This past season of Love Is Blind was intense.
The reunion episode? Even more so.
And now, castmember John Shannon is speaking out.
Viewers know John got engaged to Sarah Williams in the pods, and the two were the only ones from the season to get married.
Unfortunately, they’ve already split, as Sarah revealed on the reunion she had discovered inappropriate text messages between John and a sex worker.
For Sarah, though, those NSFW texts weren’t the only problem in their marriage. They were just the last straw. She also revealed that during their arguments, he would lash out at her via “viping” — a term she used to describe a toxic communication pattern.
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This week, Sarah went on The Viall Files to speak more about her experience, which you can watch here:
Now, John is speaking out more on his own social media, saying in a new Instagram video posted on Friday:
“It’s been a few days since the reunion, and I did want to get on here and address something that I think is pretty important. And that’s the way that I would handle conflict, with the name-calling and the “viping,” as it was referred to. I think for a long time I normalized name-calling as just part of conflict, and I didn’t appreciate how damaging that could be and the lasting effects of it, especially when it’s coming from someone who’s supposed to be your biggest supporter. And I do realize I’m 33, and I should have fucking figured that out by now.”
He continued, adding he’s been working through his issues in therapy:
“I have been in therapy since the spring, and recently I started seeing a counselor who specializes in DBT, who helps specifically with managing your emotions and dealing with conflict. I thought I needed somebody who had a more specific, focused approach to my issues. I haven’t always known how to contribute to a healthy relationship, and I think that caused me to carry some pretty unhealthy habits into marriage.”
He admits that although he “did want to be married,” he “clearly was not ready,” and he wishes that he “had realized that before committing to one or even signing up for something like this.”
Going forward, though, he says:
“I just want to make the right changes before ever getting into another relationship, whenever that may be.Anyone who’s reached out with encouragement, I really do appreciate it. I don’t expect one video to change anyone’s opinion about me, but I just wanted to call out the fact that I do have a lot of work to do, and I am committed to doing it.”
Then, in addition to his video message, he wrote in his caption:
“Additionally, I wanted to clarify a couple of things I’ve seen circulating.
I’m not withholding divorce papers. I was officially served on October 26, and we’re working toward getting everything resolved. The restraining order people are referring to is an automatic financial order that’s standard in Massachusetts divorce proceedings (Rule 411), not a protective order.
As for New Orleans, I’ve seen people saying I thought the escort liked me or that I backed out because I didn’t want to pay. I knew who I was texting, and what it meant. I was looking for attention, just like when I downloaded Tinder that same weekend. When we started talking about actually meeting up, I stopped. But I’d already crossed a line I never should have, and there’s no excuse for that.
I know acknowledging these things isn’t the same as changing them. I’m committed to doing the work and making sure I don’t repeat these mistakes.”
You can see his full post below:
Thoughts on all this? Drop ’em in the comments!
[Image via Netflix.]
