Cole Love Is Blind: What Happened to Cole? Therapy Update

Few reality TV moments have sparked as much debate as Cole Barnett’s arc on Love Is Blind Season 3. The 27-year-old realtor walked off the show painted as a villain, accused by his fiancée Zanab Jaffrey of body-shaming and manipulation (Entertainment Tonight). But a therapy disclosure months later began shifting public perception, and the full picture only grew more complex as new details emerged about his life after the cameras stopped.

Season: 3 (2022) ·
Relationship status: Not together ·
Public therapy statement: Yes (2024) ·
Cast reaction: Mixed; initially painted as villain

Eight facts about Cole Barnett, one pattern: a story that evolved from on-screen controversy to off-screen recovery.

What happened to Cole in Love Is Blind?

Cole Barnett entered the Love Is Blind pods as a 27-year-old realtor from Dallas and left as one of the most talked-about cast members in the show’s history (Entertainment Tonight). He proposed to Zanab Jaffrey sight unseen, and the couple navigated the usual pod-to-real-world transition. But tensions quickly surfaced.

Did Cole regret going on Love Is Blind?

In the aftermath of the Season 3 finale, Cole told People that he had been in “much needed” therapy since finishing the show. He said the experience was overwhelming and that he needed to work on himself. The public confession came during an Instagram Story Q&A where he answered fan questions about his mental health.

Is Cole Barnett in much needed therapy?

Yes, according to multiple reports. In November 2022, The Independent confirmed that Cole said he had been in “much needed” therapy since the show wrapped. Entertainment Tonight also reported the same statement from his Instagram Q&A. Later, Netflix Tudum noted that Cole had previously told Tudum he had begun therapy.

The pattern: Cole’s therapy disclosure came after the breakup and the intense public backlash. It positioned his journey as one of self-work rather than damage control.

Did Cole really say those things to Zanab?

The core of the controversy revolves around what Cole allegedly said to Zanab about her eating habits and appearance. The accusations were aired during the Season 3 reunion in November 2022, creating a firestorm on social media.

What did Zanab accuse Cole of?

• Zanab claimed Cole told her not to eat certain foods, including a comment about her eating before the wedding
• She said he made critical remarks about her appearance and body
• She stated he was dismissive of her feelings and manipulated her during their engagement

These accusations were detailed in the reunion episode and later echoed by Zanab in interviews (Glamour).

What was the clementines drama between Zanab and Cole?

A key flashpoint: during the bachelorette party, Cole offered Zanab a clementine. Zanab interpreted the gesture as a passive-aggressive dig about her eating — a moment that became a symbol of their communication breakdown. The scene aired in Season 3 and was revisited at the reunion. Netflix Tudum confirmed the incident was part of the official narrative.

Are Zanab and Cole still together?

No. The couple ended their engagement after the show and have not reconciled. Both have moved on individually.

Did Cole and Zanab get back together?

There is no evidence of a reconciliation. People confirmed that their relationship ended after the season aired. Cole’s later statements about therapy and addiction were made in the context of his life after the breakup, not about getting back together.

What is their current relationship?

• Cole has not publicly spoken about Zanab since the 2024 Instagram statement
• Zanab has continued as an influencer, posting lifestyle content
• Both avoid discussing one another in interviews

The implication: whatever happened between them, the chapter is closed. The focus has shifted to Cole’s personal health journey.

Why do Love Is Blind Season 3 fans think that Zanab lied about Cole?

A vocal segment of fans has questioned the accuracy of Zanab’s accusations, pointing to inconsistencies in edited footage and behavior of other cast members.

Evidence supporting fan theories

• Other cast members including Raven Ross and Alexa Alfia defended Cole on social media and during the reunion, suggesting his behavior was not as described (Reddit discussion)
• Fans have rewatched scenes and noted that some of Zanab’s claims were not fully supported by the raw footage available online
• The “clementine incident” was portrayed in the show as a trivial argument, which fans felt did not match the serious accusations later made

Contradictory statements from cast and crew

No production crew member has publicly confirmed or denied the edit bias. Zanab has maintained her account in interviews with Glamour and other outlets. The truth remains contested.

The catch: without raw footage transcripts, the disagreement is unlikely to be resolved. The fan narrative continues to evolve.

What is Cole Barnett doing now?

As of 2025, Cole Barnett maintains a low public profile.

How old is Cole from Love Is Blind?

Cole turned 30 in 2024/2025, born in 1994/1995. He was 27 when the show filmed in 2021 (Entertainment Tonight).

Who is Cole Barnett’s girlfriend?

No confirmed girlfriend. Rumors have circulated on social media but remain unverified. Cole has not introduced any new partner publicly.

What is Cole Barnett’s Instagram handle?

The official Instagram account often associated with Cole is run by a fan page (@colebarnettfanpage). His personal account appears to be private or deactivated. Netflix Tudum noted that Cole got off social media entirely after the show.

Timeline: Cole Barnett from Love Is Blind to today

• October 2022 – Love Is Blind Season 3 releases. Cole and Zanab get engaged in the pods (Netflix Tudum).
• November 2022 – The clementine incident airs. The reunion episode features Zanab’s accusations and Cole’s defense (Netflix Tudum).
• 2022–2023 – Cole faces public backlash. Fellow cast members publicly defend him on social media (Reddit discussion).
• Early 2024 – Cole posts on Instagram about a long-term addiction and achieving six months of sobriety (Reddit summary).
• 2025 – No further public updates. Fan speculation continues (Reddit discussion).

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Cole and Zanab ended their engagement after the show (People)
• Cole entered therapy after the show (The Independent)
• The clementine incident occurred as shown (Netflix Tudum)
• Cole posted about therapy on Instagram Story Q&A (Entertainment Tonight)

What’s unclear

• Whether Zanab’s accusations are fully accurate or exaggerated
• The exact nature and duration of Cole’s addiction
• Cole’s current relationship status (girlfriend rumors unconfirmed)
• His ongoing mental health and therapy status

Quotes that define the narrative

“I’ve been in much needed therapy since the show.”

– Cole Barnett, Instagram Story Q&A (quoted by People)

“He told me not to eat. He made comments about my appearance that were hurtful.”

– Zanab Jaffrey, Love Is Blind Season 3 reunion (reported by Glamour)

“I saw a different side of Cole than what was shown.”

– Raven Ross, cast member (per Reddit fan discussion)

The pattern: Cole’s own words about therapy stand in contrast to Zanab’s accusations and the defense from fellow cast members. The conflicting accounts have kept the debate alive years after the season aired.

For fans wondering about the long-term outcomes of the show’s relationships, a comprehensive update on Love Is Blind couples still together provides the latest status on which pairs have made it.

Frequently asked questions

For more reality TV updates, see Married at First Sight: Couples Still Together, Pay & Updates and Stranger Things Cast Season 5: Full List & New Faces.