The tumultuous journey of Cole Barnett on Netflix's Love Is Blind Season 3 left an indelible mark on reality television, sparking debates that continue to rage years later. As of December 2025, fans are still piecing together the life of the Fort Worth realtor, who became one of the show's most polarizing figures after his dramatic split from ex-fiancée Zanab Jaffrey. His post-show life has been a quiet, intentional pivot away from the spotlight, focusing on personal growth, therapy, and his professional career, though rumors about his romantic life occasionally pull him back into the news cycle.
Cole's story is a classic tale of reality TV's harsh editing and public scrutiny, culminating in a dramatic wedding rejection and a controversial reunion. While the infamous "Cuties" scene and accusations of body-shaming defined his narrative for a time, the 30-year-old has since sought "much needed therapy" and made significant strides in managing his mental health and real estate business. This deep dive uncovers the seven most surprising and current realities of Cole Barnett's life today, from his dating rumors to his professional endeavors.
Cole Barnett: Full Biography & Profile
Cole Barnett was a central figure in Love Is Blind Season 3, known for his youthful energy and often-impolitic honesty that led to his highly publicized relationship with Zanab Jaffrey. His life before and after the pods is a blend of Christian education, entrepreneurial ambition, and a quest for emotional maturity.
- Full Name: Cole Barnett
- Date of Birth: April 23, 1995
- Age (as of December 2025): 30
- Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
- Occupation: Realtor, Founder of Bdellium Real Estate
- Education: Bachelor's degree in General Christian Studies from King's University
- Reality TV Appearance: Love Is Blind Season 3 (Engaged to Zanab Jaffrey)
- Current Status: Single (unconfirmed), Focused on career and mental health
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
The Aftermath of the Zanab Jaffrey Controversy and "Cuties"
No discussion of Cole Barnett is complete without addressing the turbulent end of his relationship with Zanab Jaffrey. Their breakup at the altar was one of the most explosive in Love Is Blind history, followed by a deeply polarizing reunion special. The central point of contention was the "Cuties" scene, where Zanab accused Cole of making comments that contributed to her body image issues, a claim Cole vehemently denied and which the unaired footage later released by Netflix seemed to contradict, showing Cole's intent was not malicious.
The controversy led to significant public backlash against Cole, which he described as feeling "attacked" at the reunion. The entire experience took a severe toll on his mental well-being, forcing him to re-evaluate his life and public presence. He has since expressed gratitude to the producers for releasing the unedited clip, as it provided context for his side of the story.
Moving Past the On-Screen Drama:
The most important update on this front is Cole's commitment to self-improvement. He openly shared that he sought "much needed therapy" following the show's airing and the subsequent media storm. This focus on mental health is a significant and positive development, indicating a desire to address the immaturity and lack of emotional intelligence he was often criticized for during Season 3. As of the latest reports, Cole and Zanab "do not speak," cementing the finality of their separation and allowing both to move forward with their lives.
Cole Barnett's Current Professional Life: Real Estate Mogul?
While his time on reality television was defined by relationship drama, Cole's professional identity remains firmly rooted in the world of Texas real estate. He is not merely a realtor; he is the founder of his own firm, Bdellium Real Estate, which he established in August 2019.
The Bdellium Real Estate Update:
Cole continues to work as a real estate agent in the Fort Worth, Texas area, focusing on his brokerage. His background in General Christian Studies from King's University, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has allowed him to build a professional life independent of his reality TV fame. Unlike some cast members who fully pivot to influencer careers, Cole has maintained his focus on the demanding and competitive real estate market. His dedication suggests a long-term commitment to his business, providing a stable foundation away from the fleeting nature of reality TV celebrity.
The reality TV exposure, despite its negative aspects, has undoubtedly given a higher profile to Bdellium Real Estate. Cole leverages his public recognition to build trust and a strong client base in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, a common strategy for reality stars with pre-existing businesses. He has successfully transitioned his notoriety into professional visibility, a testament to his business acumen.
The Latest on Cole's Romantic Status: Rumors and Retreats
Following the intense and public breakup with Zanab, Cole Barnett took a noticeable step back from the public eye, particularly on social media. This retreat was a conscious effort to prioritize his well-being, but it also fueled speculation about his private life, especially his dating status.
The 2024 Dating Rumors: Susie Evans and Geneva Dubham
Cole's romantic life has been the subject of several high-profile rumors since Love Is Blind. The most prominent and recent speculation involves two other reality TV figures:
- Susie Evans (The Bachelor): Rumors circulated that Cole was spending time with Susie Evans, the winner of The Bachelor Season 26. While the rumors garnered attention from fans, they were ultimately unconfirmed and appear to have been mere speculation based on a few public sightings or social media interactions.
- Geneva Dubham (Spring 2024 Link): A more concrete, though still unconfirmed, link emerged in the spring of 2024, when Cole was reportedly linked to Geneva Dubham. However, the lack of subsequent posts or public appearances together suggests that this connection, if it existed, was short-lived or kept entirely private.
A Preference for Privacy:
The overall picture of Cole's current relationship status is one of intentional privacy. He has made it clear that he would not return to a show like Love Is Blind, stating he would not go on the show again, a strong indicator of his desire to keep his romantic life out of the reality TV spotlight. After the intense scrutiny he faced, it is highly likely that Cole is choosing to pursue relationships quietly, away from the cameras and the judgment of social media. He has not publicly confirmed a new girlfriend, suggesting he is either single, or in a very serious, private relationship, prioritizing stability over public validation.
Life Beyond the Pods: Personal Growth and Reflection
Cole Barnett’s experience on Love Is Blind was a crucible that seems to have forged a more reflective individual. He has publicly acknowledged his faults and the difficult lessons learned from his time with Zanab Jaffrey and the subsequent fallout with other cast members, like Colleen Reed and Matt Bolton, whose relationship was briefly impacted by Cole's comments about Colleen.
His journey is a powerful example of how reality television can be a catalyst for real-life change. By embracing therapy and stepping away from the constant engagement of social media—a move reported to have occurred over a year ago—Cole has focused on building a sustainable, healthier life. His story is a testament to the fact that for some reality stars, the greatest success is found not in fame, but in finding peace and stability away from the cameras.
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