Adionser and Francis join a growing list of ‘Love Is Blind’ couple whose marriages ended up in divorce on the widely popular Netflix hit show.
They follow in the footsteps of Season 2 couples Iyanna McNeely and Jarrette Jones, as well as Danielle Ruhl and Nick Thompson, who all ended their marriages after finding love on the show.
The couple, whose love story captivated audiences during the show’s social experiment, has now found themselves at the center of a public controversy that challenges the very premise of the show’s concept: love without physical appearances.
Sources close to the pair revealed that the scandal began when questions arose about the paternity of their child, leading to a DNA test that confirmed the husband was not the biological father. This revelation reportedly caused significant strain on their marriage, as accusations of betrayal and dishonesty surfaced.
Season 7 of ‘Love Is Blind‘ promised romance and happiness, but for Ashley Adionser and Tyler Francis, the journey ended with heartbreak.
The couple, who wed during the season finale, have announced they are no longer together, citing irreconcilable differences following a paternity revelation that caused tension both on and off the show.
Adionser, 32, a marketing director, confirmed the split in a statement shared with various media outlets on Monday, January 21. “After much reflection, I want to share that Tyler and I have been separated for several weeks and have now made the difficult decision to end our marriage,” she said. “While I had hoped for mutual understanding and transparency in our relationship, it has become clear that our paths are no longer aligned, making it impossible for me to continue in this marriage. This choice was necessary for my own growth and peace.”
The paternity controversy
The couple’s relationship seemed strong throughout most of the season. However, tensions flared in episode 9 when Adionser learned that Francis, 34, an account manager, had fathered three children prior to joining the show, a detail he chose not disclosed during their time in the pods.
Francis explained the situation to Adionser, saying, “I had a very close friend, her and her wife wanted to have a baby. And they couldn’t afford a sperm donor. I thought that was God telling me, you know, ‘Help someone else.’ And it felt good.” When Adionser pressed him further, asking if the children knew what he looked like, Francis admitted, “Hmm, I don’t think so.”
The revelation not only blindsided Adionser but also stirred up controversy among fans online. Matters worsened when the mother of Francis’s three children disputed his claims on social media, accusing him of downplaying his role in their lives and failing to co-parent effectively.
The fallout
During the reunion episode, which aired in October, the couple maintained that they were still together, even as Francis faced public scrutiny over the paternity issue. Adionser defended her decision to stay in the marriage, calling the criticism “insulting” to her intelligence. “I was aware and I took on what I wanted to,” she stated during the reunion.
However, behind the scenes, it seems the cracks in their relationship only deepened. The fallout from the controversy reportedly led to further disagreements, with sources close to the couple claiming that trust became a significant issue.
End of the journey
In the press statement, Adionser added that the decision to end her marriage to Francis was not an easy one, but indicated that it was necessary. “While this chapter is ending, I will always hold respect for the time and love we shared,” she said. “I kindly ask for privacy during this deeply personal time as I focus on healing and building a new future.”
Francis is yet to give his side of story regarding the split.
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