan explained, “that’s because of my son and he should know both cultures.”

“I’m happy to be what I am and do my traditions as well,” Deavan stressed.

“I don’t eat noodles and rice just because I think its cool,” she said. “I eat everything | like.”

Deavan added, as has been noted before, that she has Korean ties “from my own roots. That’s the difference.”

“Did the show make me say | dated koreans in the past,” Deavan continued.

She confirmed: “Yes 100%,” while adding that this was prompted by producers and untrue.

“It’s all a show,” Deavan reminded people. “So | can’t sit here and judge because I don’t know if it’s the producers pulling the strings or if she’s really like that.”

“I think its cool she appreciates the culture,” Deavan observed, “but to strictly go out of her way to find someone asian is what bothers me.”

In case it needed to be explained, Deavan noted that she’s uncomfortable “because not everything ‘asian’ is the same.”

Deavan got specific: “I found the trailer distasteful because she was wearing Japanese attire but then found a Chinese man.”

Based upon the trailer, Deavan speculated: “She probably doesn’t know the difference and lumps them all in the same group which is wrong.”

“Everyone has there own culture and traditions,” she emphasized, “which are very different and beautiful.”

Deavan correctly noted: “And if she can’t tell a difference that’s ignorance and that’s what is not okay.”

“I don’t festishize asian men and never have,” Deavan affirmed.

“Do I find my boyfriend attractive?” she asked. “Of course.”

Deavan clarified: “Is it because he’s korean? No.”

We know that the vast majority of 90 Day Fiance fans probably do not want to hear this, but Deavan Clegg is right.

She is right about the racial fetishization, right about the cultural fetishization, and she’s also right about how dishonest the show’s portrayal can be.

We of course hope that Ella has a better experience than Deavan did, and that Ella’s storyline is much more nuanced and less ignorant than it appears in the trailers.

Usman Umar Says He’s Not Scamming Kimberly: I Love Her For Real!

December 8, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days‘ Season 5 trailer showed off seven new couples.

Among the sprawling cast was one, and only one, familiar face: that of Usman Umar.

The Nigerian rapper was previously on the exact same show while in a relationship with an older white American woman, Lisa Hamme.

Now, he’s with another older white American woman, Kimberly. Usman insists that it’s love, not a scam.

90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days viewers are familiar with Usman.

His story with “Baby Girl” Lisa Hamme was hard to miss, and it ended very badly.

Lisa was quietly fired by the franchise after a leaked but unaired portion of the Tell All revealed that she had called Usman the N-word.

Usman was clearly the victim in this scenario, and it was refreshing to see a rare moment of accountability for someone as bad as Lisa.

However, there are many lingering questions about Usman and his motives.

Many wonder if 50-year-old Kimberly is simply a new mark whom Usman is using — to boost his platform and rap career, if not to come to America.

“My type is someone who is going to give me peace,” Usman told Entertainment Tonight in an interview.

“I don’t actually choose older or younger,” he insisted.

“I just need peace in my life,” Usman emphasized, “and I think by looking at me right now, you know that I’m at peace.”

Usman said that he dated a very different woman, a Black 36-year-old woman named Zara, after things ended with Lisa.

That relationship ended, he claimed, due to the attention that he gets from fans (a familiar relationship problem).

Of course, Usman says that “millions” of fans slide into his DMs to get his attention.

That, Usman shared, is how Kimberly reached out to him — first as one of his many fans.

In the interview, he praised Kimberly for being “loyal.”

Usman gushed: “I love her with all my bones, my heart.”

“Right now, I am in love. I love Kimberley, I can say that any way in the world,” Usman continued.

“I love her. I’m not shy. I’m not ashamed,” he expressed.

“I am proud to say that I love her,” Usman announced. “I love her for real.”

“A lot of people on my page, a lot of people are saying that my ex and Angela are not representing white American lady well,” Usman noted.

It’s true that the thought that Angela or Lisa (or Big Ed Brown, or Colt Johnson, or others) “represent” America to international viewers sends chills down people’s spines.

