Big Ed Brown Threatens Political Career: Make Me Governor of California!

Big Ed Brown is one of the most polarizing figures in 90 Day Fiance history.

Appearing everywhere as a meme, he very quickly set about alienating fans with his gross behavior on and off-screen.

Even his own castmates think that he’s gross and desperate to be married, which is saying a lot coming from this crowd.

Now, Big Ed has set his sights on public office … starting with the governorship of California.

This sounds bizarre … because it is.

In a video where Ed’s face is flushed, he is wearing a name tag, and holding a glass of red wine, Ed spoke to the camera.

He identified the person recording the TikTok video (which he then shared to Instagram) as Liz Woods, his fiancee.

“I officially declare myself as a write-in candidate for the governorship for the state of California,” Ed announces.

“I want to stand on several different platforms,” he says.

“But one,” Ed says, “I want to stand up for the little guy.”

It’s hard to tell if that part was a joke about his height or not.

Ed also speaks about his desire to support “local businesses” and “anyone that rides a vespa.”

He then speaks about wanting to “stand up for trade schools.”

This is where it sounds more like a political platform and less like a joke.

Ed says that he wants to encourage people to attend trade schools, since college isn’t for everyone — which is true.

He then declares that he wants universities “to pay for it,” which is bizarre and sounds like it would be punishing one group of students to reward another.

Ed was clearly drinking during the video, hanging out with friends with plenty of alcohol appearing during the short clip.

Perhaps this was simply a friendly gathering and Ed was acting upon a tasteless dare.

However, Ed seems to be committing to the bit by sharing another post encouraging people to write in his name in 2023.

Write-in campaigns succeed under extraordinary circumstances in extremely small towns and in Hallmark movies (and there’s a lot of overlap there).

In real life, they make a mockery of the voting process and may serve to make tight races even more grueling and easily contested than they otherwise need to be.

Outside of extremely unlikely circumstances, these write-ins feel like a waste of time and paper — while insulting people for whom elections can have dire consequences.

That is, of course, not the only problem with Ed running.

Unlike Harambe or Deez Nuts, Ed could theoretically take political office.

While many people (not Ed) could do wonderfully if they ran for office, governorship over America’s most populous state is not an entry-level position.

California includes 13% of all United States citizens.

The state of California is one of the largest economies in the world — the equivalent in economic might to France.

Even if Ed were not characterized by many as a detestable pervert or nicknamed “Big Pred” by a lot of viewers, he’s still woefully unqualified.

If someone wants to enter politics for the first time, city councils are a great place to do that.

Another excellent option is the state legislature, especially if the hopeful candidate has specific policies and projects in mind.

Frankly, Ed has too many scandals and too few qualifications to be a traffic guard, but these are more realistic goals than governorship.

If Ed is serious, he would not be the first reality TV buffoon or the first alleged sexual predator to seek public office.

That doesn’t mean that someone fitting either description needs to be governor, however.

Hopefully, this is all just a bad joke.

Big ed brown threatens political career make me governor of cali

Ximena Cuellar Flaunts New Man, Diamond Ring After Second Split from Mike Berk

Even though Mike Berk is being a real jerk and even refused to leave Ximena’s home, fans haven’t forgotten what she has done.

She said a lot of insulting things to Mike and seemed to use sex to string him along instead of making a clean break.

After all of that, their relationship only ended for good very recently.

Ximena recently celebrated her birthday, turning 25 and celebrating with her new man … and a new engagement ring.

In early March, Ximena celebrated her birthday.

She turned 25 — having turned 24 only a short time before she and Mike began to film together, it seems.

However, a recently uncovered slideshow (read: another cringy music video) shows that she did not celebrate alone.

Ximena Cuellar kisses new man

Not much is known about Ximena’s new man.

He is reportedly Canadian. He clearly has multiple tattoos.

He is also, well, taller than Mike — not an insult to Mike, just a fact.

Ximena Cuellar and new man

Given the decor and outfits, it’s clear that Ximena’s birthday pic with him was part of the same shoot as the photo that she shared publicly.

Because she is under an NDA, Ximena could not just post the full set of pics for all to see.

However, because Ximena is clearly someone who falls head over heels and cannot help but post extremely corny love videos, we’re all seeing this anyway.

Ximena Cuellar poses with new man

Of particular interest to viewers is the ring that Ximena is not trying to hide in multiple pics.

The look of the ring and the significance that it is given in pictures sure makes it seem like an engagement ring.

The ring shows up even in photos that do not feature her new man, like those on her public Instagram account.

Ximena Cuellar engagement ring with new man

One thing that remains totally up in the air is when these two started seeing each other.

Officially, we first saw him in another cheesy slideshow video that Ximena posted and quickly deleted … back in February.

Maybe she deleted it to abide by her NDA … or maybe she deleted it because she hadn’t meant to publicly post it and reveal herself as a cheater.

Ximena Cuellar birthday kiss with new man

This is just a theory, of course, and will require some explaining.

But some people believe that Mike and Ximena were still together until she slipped up and posted about her new man.

If she was two-timing Mike with him, that would be a grim way for Mike to find out.

Mike Berk vs Ximena preview 02 of 06

If you’re wondering “wait, how could she still be with Mike in February if we just watched them break up?” … that’s a fair question.

On average, this show (like many similar reality series) airs about 8 months later, with some couples airing closer to 12 months after filming, others less.

It’s probably safe to say that the ugly, protracted breakup that we’ve seen Mike and Ximena have took place in the spring of 2021.

Ximena Cuellar kisses Mike Berk

But Ximena, being extremely young, is very active on TikTok, where she posted all sorts of things last year.

When she’s not possibly revealing her new man (or side piece) with it, she’s posting bits and pieces of her life.

That included uncomfortably sappy looks at what appears to have been a long-distance proposal from Mike.

Ximena Cuellar TikTok Mike Berk proposal 01 of 03

The best guess here is that Mike an Ximena renewed their engagement over long distance after talking things out.

(This was even hinted at in the previews for next week’s episode)

If so, they got back together and continued to be in a relationship for months before inevitably splitting again.

Ximena Cuellar TikTok Mike Berk proposal 02 of 03

Ximena has been very hurtful and may have extended her engagement with Mike in order to get more money from him — so fans believe.

Mike refused to leave her home when asked to, pulled some very toxic moves (bringing up her cam work being one of them) and was also outed as a racist.

Neither of them seem to have been good partners or even particularly good people. What a shame.

Mike Berk cusses out Ximena, her family

Perhaps we will learn more about these two at the Tell All.

However, if rumors that they were filming again turn out to be true, we may have to wait a whole season to find out the rest of the story.

We hope that these two stay apart and, ideally, work on themselves.

