5 Shocking Truths About Love Is Blind’s Cole Barnett: Where He Is Now, His New Career Path, And The Real Story Behind The Cuties Controversy

Cole Barnett became one of the most talked-about reality TV stars in recent memory after his tumultuous time on *Love Is Blind* Season 3, and as of December 2025, his life has taken a significant turn away from the spotlight. After a highly publicized and controversial split from Zanab Jaffrey at the altar, the former realtor has been focused on mental health, building a new career, and intentionally stepping back from the intense scrutiny of social media to prioritize his well-being. This deep dive reveals the definitive, most current updates on Cole, including his surprising new ventures and the candid truth about the drama that defined his time on Netflix.

Cole Barnett: Full Biographical Profile

Cole Barnett’s journey on reality television was only a brief chapter in his life, which is primarily rooted in his career as a real estate entrepreneur in Texas. Here is a complete look at his profile:

• Full Name: Cole Brennan Barnett
• Date of Birth: April 23, 1995
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 30 years old
• Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
• Occupation: Realtor, Real Estate Agent, Founder of Bdellium Real Estate
• Previous Role: Youth Pastor
• Education: Unknown
• Reality TV Appearance: *Love Is Blind* Season 3 (2022)
• Relationship Status on Show: Engaged to Zanab Jaffrey (Split at the altar)
• Current Relationship Status: Single (as of late 2025, having denied recent romance rumors)

The Post-Altar Pivot: Therapy, Real Estate, and a New Podcast

Following the dramatic *Love Is Blind* reunion, where Cole Barnett faced intense backlash and allegations from his ex-fiancée Zanab Jaffrey, he made a crucial decision to focus on his mental health. He openly shared that he entered "much needed therapy" to process the events and the subsequent public reaction. This step marked a significant pivot, moving away from the reality TV persona and back toward a more grounded life.

In terms of his professional life, Cole has doubled down on his entrepreneurial roots in real estate. While he was known as the founder of Bdellium Real Estate, his current focus is broader than just representing buyers and sellers. He confirmed in a recent update that he has been actively involved in flipping houses, which involves purchasing, renovating, and reselling properties for profit. This hands-on work in renovating neighborhoods in the Fort Worth, Texas area keeps him busy and connected to his original career path.

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Beyond property, Cole also revealed a new media venture that could see him return to the public eye on his own terms: he is working on starting a podcast. This project would allow him to share his perspective and experiences without the restrictive editing and high-pressure environment of reality television. Fans who have missed his witty banter and candid personality are eagerly anticipating its launch.

The Truth Behind the Cuties Conversation and 'Walking on Eggshells'

The most enduring controversy from Season 3 of *Love Is Blind* revolves around the infamous "Cuties conversation," which was heavily discussed at the reunion. During the reunion, Zanab claimed that Cole had body-shamed her, citing a moment where he allegedly questioned her eating habits before their wedding, specifically asking if she was going to eat two Cuties oranges. Netflix later released an unseen clip of the interaction, which many viewers felt contradicted Zanab’s narrative, showing Cole offering her food and making a comment that seemed less malicious than described.

Cole Barnett has consistently maintained his position, stating that he stands by his version of events and denying the allegations made against him. He later admitted that the pressure of the relationship and the impending marriage caused him to feel immense stress. He candidly shared that he felt like he was "walking on eggshells" around Zanab, constantly "trying to figure out how to even speak without saying something wrong." This toxic dynamic, he explained, contributed to the communication breakdown that ultimately led to their split.

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The public reaction to the controversy was heavily divided, but the release of the unedited footage provided a much-needed layer of context, leading many fans to sympathize with Cole and the difficult position he was in during the show’s production.

What is Cole Barnett’s Current Relationship Status?

Despite numerous rumors and fan speculation, Cole Barnett has confirmed that he is currently single and focused on himself. After the season aired, he was briefly linked to Susie Evans, a former contestant from *The Bachelor* and *The Bachelorette*, after a flirty exchange on a podcast sparked dating rumors. However, Cole quickly denied any romantic involvement, clarifying that they were just friends and that the rumors were unfounded.

His experience on *Love Is Blind* has profoundly shaped his views on dating and reality television. When asked if he would ever return to a show like it, his answer was an unequivocal "No." He is the first contestant in the show's history to publicly state that he would not go back, highlighting the emotional toll the experience took on him. For now, Cole is prioritizing personal growth, therapy, and his career over seeking a new relationship in the public eye.

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His decision to step away from social media—with his Instagram and TikTok accounts reportedly being deactivated or removed—further solidifies his commitment to a private life. He has chosen to disengage from the constant commentary and scrutiny, opting instead for a quiet life in Fort Worth, focusing on flipping houses and launching his new podcast venture. His story is a powerful reminder that life after reality TV is often a complex journey of recovery and self-discovery.