“It shows, the way they act on TV. It shows that most white American ladies are trying to be controlling,” Usman observed.

“Oh my god, Kimberley is nothing like that,” Usman declared. “She is different person, I’m telling you.”

Even so, he confessed that their love story has numerous ups and downs.

In the end, Usman shared, he expects that viewers will find their journey: “Romantic, amazing, interesting.”

“I’m just saying. If I really want green card, it’s easy,” Usman said of the scammer accusations.

“Why I’m saying it’s easy is that, for anyone who knows me right now, they would say I’m doing well,” he boasted.

“You know, like, I’m doing very, very, very well,” Usman added. “I can tell you that not all American average person make the money I make in a month.”

“I am not actually doing anything to get to America … but if there’s a reason for me to go to America, so be it,” Usman announced.

“You know, I think it’s a good thing,” he shared. “I’m saying I’m primarily not doing this to get to America. People that are below my lifestyle can get to America.”

Of course, Usman’s rap career and six-figure Cameo profits might not be what they are without 90 Day Fiance, but … sure.

90 Day Fiance Before The 90 Days: Meet SEVEN New Couples on the Season 5 Trailer!

November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

We know a fair amount about Season 5 of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days.

We know the premiere date. We know that there’s a disability storyline, a possible catfish, a cult escapee, fetishization, and more.

But what’s truly refreshing to fatigued 90 Day Fiance fans is that we don’t know these seven new couples.

This new trailer promises an in-depth tease of Season 5, and it’s not letting us down.

As the trailer begins, we see Memphis and Hamza, presumably in his native Tunisia.

We can already see that they seem to have different ideas about what is an appropriate level of PDA, and it’s not what you might expect.

But they clearly have a lot of affection for each other as they walk outside together.

The trailer then shifts over to Ella, from Idaho, practicing her swordsmanship in her yard.

We can already viscerally feel how cruel both editing and audiences are going to be to Ella this season, but we’d love to be wrong.

Ella gushes over her affection for Johnny, her Chinese boyfriend who plans to visit her soon, but the trailer gives off huge vibes of fetishization.

“I am super into everything Asian culture,” Ella says in a voiceover. “So when I saw Johnny, I was like ‘Oh. My. God. Jackpot!'”

To be fair, those are almost certainly two unrelated statements that have been strung together to make Ella seem like she’s objectifying Johnny.

That said … even if editors are pulling a fast one (which is arguably their job, especially in trailers), there’s clearly some of that going on.

Then we’re on to our new Michigan native, Gino, and his lovely lady from Panama, Jasmine.

There have been aggressively horny couples on this franchise before, and clearly, Gino and Jasmine fit the bill.

Jasmine has had a lot to say in the few seconds of footage that we’ve seen of her, including a promise to “break” Gino that night.

Mike from New York and Ximena from Colombia appear next, with Mike raving about their night of passion.

Ximena isn’t shy about telling the cameras that, to her, it was “normal” and “no big deal.”

That’s deeply awkward for Mike, whether he understood her or not. Let’s hope that this was an editing shenanigan.

Up next are Caleb and Alina (yes, another Russian named Alina), childhood friends who recently got back in touch … and sparked a romance.

Alina is gorgeous. She is also disabled.

As we see the two of them, Caleb confesses to her that she is smaller than he expected … but only says that it’s “different,” not disappointing.

We said that there are seven new couples, and that is true.

But the familiar face in the bunch belongs to Usman Umar, the self-styled Nigerian music star.

He is once again with an older white woman from America: a 50-year-old San Diego woman named Kimberly.

In this new trailer, we see her ridiculing the organization of Usman’s latest music video.

She is acting like his manager or director, demanding a higher energy performance from him.

It seems clear that part of the source of her ire is that the music video involves attractive young women. Sound familiar?

The trailer jumps back to Ximena, who is shaming Mike for his flatulence, telling him that it makes her “fall out of love” with him.