Memphis Sandoval Had a Baby: Is Hamza Really the Father?

Memphis and Hamza had some exciting news on the latest episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days.

It wasn’t a shock that they got married. In fact, even the pregnancy announcement only confirmed rumors.

However, Memphis had shared an adorable photo of her baby on social media not too long ago.

There was just one problem: Hamza said that it wasn’t his. Um … what?

Memphis Sandoval, also known as Memphis Smith and more recently as Memphis Chardell-Arden Mokni, traveled to Tunisia to be with Moknii Hamza.

She didn’t go all that way for “sexy time.” Well, not only for that.

Memphis went there to marry Hamza, and that’s what they did.

Hamza and Memphis Sandoval are married

After all that they went through to be together, it was expected that they would marry.

Besides, late last year, Memphis filed paperwork using her married name, which was sort of a spoiler.

What caught most viewers by surprise was Memphis’ post-nuptial announcement.

Hamza - pregnant?

Memphis showed Hamza and the cameras her positive pregnancy test.

She was, she shared, a few weeks pregnant.

(Real talk: there’s a decent chance that Memphis had already told Hamza and reenacted the test for the cameras)

Memphis Sandoval and Hamza embrace happily

Clearly, the two had been enjoying their newly wedded bliss.

Memphis and Hamza shared the happy news with his family.

His mother, Hayet, was especially thrilled to have a grandbaby on the way.

Hamza - Memphis is pregnant

Back in January, there were rumors circulating that Memphis had given birth.

Most of these stemmed from statements made on Twitter by her alleged ex.

A man claiming to have dated Memphis answered a few questions from interested fans.

Memphis' ex tweets 01 of 02

He didn’t come across like a bitter ex, and even emphasized that she’s a good person who makes mistakes.

(Is he one of those ill-advised relationship decisions to which he alludes?)

One claim in particular, that Memphis had given birth a few months earlier to Hamza’s baby, raised eyebrows.

Memphis' ex tweets 02 of 02

A random Twitter account isn’t confirmation, even if it appears authentic.

Memphis giving birth in the final months of 2021, around the same time as she began using her new married name, does add up.

As we know, the show airs with an 8-month delay after filming on average, but sometimes goes back much further.

Memphis Smith warns Hamza that if they don't marry this trip, it's over

Memphis recently tweeted a photo of an adorable baby wearing a red outfit and strapped into a carseat.

“God has truly blessed me with HEALTHY & BEAUTIFUL children,” she gushed.

Memphis continued: “This is the best gift anyone could ask for! Unconditional love of a child! Innocent & True!!”

Memphis Smith baby photo (mystery)

Two assumptions at that point made the most sense.

The first was that this was a throwback photo of one of Memphis’ two existing kids.

The second was that the rumors were true, and that this was a pic of her several-months-old baby with Hamza.

Hamza hugs Memphis Smith at the airport

When an Instagram blogger shared a screenshot of the photo, Hamza commented.

“Like my son not my son,” he wrote.

It’s unclear what he meant … but some interpreted it as a denial of paternity.

Memphis Sandoval needed some space to figure things out

That is super weird, and Hamza was in no position to say more.

In fact, he could potentially break his NDA by saying more.

Memphis then clarified that this was a “throwback picture of my 7-year-old son!” rather than “Hamza’s child.”

Memphis Smith IG - this is my son! not a part of Hamza

Weirdest of all came a series of noncommittal emoji replies that Memphis made on Instagram.

She seemed unwilling to comment, but did not outright deny someone’s characterization of her pregnancy timeline.

It’s possible that she was confirming that her third child isn’t actually Hamza’s, that she was already pregnant when she went to Tunisia.

Memphis explains to Hamza the importance of respecting his mom, knowing one another

Of course, it’s also possible that we are misreading those emojis.

Some even speculated that the baby could be Hamza’s, but that Memphis is denying that he is the father to try to avoid an international custody battle.

Frankly, we don’t have enough information yet, and it feels unlikely that we’ll even get clear answers at the Tell All.

Memphis Sandoval contacts a family law attorney

Part of the reason for that may be that these two were seen and appeared to be filming in Michigan, meaning that they’ll be on another season.

Sadly, it does not appear that they’ll have a happily ever after.

Memphis’ passive aggressive vagueposts and the history of her “likes” makes it sound like they had a very bitter breakup. Only time will tell how that went down.

Mike Berk Refuses to Leave After Ximena Dumps Him on 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days (Recap)

On 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days Season 5, Episode 15, couples were made or broken.

Mike returned from his walkabout to find a Ximena who was ready for him to leave, but Mike refused — even when she offered to pay for the hotel.

Ben responded to Mahogany ghosting him by having her meet up with him, which is where things got even weirder.

Gino braces himself for an awkward prenup conversation with Jasmine, but she has her own bone to pick with him.

It’s time for Kimberly to head home, but Usman’s last-minute denial of PDA has her feeling insecure and rejected.

Memphis and Hamza are married, but that is not the end of their exciting news.

1. Mike Berk and Ximena Cuellar

Ximena cuellar to mike berk why did you take off running
Mike ended the last episode by running off into the night. Maybe it helped him think. Maybe he wanted to stop the cameras from filming him cry. One way or the other, he came back to a bewildered Ximena … convinced that she had only used him for money.

2. She wants him to just go

Mike berk another bed at home
Though Ximena tells Mike that she is willing to pay for his hotel room, he refuses, saying that he wants to sleep in another room at her home.

3. They go back, with Ximena awkwardly explaining things to her sister

Mike berk im going to pack my clothes
Mike removes his things from her room. This is one of the most awkward parts of a breakup, and not something that we see as much on this show — all of the things involved, and how long leaving can actually take. Of course, Mike’s taking longer than most people might.

4. Ximena returns the rings

Ximena cuellar im returning the two wedding rings
She returns the wedding bands and the engagement ring (in many places, legally, the engagement ring would be hers anyway), but Mike asks her to consider holding onto the engagement ring until they work things out. He’s … still not getting the memo.

5. Mike also brings up Ximena’s past cam work

Ximena cuellar i didnt force him to send me money
Whatever we may think of Ximena, it was not Mike’s place to bring up that Ximena was a camgirl model before he began paying her to keep her from doing that work during their relationship.

6. Mike doesn’t like people knowing that this was how they met

Ximena cuellar he was always every day he was there
Ximena says that she didn’t ask Mike to send her money. He was being both generous and deeply selfish (or perhaps insecure) in sending it, but she had a job. And, as Ximena notes, Mike was super thirsty for her at the time … making it very hypocritical for him to throw this in her face.

