’90 Day Fiancé’: Kalani Spars With Asuelu’s Family Over Money, Fans React
Kalani Faagata and Asuelu Pulaa finally made it to Washington on the newest episode of 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?
Things seemed to be going great on the trip up until Asuelu’s family asked the couple for the money they’d requested ahead of the vacation. Learning they would not receive as much as they asked for, Asuelu’s family began to press the couple on their lack of financial support.
As a back-and-forth began, Kalani spoke out and challenged Asuelu’s sister on her own monetary offerings. Her remarks prompted even more criticism from Asuelu’s family, but many viewers supported Kalani, arguing that Asuelu’s family was in the wrong.
Asuelu’s family requested a large amount of money ahead of the vacation
In earlier episodes of the fifth and most current season of the show, Asuelu and Kalani decided to travel to Washington to see Asuelu’s mother and two half-sisters.
On a video call, Asuelu’s family asked him to bring along $1,000 on his visit. The request made Kalani uncomfortable, given that they are already struggling to raise their family. But Asuelu explained that it was customary in Samoan culture for a child to provide financial support to their parents.
The couple came to an agreement on the Aug. 2 episode to bring along gifts and $100 to give to Asuelu’s mother. Touching down in Washington, they went to meet his family for dinner on the Aug. 9 episode, on edge about what the group might say when they learned they would be getting only a fraction of what they had requested.
Asuelu’s family confronted the couple about the money
In the middle of dinner, Asuelu’s family asked the couple if they had brought money with them. Asuelu acknowledged they had but explained it was significantly less than what they had requested due to other financial responsibilities.
Despite the fact that the couple has their own family to support, Asuelu’s mother and one of his sisters pushed back and called him out for failing to take care of his parents.
“Why don’t you work full-time so you’re able to support your little family and family back home?” asked the sister.
Asuelu explained that he has struggled to obtain full-time employment, which is part of the reason he can’t afford to provide more money.
His mother suggested that Kalani’s family step in to help them with their finances so Asuelu could have more money for her. But Asuelu was reluctant to ask for even more help from them.
“I don’t want to ask Kalani’s parents,” Asuelu replied. “They help. They help a lot. But I don’t want them to support everything.”
Doubling down, his sister repeated her belief that Asuelu should have more money for their mom. “Back home, we gotta put our family first. No matter we’re married, we’re supposed to take care of them and send money no matter what,” she said.
“Well, do you send money?” Kalani asked testily to which the sister replied, “It’s none of your business.” Asuelu’s mom chimed in and agreed with her daughter, yelling, “We are asking my son! Just leave my daughter alone.”
As the conversation got increasingly heated, Asuelu’s mother stood up and announced that she was “done” with the conversation. Her daughters followed her out of the restaurant as Asuelu vented about the situation to cameras.
Fan reactions to Kalani’s disagreement with Asuelu’s family
While fans understand and respect the tradition of one financially supporting their parents, many people feel that Asuelu’s family should have been more sensitive to the couple’s situation.
“Oooooo Kalani dropped the mic on this one! Lol I get that it may be their culture but his family should understand he’s working part-time with two kids and a wife to take care of! $1,000???? Working part time?? Oh no,” read one tweet.
“This convo is absolute crap,” said another tweet. “Asuelu has to provide for his wife & his kids first &foremost. That’s what being a husband and father is! His family is just so damn money hungry. I’m glad Kalani asked his sister about her money. She didn’t like that sh*t.”
But other fans felt bad for both sides, with one person tweeting: “that’s a big hurdle because of cultural differences. Feel bad 4 Asuelu & Kalani. Maybe Asuelu can explain. He can’t financially supt. mom & sisters as much because he has wife & children now.”
Fans will be able to see the aftermath of the blowout in the Aug. 16 episode of 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?