Finally, we see another member of the cast, 52-year-old Ben, who is also from Michigan.

The new member of the cast (and expected new TV villain) freely admits that he has a 28-year age difference with 24-year-old Mahogany from Peru.

“We have Jesus in common,” Ben says. “So, I know it will work.”

On the one hand, Ben escaped from an oppressive cult, which is an interesting and triumphant story that we’d love to hear.

But … usually older pastors marrying pretty girls less than half their age is what happens in the cult, not after you get out.

Ben arrives at the airport and finds that he is ghosted by Mahogany, with whom he has never video chatted — only seen photos.

“I feel foolish,” he admits to the camera as he realizes that he still has not seen this woman. “And it hurts.”

Next, we see that Caleb and Alina are dealing with some kind of undefined trust issues.

Then, in Tunisia, Hamza confesses to Memphis that he is “afraid” of her, and that he needs more time before marrying her.

A tearful Memphis does not take this well.

“I’m tired of being betrayed,” she laments. “And I’m tired of being hurt.”

“Why don’t you want to have sex with me, though?” Kimberly demands of Usman while they are in bed together.

(It really feels like they’re recreating that ludicrous 2020 meme of Usman and Lisa in bed together; shoutout to production for swinging that)

As Kimberly calls this “so f–king crazy,” Usman gets out of bed and tells her goodnight, storming out.

Then, in Idaho, a tearful Ella gets some sort of disappointing news from Johnny — it sounds like he won’t make it on schedule.

She cries, lamenting that this won’t happen, but it’s unclear if his travel is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances or if he’s breaking up with her long-distance.

Either way, there’s clearly heartbreak.

“One of your exes sent me a message,” Jasmine tells Gino. “Did you send her naked pictures of me?”

Oh that would be a huge violation, illegal in more and more places (as it should be).

A crying Jasmine gets up and storms away, while Gino admits that he’s unsure of “where we go from here.”

We’ll see all of that mess and a lot more when 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days Season 5 premieres on December 12.

That premiere is about three weeks away, but we’re sure that we’ll hear more about these new stars and couples before then.

For now, let’s bask in an all-too-rare thing in the 90 Day Fiance world these days: the unknown. Because these are new people (and Usman), not the same old drama.

Varya Malina Stuns 90 Day Fiance Fans Ahead of Geoffrey Paschel Sentencing: I’m Joining the National Guard!

November 18, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

On her initial appearance on 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, Varya Malina had a lot of sympathy from fans.

She was put through the wringer on screen and got a nasty shock when her boyfriend immediately shacked up with another woman.

Unfortunately, Varya has supported Geoffrey Paschel through and even after his recent conviction.

What will she do now that he’s behind bars where he belongs? Join the National Guard, apparently.

“I have an important update,” Varya Malina announced on Instagram this week.

“I’m going to join the US National Guard,” she revealed.

For some reason, this was how she decided to break the news:

Varya Malina IG is joining the national guard

“You probably didn’t expect this,” Varya admitted in her caption.

“But,” she confessed, “neither did I.”

“Life is very unpredictable…” Varya remarked as if that were some sort of explanation.

Varya Malina IG caption on joining national guard

“Who has been there?” Varya asked her followers.

She invited anyone with boot camp experience to “please welcome to my comments.”

“I want to hear some tips on how to survive in a boot camp,” Varya concluded.

Naturally, one commenter asked what the entire world was thinking: “Why?”

“Good question,” Varya began.

“The answer will be long,” she teased, providing no further explanation.

Varya Malina IG supported by Natalie Mordovtseva

Natalie Mordovtseva is known to be friends with Varya — a friendship that has led her down a dark path, unfortunately.

She of course showed Varya her support.

In turn, Varya showed her appreciation.

Interestingly, there are a number of requirements for joining the National Guard.

One of them is that one either be a United States citizens or legally recognized as a permenent resident.

In other words, this is confirmation that Varya got her Green Card … even though she has never directly confirmed this.