View Slideshow

Jasmine Pineda Ambushes Gino Palazzolo: Your Ex Has Your Last Name? That’s MY Name Now!!

Despite their many conflicts, last weekend’s episode showed Jasmine gushing over Gino as the couple made their peace.

Gino proposed. The two were brimming with love.

But there’s more drama to come. Gino is paying for her apartment. Gino has to talk to her about a prenup.

Also … in this sneak peek for Sunday’s episode, Jasmine brings up a new problem, seemingly on purpose.

During Season 5 of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, we have all gotten an earful about one of Gino Palazzolo’s exes.

This is the ex who received nude photos of Jasmine Pineda … sent by Gino, whose betrayal nearly tore them apart.

But, obviously, that ex-girlfriend isn’t the only woman in Gino’s past.

Nearly a decade ago, he was married to another woman.

This woman, who was from Brazil, was already a contentious part of this relationship without ever appearing on the show.

Why? Well, because she and Gino picked out the paint in his house together, basically.

Yes, we all remember Jasmine’s gym meltdown over the color of Gino’s walls.

Because Gino has not totally redecorated his home in Michigan since his divorce, Jasmine feels that it is all tainted.

She has some clear insecurity issues that, when coupled with her emotional volatility, have explosive results.

In this sneak peek for Season 5, Episode 15, Jasmine and Gino are sitting down to dinner.

“I don’t want to make this dinner negative but I have to say this, okay?” Jasmine begins.

“All the issues that we have, it was because of your exes,” she quasi-accurately states.

“And now that we’re at this point in which we can talk about it,” Jasmine says.

She continues: “I discovered something that really pissed me off.”

At this point, Gino is visibly bracing himself for yet another raging tantrum, wondering what he has done this time.

You could cut the tension at this table with a knife.

“How long have you been divorced, babe?” Jasmine asks slowly in the preview.

“Umm…about eight years,” Gino nervously responds.

“Well, in social media, I just discovered that your ex-wife still has your last name,” Jasmine says.

To most people, that would just be, you know, how names work.

Many people do not change their names after a marriage ends without a strong incentive. It is expensive and requires a great deal of paperwork for most adults.

“To a certain extent it’s like you’re still — you’re family!” Jasmine remarks.

She adds: She didn’t give you kids, nothing. What’s the purpose?”

As if addressing Gino’s unseen ex, Jasmine goes on: “C’mon, give me a break. Take your father’s last name, not my man’s.”

“I don’t sit and look at her last name every day or anything like that, or think about what is her last name,” Gino replies.

“I don’t give a s–t,” Jasmine declares teritorially. “That last name is now mine.”

“Letting her keep it, f–k that,” she complains. It’s unclear how Gino is supposed to force his ex-wife to change her name.

“This last name stuff,” Gino says to the camera, “I don’t know why she’s making a big deal out of it.”

He goes on: “She shouldn’t be making a big deal — does that affect her in her day-to-day life? That my ex has my last name? C’mon now.”

Jasmine has been unhappy about both rational and irrational things. This is one of the irrational ones.

Jasmine pineda to gino palazzolo your ex has your last name that

Kimberly Denied a Goodbye Kiss from Usman Umar: Are You Ashamed of Me?!

Even after Usman Umar finally slipped Kimberly Menzies his yam, things aren’t perfect.

They had sex, they kissed, they are officially in a relationship, and they even reconciled after a big fight.

But they can’t even say goodbye at the airport without it turning into a “thing.”

This time, the problem was that Usman refused to kiss Kimberly goodbye in public. Is he ashamed of her? What gives?

As this sneak peek clip of Sunday’s episode begins, Kimberly Menzies is in tears.

No, Usman “Soljaboy” Umar hasn’t broken her heart — not yet, anyway.

Instead, she is crying because it’s time for her to leave to go home … and she’s not emotionally prepared to say goodbye.

In the car, Usman is all about the PDA.

After all, this is the same man who rested his head on Kimberly’s lap even before he was willing to kiss or sleep with her.

Once they get out of the car, however, there is a change in tone … especially after production stirs the pot.

What we don’t see most of the time on these shows is that producers ask question after question after question of the cast.

Most of the time, those questions are edited out.

Every now and then, there is an especially candid moment when viewers need to hear the prompt to fully appreciate what is happening.

In this clip, production asks if Usman and Kimberly are going to exchange a goodbye kiss.

It’s a very simple question, and even has non-dramatic applications, since they might need to set up the shot one way or another.

The answer, however, is not so simple — as Kimberly says “yes” and Usman says “no.”

After realizing that they were not going to agree, Usman explained why he was refusing to kiss his girlfriend goodbye.

“Kissing in the airport is just like a public announcement,” Usman reasoned.

Clearly, he had been listening to the concerns about public perception that his entourage members, like Badmus, had mentioned.

Usman arguably made it worse, suggesting that he has already done many things that he did not want to.

“So many things I do for you not because I want to,” he began.

Usman continued: “But because I want to make you happy.” 

An unhappy Kimberly asks if they can just go to the airport.

She sounds defeated and downright angry. Perhaps a little huffy, even.

Usman notices it, pointing out that she always displays anger when she doesn’t get her way.

Kimberly insists that this (obvious change in mood which we can all see with our own eyes) is not what’s happening.

Instead, she claims that this is about concern over not being late to her flight.

However, speaking (presumably some time later) to the confessional cameras, Kimberly acknowledged her displeasure.

“This has been the experience of a lifetime,” Kimberly described.

“And,” she noted happily, “I’m leaving as Usman’s girlfriend.”

Because of that, Kimberly noted, “I should be going home happy.”

“But the fact that he won’t kiss me in public, still,” Kimberly remarked, “still, after all this time.”

She admitted that “it hurts me a little bit.”

Kimberly expressed: “It’s like, are you ashamed of me? I mean, what is it?”

They said goodbye and embraced at the airport.

Though they did not have a true goodbye kiss, Kimberly gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, indistinguishable from a familial or friendly kiss.

Kimberly also told him that she loves him, saying it more than once … without him saying it back.

“We will see soon, right?” Usman suggested awkwardly.

He then gave her a high five, of all things.

To the camera, Kimberly admitted that she is uncertain about their future because Usman “make me feel insecure.”

Kimberly denied a goodbye kiss from usman umar are you ashamed o

Mark Shoemaker Accuses Nikki Mediano of Adultery in Divorce Filing

This week, 90 Day Fiance fans were overjoyed to learn that Mark Shoemaker and Nikki Mediano are divorcing.

Six years is not a short marriage, especially in this franchise, and especially for a pair with a 39-year age gap.

Having married Mark at just 19, Nikki could have had any number of reasons for wanting a divorce.

