It always seems that each season the “Love Is Blind” producers find a way to outdo themselves. Season 7 proved to be a roller coaster of relationship drama from Stephen’s cheating scandal to Nick and Hannah’s complicated back and forth. But no couple’s drama seemed to take center stage quite like Ashley Adionser and Tyler Francis.
The two found themselves at the center of “sperm baby-gate.” A controversy that saw Tyler reveal that he has fathered three children. The revelation came just two weeks before he and Ashley’s on camera wedding. Tyler’s explanation was that he donated his sperm to a queer couple, who also were his friends, to help them start a family. Ashley forgave Tyler on screen for withholding such important details of his life and eventually said “I do” on their wedding day. However, fans online began to uncover some contradicting details. Namely that Tyler was in a relationship with the mother of the children, even living with her and raising their children together at one point. The unfolding of the drama after season 7’s end led to some pretty tense anticipation for the reunion. Many fans were dying to find out, “are Ashley and Tyler still together?”
“Love Is Blind” Reunion
Ashley and Tyler’s relationship drama was addressed early in the reunion. It became clear, the two are still married and both say they remain very much in love. When questioned by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, about the details that unfolded following the airing of season 7 Tyler said he doesn’t owe an explanation to anyone but Ashley.
“I played a part that became very shaky with a friend. There is no rule books to this. There is no set lines to this,” Tyler said.
The two explained that Tyler first told Ashley about the children off camera and Ashley insisted that they discuss the matter with cameras present for the sake of authenticity. In that conversation, Tyler mentioned that the children didn’t even know what he looked like. On the reunion, the couple revealed that Tyler was lying about that to protect the children.
“This is something he never wanted to share on camera. I just didn’t think it would be an authentic experience if he didn’t,” Ashley shared.
She went on to say that Tyler got overwhelmed by the situation and didn’t know how to explain the situation.
“I just know he is a good person who went in a little too deep and didn’t know what to do next,” Ashley said.
When asked about her feelings following all the controversy and where she and Tyler stand, Ashley explained their connection.
“Tyler is my calmest love,” Ashely said. “I’ve never felt so centered than I do when I’m with him.”
Who Is Bri Thomas?
Bri Thomas is the mother of Tyler ‘s children. Before the reunion aired, she shared on social media a detailed explanation of the relationship between herself, Tyler and their three children.
“As a mother I am compelled to defend my babies and myself and attempt to protect them from a narrative that must end. A narrative that is purely inaccurate but unfair to my children and myself,” Thomas said.
Thomas explained that Tyler did initially help her and her ex-wife conceive a son. As a part of their initial agreement Tyler was not supposed to assume the role of father. However, Thomas’ wife decided to leave and move to California and Tyler asked to be able to play a role in the boy’s life. He moved in with Thomas and the two eventually conceived a set of twins.
“There has never been any confusion or additional context surrounding the twins origin. We left the hospital as parents of three children,” Thomas explained.
Thomas says she knew Tyler was going to appear on “Love is Blind” and hoped he would be successful in his endeavors.
“I wanted him to find love. I wanted him to find happiness. I just didn’t think that involved disowning his kids in any way,” Thomas said.
She says she was blindsided by his comments about being a sperm donor. Then, she was further shocked to find out that he deleted his Facebook account and essentially disowned their children. Thomas says he started making excuses to why he couldn’t see his children and stopped helping financially support them.
“Tyler hasn’t spoken to or seen the kids since September 30, 2023 the day he left for the show,” Thomas explained.
Fans React to Tyler and Ashley’s Reunion Appearance
Many fans were not satisfied with Tyler and Ashley’s explanations on the “Love is Blind” Season 7 reunion. Some accused the two of glossing over the details of their controversy and not answering the hard questions.
“This Tyler/Ashley segment is painful to watch. Wish HER the best, but her ignoring the blatant flags…”one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
One X user specifically mentioned Thomas’ video explanation and wondered if Ashley has seen it.
“If she saw that video of the mother of his kids and she’s still supporting him, it’ll be so disappointing (but not surprising),” the user wrote.
Another user had a harsh response for Ashley’s decision to stay with Tyler.
“Ashley sounds so stupid,” the user wrote. “Tyler was an active father up until he went on the show. The fact she’s sitting there defending him is crazy.”
Not all fans, however, were bothered by the couple’s decision to stay married.
“The Tyler redemption arc is SHOCKING as hell on Love is Blind but it actually makes 100% sense and I’m really happy that him and Ashley are together,” one user wrote.
Ashely and Tyler Share Future Plans
Apparently a name tattoo could be in Tyler’s future. Before the reunion ended, host Vanessa Lachey asked the couple about a discussion they had in Cabo, Mexico about Tyler getting Ashely’s name tattooed on his chest. Tyler said they haven’t talked about it since the trip but he isn’t opposed to it. The couple also shared their holiday plans and traditions. Ashley mentioned that they purchased their first joint Christmas ornament and plan to continue that tradition yearly.