Kevin Kreider and Devon Diep, the prominent stars of the Netflix reality series Bling Empire, have officially ended their engagement, bringing a close to their lengthy, on-and-off romantic relationship that spanned approximately 15 years. The couple, who had only been engaged for five months, announced their separation in a joint statement obtained by People magazine on Thursday.
A Difficult Decision to Part Ways
In the statement, which appeared to be authored by Kreider, the pair expressed that ending their engagement was 'not an easy decision'. They revealed they have chosen to 'move forward on separate paths' while maintaining a supportive friendship. 'After much thought and reflection, Devon and I have decided to end our engagement and move forward on separate paths,' the statement read. 'We care deeply for one another and will always support each other. We are grateful for the time we shared, but at this point in our lives we believe we are better suited as friends.' The couple concluded by requesting privacy as they navigate this new chapter.
A Romance Rekindled and Televised
Kreider, 42, had proposed to Diep during a romantic trip to Rome in late September of last year. At the time, the couple celebrated their engagement with a since-deleted joint Instagram post, where Kreider penned a heartfelt message about their commitment. He wrote about their relationship growing stronger through challenges, stating, 'We rose out of the chaos and noise, distractions that were pulling us apart to a unity that is stronger because of the tests and trials.' He added, 'We're happy to announce that we are officially engaged and we did it in style and it was beyond our wildest dreams. I can't wait to marry you.'
Their romance had a storied history, having initially dated over a decade ago before parting ways. Kreider, a main cast member on Bling Empire, confessed to still having feelings for Diep, leading their costar Christine Chiu to play matchmaker and facilitate their reconciliation. Diep subsequently joined the show, and their rekindled relationship became a central storyline on the series, which follows the lavish lives of wealthy Asian American socialites in Los Angeles.
Context of the Show and Kreider's Revelations
Bling Empire aired for three seasons, debuting in 2021, but Netflix decided not to renew it for a fourth season in April 2023, also canceling its spinoff, Bling Empire: New York, after one season. This breakup news follows Kreider's recent exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, where he shed light on the financial realities of reality TV stardom. He revealed he was paid less than a UPS worker despite the demanding filming schedule, lamenting that he couldn't afford a car or property, having to choose between renting a nicer apartment or downgrading to a studio.
The couple's split marks the end of a highly publicized romance that captivated fans of the show, blending personal drama with the opulent backdrop of Bling Empire's narrative. As they transition to friendship, their journey underscores the complexities of long-term relationships in the spotlight.