But, as it turns out, Mark is accusing her of cheating.

In Touch Weekly got a hold of Mark Shoemaker’s divorce filing.

There is a section of the paperwork to indicate the “grounds for divorce.”

There, Mark checked off: “Adultery — my spouse committed adultery.”

In the subsequent section of the divorce filing, Mark checked off: “For these reasons, I request an absolute divorce.”

The 64-year-old also claimed that there is not much to settle in terms of the divorce itself.

He claimed that the divorce will involve “mutual consent” involving a written settlement.

Mark Shoemaker on Season 3

“My spouse and I have signed a written settlement agreement that resolves any issues related to alimony,” the Mutual Consent box read.

The form contunued: “The distribution of property and the care, custody, access and support of minor or dependent child(ren).”

While Mark does have children — all of whom are older than Nikki — the two do not have any children of their own.

Mark has not spoken publicly about this.

His divorce filing is public, though he did attempt to get the docuemnts sealed — an attempt that was denied.

When given the opportunity to comment on the divorce, Mark has declined.

Nikki Mediano on Season 3

Meanwhile, Nikki has yet to speak out about the divorce at all.

Mark was the one who submitted the filing.

We know that he also submitted the prenup … and it is unclear if Nikki will attempt to challenge it, or if that would be successful.

Mark Shoemaker video chats with Nikki Mediano on Season 3

Viewers keenly recall Mark pressuring Nikki to sign the prenup in a way that even prenup advocates found uncomfortable.

Nikki met with an attorney (which would happen before any legitimate prenup is signed), who advised her against signing it.

However, when Mark told the 19-year-old that either she signed it or they would break up, she signed anyway.

We’re not family law attorneys, but that could make it difficult or even impossible for Nikki to challenge the prenup.

Yes, many people believe that 19-year-olds should not be allowed to marry at all, let alone sign prenups when marrying men 39 years older than they are.

But knowing what’s right and wishing that it were law does not change the actual legal system, which is very much stacked in Mark’s favor.

So we don’t know if Mark is simply accusing Nikki of having an affair or whether she did cheat, let alone whether she will admit to it.

Perhaps the alleged adultery is what Mark’s daughter meant in her TikTok video when she noted that many judicial records can be viewed online.

Of course, time may show us that she was referring to something else.

Elise Shoemaker reacts on TikTok

To be bluntly honest … the general sentiment from many 90 Day Fiance fans since the divorce news broke has been celebratory.

Many people are rooting for Nikki, and have had their fingers crossed for a split for six years.

While the 90 Day Fiance fandom has a notorious misogyny problem (yes, even more than racism and xenophobia, which is saying a lot), the vibe is “Team Nikki.”

Mark Shoemaker on 90 Day Fiance

Marrying a teenager, albeit an adult one, is weird. Mark’s age gap with Nikki, enough to make Jenny Slatten and Sumit Singh blush, made it weirder.

Then you throw in the fact that Nikki is from the exact same city in the exact same country as Mark’s ex, and the discomfort worsens.

All of that might have been overlooked by viewers if he’d come across as charming and non-creepy on Season 3. But … that’s not how fans saw him.

Ben Rathbun Sentenced to Community Service, Extended Probation Following Arrest

Last week, 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days star Ben Rathbun was arrested.

Though this franchise is no stranger to arrests, this is much more unusual while a season is actively airing.

Less than one week later, Ben was sentenced.

Even though Ben recently reunited with Mahogany, this could put a damper on his future with the show.

Starcasm got a look at Michigan court records.

He was ordered to spend 2 days in jail, though the court credited him with time served for his time behind bars following his arrest.

Ben was also instructed to complete 15 days of community service, and his probation was extended until 2023.

Ben Rathbun calls his friend, Jason

All things considered, that is a generous sentence, sparing Ben from any further time behind bars.

We know that this is a complicated situation, and some fans expressed confusion over what exactly had gotten him arrested.

With that in mind, we will lay out what happened as clearly as possible, and in an orderly fashion.

Ben Rathbun doesn't feel like he has to answer for the past

On September 16, 2020, some sort of incident took place that led to Ben facing an OWAI charge.

In November of 2020, Ben was charged with driving under the influence and with a suspended/revoked license.

Ben eventually entered a guilty plea to the lesser OWAI charge, getting the suspended license charge dismissed.

Ben Rathbun tries to defend everything

In January of 2021, following his plea, Ben was sentenced to 18 months of probation.

That would have extended until this summer, and then come to a tidy end.

However, this is not what happened.

Ben Rathbun used to be a pastor in a cult

Ben was due for a probation hearing on February 7, 2022.

By this point, it was months after he had filmed with Mahogany in Peru, and Season 5 was already underway.

He was reportedly accused of violating his probation, though the details of that are unclear.

Ben Rathbun finds out that he's just a friend

For reasons unknown (but theorized), Ben was a no-show to his own February 7 hearing.

As a result, the judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

That arrest was carried out on Tuesday, March 15.

Ben Rathbun prepares for flight, has booked separate hotel rooms

As succinctly as humanly possible, Ben broke the law driving in September of 2020 and allegedly violated the terms of his plea deal.

The result isn’t so bad.

Time served, some community service, and another six months added to his probation.

Ben Rathbun is pretty weirded out by everything

Court records show that Ben’s probation will end on January 25, 2023.

Hopefully, he will complete all of the court’s requests of him.

Driving violations can be dangerous and potentially deadly, but we would hate for someone’s life to be ruined unless they do something that is, well, evil.

Ben Rathbun continues to wait

But what, fans have spent the past week or so wondering, did Ben do to violate his probation?

We have heard no reports of additional charges, driving-related or otherwise.

However, the evidence of alleged probation violation may be staring us all in the face every Sunday.

Ben Rathbun learns that Mahogany's parents do not live there

It is not actually impossible to leave the country while on probation, but many such situations require that the person on probation receive prior approval to do so.

Perhaps Ben sought it and did not receive it. Perhaps it didn’t occur to him that he needed permission.

Whatever the reason, some wonder if Ben’s trip to Peru to see Mahogany last year is what landed him in trouble.

Ben Rathbun didn't get a text back, is skipping brunch

If so, that could be what had him summoned to a hearing — possibly after a court officer or even a snitch reported him.

In fact, a second trip to Peru, as he was seen with Mahogany in February of this year (many months after Season 5 filmed) could explain why he missed the February 7 hearing.

Hard to make it to a hearing for leaving the country if you have once again left the country.

Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca on Reddit (February 2022)

This is all speculation, and it’s possible that Ben did not get into trouble for visiting Peru. We just don’t know.

However, given his precarious legal situation, it seems unlikely that he will be given permission to leave the country for the rest of this year.