How did she attain her permanent legal residency?

Simple: she almost certainly married Geoffrey Paschel, something that we would not wish upon our worst enemies.

Geoffrey is of course behind bars right now, awaiting his sentencing next month.

Geoffrey Paschel found guilty of domestic assault

Geoffrey was convicted of brutal domestic assault and kidnapping after he beat an ex-fiancee and held her captive in her own home.

Though he was found guilty just a little over a month ago, the brutal attack took place in June of 2019.

Yes, you did that math correctly — it was likely just weeks before he flew out to meet Varya while filming for 90 Day Fiance.

Kristen Wilson injuries photos from Geoffrey Paschel trial

Geoffrey’s ex-fiancee Kristin Wilson courageously testified against him in court, where her injuries were shown to the jury.

She was not the first woman to accuse him of unthinkable domestic violence.

But unlike various other exes including two ex-wives, she was able to press charges and see him convicted for his evil deeds.

Kristen Wilson testifies as Geoffrey Paschel trial

Through her friendship with Varya, Natalie chose to voice support for Geoffrey, expressing sadness at his conviction.

This was a shock to many fans — particularly to some of Natalie’s fans, who felt that Mike Youngquist mistreated her during their engagement and marriage.

(To clarify, we here at THG would never compare Mike to Geoffrey, and found fault with both Mike and Natalie in their toxic relationship, but not all fans agree)

That support for Geoffrey cost Natalie a chunk of her remaining fans, and just weeks before the Season 2 premiere of The Single Life.

Geoffrey will be sentenced on December 3, and fans of the franchise (and, you know, of justice) hope that he will spend many years in prison.

It’s no surprise that Varya is looking for something to do, something that might cement her legal residency status, but … no one really expected the National Guard.

Varya Malina Announces Big Move as Geoffrey Paschel Awaits Sentencing

November 4, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance

Last month, Geoffrey Paschel was found guilty of domestic assault and kidnapping after brutally attacking a former fiancee.

The disgraced 90 Day Fiance alum is now behind bars where he belongs and awaiting sentencing.

Varya Malina played coy for years over their relationship status, but it is clear that they remained linked.

Now, a tearful Varya is packing up and moving.

On Tuesday, November 2, Varya Malina took to her Instagram Stories with a sad — to her — update.

She shared an image, presumably of herself, on the road.

Varya added a tearful emoji to convey her mood.

“Sorry, today there are no stories,” Varya wrote over the post.

“Can’t believe that everything [that] I need for life fits in this car,” the text added.

It can feel strange to boil down your life to bare, easily transportable essentials.

Varya is not sharing just yet where she is heading.

Some have wondered if Varya, who has been living in Florida, is headed to Tennessee.

However, with Geoffrey poised to face real consequences for his monstrous crimes, it’s not clear what there would be for her there.

Varya Smiles on 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days

Just days ago, Varya offered a life update.

She revealed that she had met with a realtor with the intention of selling her house.

That house has been located in Florida — one of many factors that added ambiguity to her relationship status for the past two years.

In June of 2019, a short time before he flew to meet Varya for 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, Geoffrey Paschel was arrested.

His then-fiancee, Kristen Wilson, was working at the time as an elementary school teacher.

At her home, he had severely beaten her, dragging her around her house and slamming her head into various surfaces.

Kristen courageously testified at Geoffrey’s trial, where the gruesome photos of her injuries were shown.

Geoffrey’s attorney attempted to claim that she had been drunk and told lies about his behavior that night.

Fortunately, a jury of twelve of Geoffrey’s peers were not buying what he was selling.

Geoffrey’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 3, 2021.

There are many flaws in our prison system at every step, but sometimes, it gets things right.

It is hoped that Geoffrey will be behind bars for many years.

Geoffrey’s history of domestic abuse accusations, alongside numerous arrests, was uncovered after his casting was announced.

Even before he appeared on TLC, fans of the show were all too aware of who and what he is.

