90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days is off and running for another season of global love seeking. From an Angela Deem and Michaal Ilesanmi-like romance between Lisa and much younger Nigerian rapper Usman to the ubiquitous return of Darcey Silva, TLC is delivering train wreck relationship realness once again. And we love it.
On the surface, Geoffrey Paschel would seem to be an exception to the so outrageous, you can’t look away 90 Day Fiance storylines. Geoffrey has come across initially as a likeable single father who tragically lost one of his children. Varya, his love interest, is a beautiful Russian with a successful career in radio. Sounds great so far, huh? Of course, this being TLC, there is apparently more to Geoffrey’s story than appears on the surface. Way more.
As reported by People, a Change.org petition has been initiated that is asking that Geoffrey “be removed from the show and have him appear on no further shows due to current allegations and criminal charges made against him.”
According to the Change.org petition, Geoffrey has allegedly “been accused of kidnapping, abuse, rape, child endangerment, dealing drugs, felony larceny, theft and battery. He is barred from ever entering Canada.” The petition currently has over 3,000 signatures.
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Wow–that is a lot to digest. At this point, it is impossible to discern what is what amongst the allegations. That is one long laundry list of alleged criminal activity, however. Geoffrey has admitted to drug dealing in his past on the show.
Shortly after the appearance of the petition a week ago, Geoffrey made an Instagram post addressing why he is on the show despite having what he himself refers to as a “checkered past.”
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Geoffrey began his post by stating, “I have been repeatedly asked why I would EVER want to be on a show (the best show FYI) where my life would be put in front of everyone to pick apart—especially with my checkered past. Well, guys, it is MY past. It is MY life. It is MY choice. If we were all the same: thought the same, looked the same, or acted the same, how lame would that be?”
Yes, it is reasonable people would ask why someone would do the show, even if a fraction of the allegations against Geoffrey are true. Of course, we all know that the lure of fame and possible opportunities can be intoxicating incentives to lay yourself bare, resulting in some of show’s stars willing to go to any length to continue their notoriety. See Ashley Martson, Paul Staehle and Colt Johnson for further reference.
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“My closed-up life was the only way I knew to live,” Geoffrey went on to say. “I hid so much about myself—whether it be my age, my history, or even my relationships. What crazier, whacked up way could I have done it any better than blasting out there?”
Certainly, putting yourself on a reality show seen by millions of people could be seen as “crazy and whacked up.” Why anyone would choose to do so is a whole other matter.
Geoffrey then became a bit philosophical, adding, “With the path I chose, it cannot EVER be reversed. Everything about me is out there for the world to see, whether it is true or fantasy. I can never go back, and honestly, I would not have it any different.”
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Many people would probably LOVE to go back and change some of their life decisions, but apparently not Geoffrey. It is not like the alleged charges against him are disorderly conduct or a speeding ticket. But hey, I guess you have to have some approach to reconciling your past.
“I have realized who my ‘people’ are and, opposingly, who only want to hold me down and set me back,” Geoffrey went on to explain. “Luckily, I NOW have a strong support system via mostly complete strangers who have lifted me up SO high and have shared their love.” Complete strangers can be so supportive in troubled times.
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Geoffrey continued, “Here is to finding MY light and new beginning at the other end of the tunnel! When things no longer work, find YOUR tunnel! See you tonight as I start my new quest to the other side of the world…I love you guys-always do YOU!”
“Finding your light, coming out of the tunnel and always doing you” are platitudes one would expect to find on kitschy plaques in the clearance aisle at your local Home Goods store, but if they work for Geoffrey, more power to him. I have a feeling we will be finding out a lot more about Mr. Paschel as the season progresses. Maybe even things you won’t find on a Home Goods plaque.
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You have to wonder what TLC knew about Geoffrey’s background at the time of casting and filming. It will be interesting to see if and how his past is addressed on the show. And will Varya, who seems quite sensible, stay with him?
TELL US- DO YOU THINK GEOFFREY SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE SHOW? DO YOU FEEL REALITY SHOWS VET THEIR STARS AS MUCH AS THEY SHOULD?
[Photo Credit: TLC]