If Ben wasn’t filming a new season with Mahogany in February, he may miss his change for a comeback to the franchise … if such an offer were ever on the table.

Jorge Nava Welcomes Baby #2 with Girlfriend!

In October, 90 Day Fiance fans were overjoyed to hear that Jorge Nava was expected Baby #2.

He and his girlfriend, Rhoda Blua, have now welcomed their second child.

This week, Rhoda gave birth to a baby with a surprising, familiar name.

Jorge took the time to let fans know the happy news.

On Thursday, March 24, Jorge Nava took to Instagram to share a precious photo.

Viewers could see him, girlfriend Rhoda, and their newborn son.

Alongside a blue heart emoji, his caption simply shared the date of birth: March 22, 2022.

Jorge Nava IG birth announcement 22 March 2022 (George)

Jorge alsos poke to Us Weekly, announcing the birth and sharing details.

He showered Rhoda with “thanks and appreciation” following the birth of their second child.

His son, he revealed, has been named George.

“[She gave] me the most amazing children,” Jorge gushed.

“And,” he continued, Rhoda “[is] so loving and compassionate.”

“I love every inch of her,” Jorge praised, “and I can’t wait to raise our family together.”

Jorge Nava IG apparent baby #2 announcement

Jorge detailed that George was born on Tuesday at 4 P.M.

He weighed seven pounds and 13 ounces — considered within the average weight range for newborns.

His birth came five months after the public pregnancy announcement.

“Never did I imagine my dreams becoming a reality so fast,” Jorge gushed in October of 2021.

“Rhoda, you and Zara are my world,” he expressed at the time.

Jorge affirmed: “I love you more than you’ll ever imagine.”

Jorge Nava IG birth announcement 7 April 2021

Jorge shared a similar happy announcement back in April of 2021.

That actually means that they had a remarkably short period of “down time” between Zara’s birth and George’s conception.

We of course hope that Rhoda has a safe recovery from childbirth. Giving birth twice in less than a year can take its toll.

We actually only have a little information about Rhoda and Jorge’s romance.

Jorge has been very selectively transparent about some parts of his life, while playing other things close to the vest.

As much as we might selfishly want to hear everything, that’s a really smart decision.

We know that Jorge met Rhoda some months after his release from prison in May of 2020.

By that point, his marriage to Anfisa Arkhipchenko Nava was truly over in all but name.

When he began posting photos of himself with the then-unidentified Rhoda, fans were happy to see that he had moved on.

Jorge Nava IG new girlfriend teasers

Jorge learned the hard way that people will make countless assumptions no matter how much or how little is revealed.

He knew how easily viewers might pick apart his new lady love or his relationship, and how that could drive a wedge in any couple.

After all, he’d experienced that firsthand as a reality star. He had also seen other relationships falter and fail.

With Rhoda, Jorge knows that he has a future. In addition to a lot of love, they now share two beautiful children.

We’re sure that they will both have their hands full for many years to come.

That said, maybe Jorge will pop by for another chat with Shaun Robinson to give viewers a welcome update. When there’s time, of course.

Mark Shoemaker and Nikki Mediano Are Divorcing After Six Years: She’s Finally Free!

These days, controversial 90 Day Fiance couples are wildly common.

In the show’s earliest seasons, however, they were rare.

One of the most horrifying, worry-inducing, age-gap-having couples on the show’s history came in Season 3: Mark and Nikki.

Now, longtime viewers can breathe a sigh of relief, because they are finally, finally getting a divorce.

To no one’s surprise, Mark Shoemaker and Nikki Mediano are filing for divorce after six years.

As reported by numerous outlets including In Touch Weekly, 64-year-old Mark filed to divorce 25-year-old Nikki on March 2.

The next day, he filed a motion to seal the divorce — a motion that was denied.

Infamously, Mark and Nikki had a prenuptial agreement as part of their marriage.

(While prenups are generally a good idea and have been included in many marriages in the franchise, it and so many other things rubbed Mark the wrong way)

Court records show that the prenup was submitted alongside the divorce filing.

Mark Shoemaker on Season 3

Mark and Nikki appeared on Season 3 of 90 Day Fiance, the flagship series that launched an ever-growing number of spinoffs.

When contrasted with castmates like Loren and Alexei Brovarnik, viewers were truly not rooting for the couple.

In fact, Mark is so unpopular with fans that news of their divorce has been met with declarations of “she’s free!” across social media.

Nikki Mediano on Season 3

Viewers worried that Ella Johnson fetishizes Asian men know that Mark Shoemaker married two women from the same exact city in the Philippines.

Fans who think that Jenny Slatten is way older than Sumit Singh know that Mark and Nikki’s age gap far outstrips theirs.

And folks who call Big Ed Brown “Big Pred” … well, they’re still making some points, but Mark creeped them out, too.

Mark Shoemaker on 90 Day Fiance

The fact of the matter is that Mark was 58 years old at the time when he wooed and married Nikki.

Nikki was 19.

19-year-olds are adults, but also teenagers.

To be honest, most of us recoil at the idea of a 19-year-old marrying anyone, let alone a man 39 years their senior.

Mark, the owner a piano rental store, had also done the K-1 visa process before.

In the 1980s, he had married a woman from Cebu, Philippines.

Nikki and Mark connected through a dating site. She was also from Cebu.

At 19, she was two years younger than even Mark’s youngest daughter.

Upon seeing that Mark proposed to Nikki with an improvised zip tie instead of a ring, some fans quipped that it was symbolic of how predatory this felt.

Mark was well aware of how viewers felt about him.

In fact, he filed a lawsuit in 2017, accusing TLC and the show of character assassination in terms of his on-screen portrayal.

The court tossed out Mark’s lawsuit.

Elise Shoemaker reacts on TikTok

Fans are not the only ones who are neither surprised nor unhappy about Mark and Nikki’s split.

Mark’s daughter, Elise, has made her feelings clear using TikTok, also hinting that people could look up court records to follow the divorce, and possibly more.

Perhaps there is further information that will come out during this process.

Mark Shoemaker video chats with Nikki Mediano on Season 3

So far, however, we haven’t heard directly from Nikki.

Since Mark’s filing indicated that they still shared the same address, perhaps that will change after they have separate residences.

That said … maybe not. Not all 90 Day Fiance alums are eager to speak to fans, especially if they have faced backlash.

Kalani Faagata: Asuelu Blocked Me on Instagram!

90 Day Fiance viewers are painfully aware of how many problems plague Kalani Faagata and Asuelu Pulaa’s marriage.

From his childish behavior to her objections to how much money he sends his family, it seems like nothing ever changes.

