Ashley Adionser and Tyler Francis, stars of Netflix's hit series "Love Is Blind," are calling it quits on their marriage, exclusively confirmed by PEOPLE. The couple, who met and exchanged vows during the seventh season of the popular reality show in October 2024, have decided to part ways after slightly more than a year of matrimonial bliss.
"After deep reflection, I must share that Tyler and I have been separated for several weeks and have made the painful decision to dissolve our marriage," Ashley revealed in a statement to PEOPLE. "Despite my hope for mutual comprehension and transparency in our relationship, it has become unmistakably clear that our paths have diverged, rendering it impossible for me to continue in this union."
"This was not a decision arrived at lightly; rather, it is one I know is crucial for my personal growth and inner peace," she added. "As this chapter comes to a close, I will forever hold respect for the time and love we shared. I humbly request privacy during this deeply intimate period as I focus on healing and constructing a new future. Your understanding and support are deeply appreciated."
Ashley and Tyler's love story began in the pods of "Love Is Blind" season 7. Their bond was forged early on, but their journey hit turbulent waters when Tyler disclosed that he was a sperm donor and had three biological children. At the time, he insisted he had no relationship with them and hadn't even seen their faces.
Initially distressed by this revelation, Ashley eventually reached a place of understanding, and the two moved forward with their engagement, culminating in their wedding during the season 7 finale.
However, as the show aired, social media buzzed with whispers that Tyler's relationship with his biological children was more intricate than he had let on. Photos emerged of him and the children celebrating Christmas morning in matching pajamas, accompanied by accusations that he owed child support and had abandoned his kids to appear on the show.
During the season 7 reunion, Tyler clarified that he had "helped a friend and her wife start a family" but "voluntarily" stepped in to assist with childcare after his friend's wife left. He confessed to knowingly lying about not knowing his children's appearances to protect their privacy.
"There are pictures of me out there," he acknowledged. "I played a part that became very shaky with a friend. There's no playbook for this... but I want people to know Ashley knows all this. This is news to the world, but it's old news to us."
Ashley defended herself against those who suggested she was unaware of the situation, clarifying that Tyler was reluctant to discuss the topic on camera.
"For people to imply that 'she was blindsided,' 'she didn't know,' is an insult to my intelligence," she said, noting that they discussed it on camera "to some extent" to avoid a disconnect with loved ones, but "there were things he was comfortable sharing and things he wasn't."
"Given his upbringing in a single-parent household, it was challenging for him to detach himself and not become involved, especially now that their mother is a single mom," she added. "I know he's a good person who got in too deep and didn't know how to proceed."
While Tyler did not address the allegations of owing child support and abandoning his children to appear on the show during the reunion (as it was filmed before these claims surfaced), he later spoke out on the "Dear Future Wifey" podcast in November.
During the episode, Tyler claimed he was "not active" in his children's lives due to his strained relationship with their mother and denied being an absent father, as he never intended to be an active participant.
"I want them to have their family and leave me alone," he said, noting that he felt like a "glorified babysitter that [the mother] needed money from."
Seasons 1-7 of "Love Is Blind" are currently streaming on Netflix, and season 8 is scheduled to premiere on February 14.
