As of late 2024, Cole Barnett, the polarizing star of Love Is Blind Season 3, has successfully executed the ultimate reality TV pivot: trading the intense public spotlight for a focused, low-key life as a successful real estate entrepreneur. While his explosive, altar-side breakup with Zanab Jaffrey and the viral "Cuties" conversation defined his time on Netflix, Barnett has since made deliberate, surprising choices that have reshaped his narrative, focusing entirely on his professional growth and personal peace.
The latest updates show that Cole has largely stepped away from the social media circus that consumes most reality stars, a move that speaks volumes about his intentions post-show. Instead of chasing fame, he is heavily invested in his Texas-based real estate firm, a clear signal that the drama of the pods is firmly in his past. Fans looking for the latest gossip are finding a man who has chosen stability over celebrity, with recent news focusing more on his business success than any new romantic entanglements.
Cole Barnett's Full Biography and Professional Profile
Cole Barnett became one of the most talked-about contestants in the history of the Love Is Blind franchise, known for his boyish charm, sometimes-blunt honesty, and the highly volatile relationship he formed in the pods. His story is one of a young professional navigating a public breakup while trying to build a serious career outside of entertainment.
- Full Name: Cole Barnett
- Age: Early 30s (He was 27 during filming of Season 3 in 2021)
- Hometown/Base: Fort Worth, Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in General Christian Studies from King's University (graduated 2017)
- Primary Career: Real Estate Agent and Broker
- Company Founded: Bdellium Real Estate (Founded in August 2019)
- Previous Work: Youth Pastor in San Diego
- Reality TV Appearance: Love Is Blind Season 3 (2022)
- Relationship Status: Single, but was recently linked to a woman, though he denied romance rumors in May 2024
- Notable Controversy: His engagement and subsequent breakup with Zanab Jaffrey, including the infamous "Cuties" conversation.
The Surprising Post-Show Pivot: Real Estate and Social Media Detox
Unlike many reality TV personalities who capitalize on their 15 minutes of fame through endless endorsements and public appearances, Cole Barnett has taken a strikingly different path. The most current and unique information about his life centers on his total withdrawal from the digital noise, a move that surprised many viewers who expected him to leverage his Netflix fame.
A Focused Return to Bdellium Real Estate
Cole's primary focus in 2024 has been his real estate brokerage, Bdellium Real Estate, which he founded in 2019, well before his television debut. He is an active realtor in the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth market, specializing in helping clients buy and sell properties. His professional social media presence (like Zillow and Realtor.com profiles) shows he is a dedicated, full-time agent, not just a celebrity dabbling in a side hustle. This commitment to his career has allowed him to build a stable life away from the fleeting nature of reality television fame.
His work as a realtor is a natural fit for his personality, combining his natural charisma with a deep knowledge of the local Texas market. This professional stability is a key differentiator from his chaotic on-screen persona, showcasing a grounded side that the show often overshadowed.
The Decision to Step Away from the Spotlight
One of the most significant and recent updates about Cole is his decision to largely exit the public-facing side of social media. Multiple reports indicate that both his Instagram and TikTok accounts have been taken down or made private, a rare move for a former Netflix star. Fans on platforms like Reddit have noted this deliberate "social media detox," viewing it as a sign that he genuinely wanted to move past the villain narrative that was assigned to him during the show's reunion.
This decision suggests a desire for privacy and mental well-being, especially after the intense backlash and scrutiny he faced. Following the show, Cole revealed he had entered "much needed therapy" to process the emotional fallout of the wedding and the reunion. By stepping away from the daily grind of social media engagement, Cole has prioritized his mental health and his professional life over maintaining a celebrity status.
The Lingering Shadow of the Zanab Jaffrey Controversy
Even years after Season 3 aired, the relationship between Cole Barnett and Zanab Jaffrey remains a major talking point among Love Is Blind fans. The controversy surrounding their tumultuous engagement and the dramatic wedding finale is an inescapable part of Cole's public identity.
Revisiting the "Cuties" Conversation
The most viral and debated moment of the season was the unaired "Cuties" conversation, where Zanab accused Cole of making comments about her eating habits and body image. While the clip was shown during the reunion—and many viewers felt it did not support Zanab's interpretation—the damage to Cole's reputation had already been done. This incident became a flashpoint for discussions on emotional abuse, gaslighting, and the ethics of reality television editing.
In 2024, there has been a noticeable shift in the fan base, with many viewers expressing retrospective support for Cole. This re-evaluation suggests that with time and distance, the audience has grown to appreciate his genuine, albeit sometimes clumsy, attempts at connection and has become more critical of the pressure he was under.
Current Relationship Status and Moving On
Cole’s current romantic life is kept largely private, which is consistent with his social media absence. In May 2024, he was seen out with a woman, which immediately sparked rumors of a new relationship. However, Cole quickly denied the romance, suggesting they were just friends. This incident confirms that while he is moving on, his every public move is still scrutinized by the media and fans.
While he is not currently married, and his relationship status remains officially single, his focus appears to be on building a foundation of professional success in Fort Worth before re-entering the dating scene in a serious, public way. The experience on the show, which was emotionally taxing, led him to prioritize his own well-being and stability. His journey from a controversial reality star to a low-profile, dedicated realtor is one of the most compelling post-show narratives, proving that for some, walking away from the spotlight is the ultimate form of winning.
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