This week’s premiere of 90 Day Diaries confirmed as much, with the couple giving a grim update on where things stand.

Actually, one thing has changed … because Asuelu blocked Kalani on social media. Not exactly a positive sign.

This week, Kalani took to her Instagram Story to call out her immature husband.

“Mr. BooHole blocked me,” she wrote in a matter-of-fact yet mocking tone. Sure enough, Asuelu no longer follows her or her sister, Kolini.

Kalani acknowledged that former castmate Larissa Lima seemed to have blocked her, joking “that actually hurt myf eelings LMAOOO.”

While we cannot speak to any recent drama between Kalani and the self-styled queen, fans are already speculating about Kalani and Asuelu.

The timing seems to be a little too coincidental to be, well, mere happenstance.

Fans think that it’s most likely that tensions boiled over for Kalani and Asuelu after they, and those closest to them, watched 90 Day Diaries.

Asuelu Pulaa - I'm a bad husband

(No, this was not a moment of stunning self-awareness on Asuelu’s part — he was describing how Kalani portrays him)

Discovery Plus viewers have already seen that Kalani and Asuelu had a very familiar vibe.

Things were tense. They both seemed totally drained. They acted like worn out roommates waiting for the lease the run out, not like husband and wife.

Asuelu, however, told his wife that he felt that things were generally “good.”

Kalani disagreed.

She also noted that perhaps he feels differently because they are not shouldering the same burden.

Asuelu, she noted, gets to leave the house and have time when he is completely alone.

Kalani does not have that luxury.

When her mom is not there to provide childcare assistance, Kalani is watching both of their sons. All day, every day.

Kalani Faagata affirms that doing things while watching kids is difficult

Asuelu protested, claiming that he is making sacrifices because “plays golf” and does it “early.”

He also said that he no longer plays volleyball, having switched to golf to appease her.

(Infamously, Asuelu began ignoring lockdown very early into the COVID-19 pandemic, endangering his family and Kalani’s, another wedge in their marriage)

Asuelu also said that there were times when he wanted to take Oliver to play golf with him, but that she had declined.

Why? Because Kalani described having seen Asuelu’s poor choices lead to near-disaster for their kids in the past.

She didn’t trust him to take Oliver to the driving range or anywhere else because he hasn’t shown that he can be responsible on his own.

Kalani Faagata and Asuelu Pulaa have fun in the car (sex shop)

This is, frankly, an untenable situation.

Kalani is basically being a parent to three children.

That’s no way to treat your spouse, but Asuelu also refuses to act mature enough for her to not treat him this way.

Kalani and Asuelu shop for cars

It’s almost like these two are fundamentally incompatible and are only together because a fun vacation hookup resulted in a pregnancy.

(It is literally exactly like that — a vacation fling, a pregnancy, and cultural and religious expectations pushed them to marry and stay that way)

Until Kalani and Asuelu are ready to split (unless he magically matures overnight), they’ll both continue to stew in misery. Well, mostly Kalani.

Ben Rathbun Creeped Out Mahogany Roca With Barrage of Texts: What Did He Say?!

On 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days Season 5, Ben Rathbun hasn’t just creeped out fans.

He also unnerved his would-be fiancee, causing Mahogany Roca to ditch him.

The night before she left (and then ghosted) Ben, he had sent her pages upon pages of weird texts.

What exactly did Ben say to Mahogany to make her feel so overwhelmed and repulsed?

Ben Rathbun looks forward to "mandatory alone time," believes it's god's plan

Some people get nervous when they send just a few messages with no reply. Ben sent dozens.

Viewers did not, overall, get a very good look at what Ben estimated to be “10 pages” of texts that he sent.

We saw enough, however. And even with the high-speed scroll, some viewers picked up on more that he said.

Ben Rathbun texts to Mahogany Roca - god has hardened your heart

“My love for you grows stronger every day,” read a segment translated from Spanish to English.

“But it seems that God has hardened your heart towards me,” he wrote, invoking Old Testament language in an odd way.

“You fear who I am and my intentions. But there is no room in love for that,” Ben declared. 

Ben Rathbun tries to defend everything

“Therefore this is not love. But know this — I do love you. I always will,” Ben insisted.

As laid out by a Reddit post, Ben had much more to say that the show did not focus upon (or translate).

At one point, Ben told Mahogany: “now I’m eating my food just trying not to cry.”

Ben Rathbun used to be a pastor in a cult

“I have completely forgiven her and treated her incredibly well,” Ben said of his ex-wife, Lisa.

“Yet for her part she hasn’t forgiven me yet and she still has some feelings about divorce,” he admitted.

“There was no love in marriage,” Ben claimed, “but she had it good so she didn’t want it to end.”

Ben Rathbun's ex-wife reacts to him saying Mahogany is god's plan for him

Ben insisted that he took care of his financial responsibilities “including the paying more than was necessary for child support.”

He claimed that he gave his ex the house and “everything in the house” following their divorce.

And, after 24 years of marriage, Ben allegedly paid her half of his salary — so he told Mahogany — for a few years.

Ben Rathbun breaks the news to his kids and his ex-wife

“This is my truth before God,” Ben wrote to Mahogany.

“You can choose not to believe me, or to believe me, or to judge and wait,” he generously offered.

“I respect everything you do,” Ben declared, “because you’re an incredibly smart woman with pious wisdom.”

Ben Rathbun doesn't feel like he has to answer for the past

“You don’t need me and you could have anyone,” Ben praised.

“And,” he insisted, “I don’t need you for happiness because God alone gives that.”

As he has proclaimed many times on the show, Ben told her that he felt called to “chase” her because God had put her in his “heart.”

Ben Rathbun finds out that he's just a friend

“I like every little thing about you,” Ben told Mahogany.

“So if God is doing this,” he assured her, “nothing will separate us.”

That is odd and arguably pretty creepy. We can understand why Mahogany didn’t reply.

Mahogany Roca - we share that together

Mahogany is herself a devout Christian, so perhaps she has more overlap with Ben in terms of beliefs and the use of religious language than many viewers.

At the same time … she’s a hardcore Christian and even she was freaked out by his texts.

Ultimately, this led to her not replying, later walking away from him, and finally ghosting him — leaving him to find his own way back from the hotel.

Usman Umar Posts Wedding Photos: Did He Dump Kimberly and Marry a New Woman?

This week, Usman Umar opted to grab everyone’s attention.

Taking to Instagram, he posted multiple photos and videos of a wedding.

Not just any wedding. Usman appeared as the groom beside a lovely bride — who was not Kimberly Menzies.

Did he get married? If so, when did he and Kimberly break up?

Usman Umar "wedding" photo

On Tuesday, March 22, Usman Umar sent shockwaves through the 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days fandom.

