Photo: Netflix
Love Is Blind stars Ashley Adionser and Tyler Francis have called it quits.
According to PEOPLE, Ashley and Tyler, who met on season 7 of Netflix's hit show, split after a year of marriage.
"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," Ashley said in a statement. "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 was not a decision I made lightly, but one I know is necessary for my own growth and peace," she continued. "While this chapter is ending, I will always hold respect for the time and love we shared. I kindly ask for privacy during this deeply personal time as I focus on healing and building a new future. Thank you for your understanding and support."
The Love Is Blind couple faced criticism and controversy throughout their relationship. During the show, the pair appeared to form a strong bond early on but their road to the altar turned rocky after Tyler revealed that he was a sperm donor and had three biological kids. Tyler initially claimed he had no relationship with the children and didn't even know what they looked like.
The bombshell seemingly rocked Ashley, but she eventually reached a point of understanding, and the two married at the end of the season.
However, as the show aired, apparent evidence of Tyler having a closer relationship with the children leaked. Photos of him and the kids wearing matching pajamas on Christmas circulated online along with allegations that he owed child support money and abandoned the children to be on the show.
Tyler addressed some of the allegations during the Love Is Blind reunion, saying he did "help a friend and her wife start a family" and "voluntarily" stepped in to help take care of the children after his friend's partner left her. The Netflix star claimed he lied about the situation to protect the kid's privacy.
"There's pictures of me around," he said. "I played a part that became very shaky with a friend. There's no rule books to this... but I do want to let people know Ashley knows all this. This is news to the world, this has never been news to us."
At the time, Ashley defended her husband and condemned social media users who speculated she was completely unaware of his situation. Ashley claimed Tyler never wanted to talk about the topic on camera.
"For people to imply that 'she was blindsided,' 'she didn't know,' is insulting to my intelligence," Ashley said.
"With him growing up in a single-parent household... it was very hard for him to remove himself [from this situation] and not be involved when this is now a single mom," she added. "I know he is a good person who went in a little too deep and didn't know what to do next."
Tyler again addressed the controversy during a November podcast appearance on "Dear Future Wifey." The Love Is Blind star said he "wasn't active" in the children's lives due to his rocky relationship with their mother. He noted that he never intended to be an active father in their lives.
“I want them to have their family and leave me alone,” he said, noting that he felt like a "glorified babysitter that [the mother of their children] need money from."
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.