Since Netflix’s hit actuality TV sequence “Love Is Blind” has returned for one more season—this time in Denver—there’s one couple that has turn into probably the most talked about.
What started as one of many season’s most promising matches—and solely Black illustration this season—has spiraled into an emotionally charged storyline sparking rampant dialogue about boundaries, respect, emotional manipulation, and extra.
Now in its ninth season, “Love Is Blind” follows a brand new group of singles who conform to date and fall in love with out ever seeing each other. From contained in the present’s signature “pods,” {couples} construct emotional connections separated by a wall, assembly in individual solely after a proposal. Those that get engaged then head to a romantic getaway earlier than returning dwelling to see if their relationship can stand up to the pressures of actual life and finally make it down the aisle through the season’s finale, in the event that they final.
Among the many forged this season are 29-year-olds Kalybriah “KB” Haskin, a social employee, and Edmond Harvey, a realtor, who related early within the pods. The pair bonded over shared values, religion, and emotional vulnerability. When KB revealed she wished to attend till marriage earlier than being intimate, Harvey agreed and proposed, making them one of many season’s most anticipated {couples} heading into the notorious post-engagement journey to Mexico.
That’s the place issues began to unravel for the pair. Throughout a pool celebration with the opposite {couples}, Harvey realized that almost all had already been intimate, and frustration set in. He confronted KB about her choice to attend, mentioning her previous one-night stands in a approach that left her harm and blindsided. He additionally blamed being “too good” as among the many the explanation why he was being (seemingly) sidelined.
In an unique interview with Individuals journal, KB broke down the combat, admitting she didn’t totally perceive his response.
“I believed it might’ve been blindsiding to not have advised him that earlier than [the proposal] as a result of that’s what individuals do once they’re engaged,” she advised the outlet. “So I’m identical to, ‘I wish to let earlier than you plan.’ He understood. He stated he agreed. Properly, I believed he understood.”
Of his emotional response, together with complaining that he was “too good,” she added, “It’s nearly such as you saying you deserve my physique, and that’s not the case.”
“It gave me the ick,” she continued. “However I hate the very fact generally that I’m so understanding as a result of I simply tried to resonate with him. I’m identical to, ‘Okay.’ I attempt to not argue. I’m like, ‘Let’s get to the underside line right here.’”
Following the argument, KB selected to sleep outdoors on the balcony to present herself house.
“I wanted some contemporary air as a result of that was loads to soak up. I used to be offended,” she defined.
On-line, viewers have overwhelmingly sided with KB. On Reddit, X, Threads, and TikTok, followers described Harvey’s conduct as “emotionally manipulative” and “an enormous crimson flag,” with many calling out how his outburst appeared to punish her for setting a boundary.
However past that, the dialog has widened right into a critique of how “Love Is Blind” edits and frames its Black feminine forged members. Some followers consider the manufacturing workforce selectively emphasised Harvey’s vulnerability to make the argument seem extra balanced, whereas muting the emotional toll on KB.
Others argue that KB’s calm demeanor displays a well-recognized dynamic for Black girls on actuality TV, one during which they’re anticipated to hold the emotional weight, de-escalate battle, and stay “swish” even when being disrespected.
Again in Denver, the stress lingered as KB met Harvey’s mom, who appeared to love her in individual, solely to later share with Harvey that she wasn’t a fan of her Instagram content material. By the top of the second batch of episodes, the pair stay engaged however visibly strained, leaving followers to wonder if they’ll make it to the altar.
The subsequent set of “Love Is Blind” episodes drops on Wednesday, October 16, on Netflix.