“Breaking News,” Usman captioned one of the posts, alongside a string of emojis.

Usman shared another post, writing: “Gentlemen and Ladies, the groom and bride.”

Usman Umar and "bride"

In the images, Usman appears beside a beautiful and surprisingly age-appropriate woman, dressed as bride and groom.

Videos even showed him dancing, and members of his entourage were seen dressed up among the crowd.

In other words, it appeared that Usman had married … and dropped a total bombshell upon fans and followers in the process.

Kimberly Menzies boops the nose of Usman Umar

When exactly did he split up with Kimberly and start dating some new woman?

Make no mistake: many viewers expected this relationship to fall apart given obvious compatibility issues, drama, and other obstacles.

But most of us expected to see it unravel before Usman became a married man to a random other woman.

Kimberly Menzies splashes Usman Umar with her drink

How does Kimberly feel about this?

Many messaged her, wondering if she would blow up over it.

At the same time, others wondered if Usman would get into trouble with production for posting a colossal spoiler like this.

Usman Umar and Kimberly Menzies toast their rekindled relationship

But Kimberly had something of her own to say.

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!” Kimberly commented, alongside multiple laughing emojis.

This, alongside the would-be NDA violation and the total randomness of Usman’s post, were all of the hints that fans needed to know that this was not what it appeared to be.

Usman Umar lies atop and kisses Kimberly Menzies

After savoring the reactions — the questions, the congratulations, the shock — Usman spoke to In Touch Weekly.

“This is a wedding, but in a movie,” he admitted, revealing his obvious prank.

“It’s difficult for people to understand my life style,” Usman claimed.

Usman Umar has a secret to share

“But,,” Usman hilariously insisted, “I think it’s high time for the audience to accept that I’m an artist and a movie star.”

“Most of the cast members that are on the 90 Day [Fiance] shows are regular people,” he said.

“And that is why their post is normal,” Usman alleged, “and mine are always complicated.”

Usman Umar and Kimberly Menzies wake up tensely together

“Entertainment is my business,” Usman declared.

“So because I’m a reality show cast member that doesn’t mean that I can’t continue with with my daily income activities,” he said.

“But, if I [offend] anyone, please, I’m sorry,” Usman expressed.

Usman Umar takes a goofy selfie with Kimberly Menzies

“But to keep you [updated], please go to discovery+ and TLC to continue watching the show,” Usman urged.

He encouraged fans to keep watching “because Kimberly and I have a beautiful story unfold, you [have] to watch to find out what will happen next.”

Usman concluded: “I love my queen Kimberllllllly and time will tell you more, thanks to everyone and god bless y’all.”

Usman Umar wears Sojaboy bling to bed

Usman may be the only person in the world who thinks that your average 90 Day Fiance cast member or their posts are “normal.”

Clearly, what he’s trying to do is to convince people that he’s a big-shot celebrity. Fake it ’til you make it, as they say.

As for Tuesday’s post, Usman obviously just wanted a reaction out of viewers — and he got one.

90 Day Fiance: UK-Based Spinoff Filming Right Now!

A person could have many servings of beans-on-toast in 90 days, but is it enough time to figure out what a “cheeky Nando’s” is?

People on the latest of a long list of 90 Day Fiance spinoffs are about to find out.

The runaway hit reality series is being adapted for the U.K., following eight couples trying to live happily ever after on an island that once ruled the world.

The United Kingdom has different regulations on immigration, but will present engaged partners with a slew of new problems.

We don’t yet have a premiere date or even a partial cast list for this spinoff. We don’t even have a series title.

90 Day Fiance: Innit has a certain ring  to it, but seems like an unlikely name.

But The Sun reports that the spinoff, whatever its name may be, is happening. This is not a drill.

90 Day Fiance has featured a few Brits over the years.

However, since part of the show’s focus is on drama (and, let’s face it, catering to stereotypes, expectations, and bigotry held by the audience), there isn’t always enough conflict.

Partners for the 8 Brits being featured on this new show are making their way to the island from countries like Japan, Mexico, and Lebanon.

(Yes, just about everyone immediately thought of Larissa’s most famous line. She’s not a British monarch, but she is a queen)

90 Day Fiance began in 2014, and already has more spinoffs than years under its belt.

“It has proved its worth over there,” the insider said of the original show and its spinoffs, “and the addition of British daters can only be a good thing.”

“As our couples fly in and out of Blighty,” the source teased, “expect warm, heartfelt moments.”

The insider continued: “As well as tears of frustration and laughter in the face of real romantic jeopardy.”

The source said that viewers will watch “as these loved-up hopefuls overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of being together.”

“We will laugh, cry, and cringe alongside the couples,” the insider promised.

The source teased that the cast will be “facing disapproval from their families, secrets from their pasts.”

“And,” the insider added, “dramatic personality and cultural clashes.”

While that leak from a Discovery Plus insider may sound like an official blurb, this spinoff has yet to be formally announced.

That announcement should come soon, however — especially now that the cat is out of the bag.

And filming itself is already underway, as the couples’ stories of love and drama are captured by production crews.

Filming is said to be at the halfway stage — meaning that they’re about halfway into the season (though it’s not quite that simple)

Between this report and the natural cycle of this type of reality series (averaging about 8 months since filming), we’re looking at a premire date in late 2022.

While the show may cater in part to a United Kingdom audience, the report affirms that the series will premiere on Discovery Plus.

Mahogany Roca Calls Ben Rathbun Fake, Gets Skewered as "Catfish" by 90 Day Fiance Fans

On the most recent episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, Ben and Mahogany parted ways.

Mahogany accused Ben of not being who she thought that he was when they were chatting.

Even with all of the condemnation aimed at Ben, some fans are astounded that she’d say that.

A lot of people are still processing the stark contrast between Mahogany and her borderline-catfishing photos.

Mahogany Roca - I think you are not the Benjamin in the chat

On Season 5, Episode 14 of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, Mahogany Roca confronted Ben Rathbun.

He had resented her questions about his past. He had sent her long, unsettling texts.

Then, huffy that she hadn’t responded, he ghosted her for breakfast, embarrassing her in front of her parents.

Mahogany Roca - you are different

Ben’s shady past, his boundary-crossing behavior … this was not the man whom Mahogany had enjoyed chatting with.

Maybe that was all of it.

Or maybe she needed an excuse because a guy 30 years her senior had flown down to meet her after three months of chatting.

Mahogany Roca leaves Ben Rathbun alone at the table

Whatever it was, Mahogany told him that he was “different.”

She didn’t want to be there, so she got up and left.