His work as a crime reenactor on Investigation Discovery shows was apparently informed by plenty of real-world experience.

But while very few care about drug arrests, the domestic violence accusations from multiple exes — including two ex-wives — stood out.

He was accused of similar violence towards his own children and of sexual violence towards his exes.

One of his children was born while he allegedly held the child’s mother captive in a rented room. All harrowing to hear.

And yet Varya responded to Geoffrey’s conviction for his latest crimes by expressing heartbreak.

She also temporarily deleted her social media, fleeing Instagram to avoid seeing people’s responses.

Shockingly, Natalie Mordovtseva also expressed support for Geoffrey multiple times, and none of us can understand that.

Natalie had apparently befriended the couple, which many found inexplicable given who Geoffrey is.

Many times, Natalie won over fans by asserting how she deserved to be treated by Mike, her ex-husband.

No matter how she feels about Varya, feeling sorry for Geoffrey or grieving his conviction is … disturbing.

90 Day Fiance: Is Ella the Next Deavan Clegg?

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 Simon Delott 90 Day Fiance Before The 90 Days

In a little over one month, the new season of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days will begin.

The trailer for Season 5 gave us our first glimpse at the new cast and some of their storylines.

One of the new stars is Ella, who describes herself as “obsessed” with Asian cultures … and is dating a Chinese man named Johnny.

There are a few red flags in their story, with some fans wondering if Ella is the next Deavan Clegg.

Ella is a 29-year-old from Idaho.

She describes herself as a bit of a country girl who is fascinated by Asian cultures.

Through a dating app designed to connect Asian men with white American women, she met her “Asian prince.”

That “prince” is a 34-year-old Chinese man named Johnny.

Ella has faced rejection in the past and these have been very painful for her, so she fears history repeating itself.

However, Johnny seems to accept her for who she is — even when she wears what appears to be a long anime-inspired wig.

There are clearly issues at play in this relationship despite no obvious financial imbalances or alarming age gaps.

The way that Ella speaks about “Asian culture” is a red flag and sounds less like appreciation and more like something worse.

At best, some cultural appropriation here and there. At worst, we’re talking about racial fetishization.

Being interested in other cultures isn’t fetishization, but zeroing in on a specific dating pool sure is.

The app that she used to find Johnny did exactly that — for both of them.

It will be interesting to see how their story plays out, because no one should be fetishized for their race.

It is also worth noting that Johnny’s family has concerns about his relationship, even though he is a grown man in his thirties.

Some fans suspect that their approval — or, more likely, disapproval — of Ella and of this relationship could be a factor in this season.

But Johnny will be traveling to Idaho, so we don’t know what shape this story will take.

Redditors were quick to zero in on these and other obvious red flags about Ella and Johnny.

One wrote: “Deavan 2.0 Asian fetish?” to get the conversation started.

“‘Self proclaimed Asian obsessed me ton an Asian dating white women site’ no red flags here sir,” another quipped.

Deavan Clegg, Jihoon Lee, Drascilla, and Taeyang

It is easy to see what they meant by Deavan Clegg parallels … sort of.

See, Deavan and Jihoon also met online.

When they met in person for the first time, they conceived their son, Taeyang.

Jihoon is still in Korea and is now Deavan’s ex.

But she has moved on … notably, to another man of Korean lineage, Topher Park.

Fans have accused Deavan of fetishizing Korean men, even of styling herself to look more Asian.

Deavan Clegg Shows Off Freshly Plumped Lips

One key difference here may be that Deavan is, you know, actually of Asian descent.

She has mentioned this in the past, but it has seemingly been ignored or forgotten by some 90 Day Fiance fans.

It is also worth noting that, even among the denizens of Reddit, not everyone is feeling glum about Ella and Johnny’s storyline.

“Not going to lie, pretty psyched to see a little more diversity with countries this year,” one redditor admitted.

That same commenter added: “I don’t think they’ve done a Chinese partner before and I’m here for it.”

The idea of fresh faces and new countries is certainly encouraging.