Chris Fusco, a 33-year-old account executive on the Netflix dating show Love Is Blind, has faced backlash after making controversial comments about his fiancée Jessica Barrett's fitness habits. The couple, who got engaged in the pods, saw their relationship unravel during a retreat in Mexico.
In a clip shared on Netflix's social channels, Fusco told Barrett, a 39-year-old infectious diseases doctor, that he usually dates women who do CrossFit or Pilates every day. He admitted struggling to be physically attracted to her because of their differing fitness levels. Barrett listened in disbelief as Fusco elaborated, saying he typically goes for 'somebody who does Pilates every day'.
The exchange led to the end of their engagement. Fusco later told Netflix's Tudum that he regretted how he expressed himself but not being honest. 'I was not trying to hurt her or crush her as a human being,' he said. 'I understand it may come off that way.'
Viewers were quick to criticise Fusco, with one writing: 'This is what dodging a bullet looks like!' Another praised Barrett's composure, saying: 'The kind of self-control I strive for.' Barrett herself said she has 'a lot of security in who I am' and that the issue 'ignited a lot of stuff for him personally that really had nothing to do with me.'
New episodes of Love Is Blind USA are available on Netflix from February 25, with the finale airing on March 4.