Fair is fair … but is Mahogany really the person to call someone out for being different in person than they were online?

reminder of what "Mahogany" looks like

After all, the view that Ben saw of Mahogany was … not exactly true to life.

Airbrushing, an array of filters, and other photo editing was used until every photo was unrecognizable.

Looking at Mahogany’s pics and her real face was like night and day.

Mahogany Roca gets blunt (s05e14 preview)

It’s not just that her photos did not look like the real Mahogany.

Her photos did not look recognizably human; anyone could tell at a glance that the pics were heavily doctored.

Only Ben, it seemed, was unable — or unwilling — to see that the pics of his beloved better resembled a stylized drawing than a human being.

super filtered photo of Mahogany Roca

As a result, some fans have accused Mahogany of being what many thought all along:

Is Mahogany a catfish?

Well … not really, but we’re admittedly operating from a pretty strict definition of “catfish.”

Mahogany Roca face after Ben asks to meet her parents tonight

Mahogany did not use photos of someone else when communicating with Ben. She just butchered her own pics.

She used her own name and, as far as we can tell, her real social media account.

Aside from the fact that she apparently got $1,000 out of him, she’s not checking a lot of boxes for a catfish.

24-year-old Mahogany's very real photo

Mahogany was, however, plainly dishonest with Ben.

Perhaps her biggest lie was about her age — only a 22-year-old would be young enough to think that claiming to be 24 is worth the risk.

Then, in person, she showed him an obviously fake apartment that Ben later defended, apparently having bought her explanations.

Mahogany Roca in a tense conversation

We should stress that Mahogany wasn’t just sending her unsettling anime waifu filtered photos to Ben.

These seem to just be how she presents herself to the world online.

Outside of cultivating a romantic relationship, that’s perfectly okay — no one owes their authentic face to strangers. People are allowed to simply exist.

Mahogany Roca Facebook photos

But what possible future could two fakers have together?

Ben wasn’t who she thought. Mahogany wasn’t who he thought.

Are they really just a pair of fraudsters determined to get famous and use each other in the process?

Ben Rathbun meets up with Mahogany Roca

If that were true, we would say that they are a perfect match.

However, contrary to Ben’s claims, 90 Day Fiance doesn’t cast actors to play fictional, scripted roles on the show.

(If they did, it would be huge news, and we would excitedly report on it)

Ben Rathbun awkwardly hugs Mahogany Roca goodnight

Instead, people who are not being well-received by viewers sometimes claim that they got a “bad edit” or that the show is “scripted.”

Throwing the show under the bus never works.

And while bad edits are a very real thing, especially in this franchise, 90 Day Fiance does not have scripts.

Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca may be about to kiss

What’s really weird is that, even after they both basically called each other fakes, it looks like they’re ready to kiss on the next episode.

Keep in mind, this is after Mahogany ghosted Ben (narrowly avoiding “mandatory alone time” for two hours in the car).

Maybe they’re both scheming for fame separately. Or maybe they just can’t quit each other. They’re both so, so weird.

Ben Rathbun and Mahogany Roca on Reddit (February 2022)

And, as we previously reported, they are still together in some fashion many months later.

Just weeks ago, the two were photographed at a mall in Lima, Peru.

Who goes to malls in 2022? The answer is 50-something men and their 23-year-old girlfriends, apparently.

Mike Berk: I’m Sorry I Called Ximena a Bitch! She IS Cold and Calculating, Though!

On the latest episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days, Mike Berk ran away after Ximena Cuellar dumped him.

In the previews for next Sunday’s episode, Mike and Ximena went off on each other.

Among many other things, Mike called her a “bitch” to the camera.

Now, he is apologizing … even as some fans tell him that he shouldn’t.

Mike Berk walks off

On Sunday’s episode, Ximena Cuellar told Mike Berk that it was over.

What had started as a night out had turned into a serious conversation.

It all changed when Mike brought up how Ximena’s mood had shifted when he stopped paying for everything.

Mike Berk walking - my mind's going crazy

Mike had channeled his inner Paul Staehle, fleeing.

Perhaps he was trying to hide his tears from cameras. Or maybe his panic had given him the zoomies.

Either way, he was devasted. Left behind at the table, Ximena showed how hard this had been for her, too.

In the previews for Season 5, Episode 15, the relationship is still over.

However, Mike and Ximena’s painful conversations about where things stand are not.

With the engagement broken off, all that is left is bitterness and words that they both would later regret.

Mike Berk vs Ximena preview 01 of 06

We can see the two back at Ximena’s home as Mike confronts her over the breakup.

“This only reinforces the fact that you were using me for money,” he told her.

Mike continued: “because right now, you’re cold and calculated.”

Mike Berk vs Ximena preview 02 of 06

Ximena reiterated that she is not asking him to send her anything or pay for anything.

(Truth be told, this is where Mike’s toxic side is showing for the first time this season — as if he wants to leverage his past generosity to keep the relationship going)

As far as Ximena is concerned, it’s over … and he should just leave.

Mike Berk vs Ximena preview 03 of 06

Ximena doesn’t just mean that he should leave on his flight the next day.

Instead, he should leave right then.

She told Mike to spend the night in a hotel before catching his plane out of Colombia and out of her life.

Mike Berk vs Ximena preview 04 of 06

However, Mike decided to assert that he wouldn’t leave … on the grounds that he was the one paying the rent.

(Legally, that only works if it’s his name on the lease, at least in most places — we’re no experts on renting in Colombia)

Mike and Ximena are both clearly in their worst states, with Ximena yelling at him to just go as he refuses.

Mike Berk vs Ximena preview 05 of 06

“She’s a mean, evil, cold bitch,” Mike tells the cameras in the preview.

“Hija de puta,” he adds.

Whether he meant this or not, Mike’s words there meant “daughter of a bitch.”

Mike Berk vs Ximena preview 06 of 06

After the episode aired on Sunday night, including the preview, Mike took to Instagram to address his words.

“Honestly, I called Ximena ‘cold, calculated,’ I called her that b-word,” Mike recalled.

“Honestly, I was just in the moment,” he expressed.

Mike Berk on IG Live

“I was just so upset with everything going on, how I was being treated that entire trip, basically,” Mike explained.

“And it was the heat of the moment,” he acknowledged. “I really just want to apologize for that.”

“And I really, really want to apologize to Ximena’s mom because she’s always had my back,” Mike emphasized.

Ximena's mom Derly - she also has never had a serious relationship

“She messages me here and there, asking me how I’m doing and so, she always has my back, her sister had my back,” Mike noted.

“So I really, really, truly want to apologize to both them, to Ximena’s sister and her mom,” he reiterated.

Mike continued: “because when I said that, it wasn’t intended to them. It was intended to the situation.”