The 90 Day Fiancé franchise captivates audiences across the globe with its diverse cast members, yet not all have left a positive impression. Initially designed to showcase genuine cross-cultural romances, the series has inadvertently spotlighted individuals whose actions have sparked controversy and backlash. As viewers delve into the backgrounds of these contentious figures, it becomes evident that their motivations may not align with the concept of sincere love, leading to calls from the audience for better casting decisions.
Fans frequently question the integrity of the franchise’s casting process, particularly regarding the thoroughness of background checks. With many viewers hoping that these polarizing personalities won’t resurface, we explore the 10 most controversial cast members who have made a significant impact, often for all the wrong reasons.
10 Angela Deem
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? Season 8
Angela Deem was brought on to the show due to her captivating age difference storyline and her bold assertion that Nigeria was the “scamming capital” while still pursuing a relationship there. With prior reality TV experience through her daughter’s appearances on shows like Maury, Angela showcased erratic behavior, frequently yelling during her daughter’s segments. Her reality stardom, however, took a dark turn, with legal troubles following her, including an arrest for speeding and a failed sobriety test in 2018.
One of Angela’s most concerning traits was her treatment of her partner Michael, often belittling him for his origins and resorting to verbal abuse. Her aggressive antics, including physical confrontations, raised eyebrows yet failed to deter producers from casting her in multiple spin-offs. Fans have been left to wonder how such behavior could continue to be tolerated.
9 Jasmine Pineda
Last Seen In: 90 Day: The Last Resort
Although not as infamous as Angela, Jasmine Pineda has raised several red flags since her introduction on 90 Day Fiancé. From the start, she hid the truth about her relationship with Gino, claiming they met under false pretenses. This dishonesty extended to her employment status, where she asserted she was let go due to Gino, even while not holding a job when the show aired.
Jasmine’s multiple appearances across seasons have elicited frustration from audiences. Her claims of wanting to leave Gino seemed disingenuous, especially since she avoided visiting her children in Panama. Recent seasons only amplified her pattern of dishonesty, culminating in her introducing a new boyfriend under the guise of friendship.
8 Big Ed Brown
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? Season 8
Big Ed Brown provoked outrage during his appearance in Before the 90 Days, where his appalling treatment of Rose Vega became a talking point. Throughout his participation, Big Ed consistently embodied the role of a villain, from disparaging Rose due to her financial state to being called out for body-shaming. In addition to his troubling behavior during the show, allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged, though they have gone largely unaddressed in the franchise.
The fallout from Ed’s relationships has showcased his troubling nature. Liz Woods, one of his partners, labeled him as narcissistic and publicized his belittling comments, which took a toll on her mental health. With recent claims from Ed suggesting a desire to leave the franchise behind, fans are hopeful he won’t return.
7 Larissa Lima
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? Season 5
Larissa Lima’s entry into the U.S. was coupled with several troubling revelations. For an entire season, she concealed her past children from Colt, leading to suspicions about her intentions. Additionally, her explosive temperament was evident when she made threatening remarks about anyone opposing her.
Her legal troubles began almost immediately, with Larissa arrested shortly before her wedding to Colt and facing additional domestic violence charges. While viewers were concerned about Colt’s well-being, Larissa continued to be featured in the franchise, sparking further controversy even after her marriage dissolved.
6 Anfisa Nava
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? Season 3
Anfisa remains a polarizing figure, celebrated for her transformation since appearing in the series. However, her notorious reputation stems from her relationship with Jorge, where she exhibited a demanding, materialistic nature and was unyieldingly critical of him.
While her honesty about marrying for money was transparent, her actions crossed the line into verbal and emotional abuse, particularly during a legal consultation. Anfisa defended her decisions against criticism by highlighting Jorge’s shortcomings, raising questions about accountability in abusive dynamics.
5 Loren Allen
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days Season 7
Loren Allen rapidly gained notoriety during his debut, particularly due to his alarming comments regarding his romantic preferences. His candid admission about soliciting relationships while homeless raised severe ethical concerns. His explicit discussion about transgender partners and derogatory remarks about women’s bodies have led to widespread backlash.
In his pursuit of fame, Loren’s questionable past, including accusations of parental abandonment, should not be overlooked. Viewers are hopeful that his storyline will conclude soon, as many find his presence in the franchise troubling.
4 Geoffrey Paschel
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days Season 4
Geoffrey Paschel is infamous for his violent past, which ultimately led him to an 18-year prison sentence in February 2022 for aggravated kidnapping and domestic assault. His documented history of domestic violence was alarming, yet he still managed to appear on the show, engaging with audiences while hiding troubling truths about his character.
These disturbing incidents occurred prior to filming, but they raised ethical discussions about casting decisions. Geoffrey’s turbulent relationship with Varya Malina, who was present during his sentencing, further complicated matters regarding the show’s responsibility in promoting healthy relationships.
3 Paul Staehle
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? Season 5
Paul Staehle’s unsettling history includes a conviction for arson, which led to an 18-month prison sentence. His tumultuous relationship with Karine Martins was marred by revelations of his violent past, adding layers of complexity to their already troubled marriage.
Significant controversy arose when a video surfaced of Karine allegedly abusing Paul in front of their child, leading to further scrutiny from the public and resulting in the loss of their parental rights. Since then, Paul has continued to court controversy, further tarnishing the franchise’s reputation.
2 Find Margaretha
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé Season 7
Leida Margaretha became a polarizing figure through her controversial actions during her time on the show. Her demands led to the removal of her husband Eric’s teenage daughter from their home, garnering widespread disdain from fans. Her self-proclaimed ties to a wealthy background were met with skepticism and outrage.
Recent legal troubles highlighted her ongoing issues, as she was arrested for wire theft and fraud, putting her questionable ethics under even greater scrutiny. Although her marriage with Eric has faced challenges, her social media presence continues to draw attention, indicating that the drama isn’t quite over yet.
1 Mohamed Abdelhamed
Last Seen In: 90 Day Fiancé Season 10
Mohamed Abdelhamed’s time on the show was characterized by controlling behavior towards Yve Arellano. Initially perceived as a loving partner, his manipulations surfaced as he attempted to dictate Yve’s lifestyle choices, even going as far as to threaten her with Green Card issues should she resist.
The revelation of Mohamed’s infidelity shifted the narrative as he was reported to have been unfaithful online, all while accusing Yve of fabricating claims of abuse. The fallout from this abusive relationship culminated in their divorce, halting Mohamed’s anticipated future appearances, leaving a complex legacy within the show’s history.
90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.
Source: Leida Margaretha/Instagram, 90 Day Fiancé/YouTube, Anfisa Nava/Instagram
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