Reality star Sara Carton has gone viral after declining to marry Ben Mezzenga on the season 8 finale of Netflix’s hit series Love Is Blind, specifically citing differences in political engagement and values. The dramatic moment, which aired Friday, shows Carton saying “I don’t” at the altar, creating a reality TV moment that has sparked intense debate across social media.
Newsweek reached out to Carton and Mezzenga via Instagram on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
The wedding rejection highlights growing cultural tensions around whether political compatibility is essential for romantic relationships.
As Americans become increasingly politically polarized, Carton’s decision represents a question many couples face: whether differing political perspectives constitute irreconcilable differences.
Love Is Blind Explained
Love Is Blind is a Netflix dating experiment where singles seek meaningful connections without seeing each other.
Participants communicate through “pods” where they can talk but not see one another, potentially getting engaged before meeting face-to-face.
After engagement, couples spend 30 days together—first on a romantic getaway, then in their everyday lives—before deciding at the altar whether to marry or walk away.
What To Know
Carton’s decision was influenced by multiple factors beyond what viewers saw on screen, according to an exclusive interview with US Weekly. While she expressed deep feelings for Mezzenga, she felt they never progressed in discussions about values despite her repeated attempts to engage on important topics.
At the altar, Carton told Mezzenga: “I love you so much, but I’ve always wanted a partner to be on the same wavelength. And so today, I can’t [marry you].” She added, “My heart is there. But when we talked about a lot of the values that I hold so close to my heart, making this decision, my mind is telling me I can’t.”
Leaving with her family, Carton elaborated on specific political differences: “I remember I asked him about Black Lives Matter. And I’m no expert. But when I asked him about it, he’s like, ‘I guess I never really thought too much about it.’ That affected me! How could it not?”
She also investigated his church’s stance on sexual identity, finding it “traditional,” and was troubled by Mezzenga’s lack of engagement on the topic.
According to the interview, other factors contributed to her decision, including a TikTok claiming Mezzenga had mistreated an ex-girlfriend and reports he had given business cards advertising his YouTube channel to past flings.
What People Are Saying
Tomi Lahren, conservative political host, wrote on X: “Is there anything more annoying than a liberal white woman?”
Clay Travis, Outkick radio host and commentator, responded to Lahren on X: “He really dodged a bullet here.”
Nick Adams, MAGA supporter and author, shared his thoughts on X: “Sara leaves Ben at the Altar on Love is Blind because he attends a traditional church and hasn’t spent much time thinking about Black Lives Matter.”
Adams added: “Men are the not problem in modern relationships.”
Some social media users have supported Carton’s decision to walk away, with one X user writing: “Actually kinda glad more women on this season of Love is Blind are standing on principles because a lot of the dudes this season have straight up s*****, misogynistic views.”
Another X user commended Carton for asking the tough questions: “Sara from Love Is Blind has the men shaken with her questions about human rights and equality. She asking the important questions about their views on society—pressing them on politics, LGBTQ+ rights, and their stance on issues like George Floyd and Black Lives Matter.”
What Happens Next
When asked if she had a final question for Mezzenga, Carton responded to US Weekly: “I wonder if he voted in the 2024 election.”
The post ‘Love Is Blind’ Sparks Debate After Bride Walks Away Over Political Values appeared first on Newsweek.
