‘Love Is Blind’: Matt and Amber Say They Tried Their Best to Avoid Jessica

Matt and Amber of Love Is Blind say they have no interest in forming a friendship with Jessica. Amber accuses Jessica of trying to ruin her relationship with Matt ahead of their wedding day, with Jessica making comments to Matt about him potentially choosing the wrong girl. Fans remember Jessica having a difficult time moving on after being rejected by Matt.

But it’s been two years since the love triangle ordeal and Jessica simply wants to move on. During Matt and Amber’s anniversary party, Jessica tried extending an olive branch by gifting the couple Tiffany champagne glasses. Matt awkwardly declined the gift, with Amber later reconfirming that he is to have no contact with Jessica. 

Jessica admits the moment took her by surprise and she spent much of the party in tears. But Amber and Matt are defending their actions.

Matt and Amber say they wanted no drama or interaction with Jessica during ‘After the Altar’ special

Fans of the show have been blasting Amber and Matt for the way they treated Jessica at the anniversary party. Many believe Amber is holding a grudge and refusing to forgive Jessica because she’s insecure that Matt is still attracted to her. Others say Matt is cowardly for the way he avoids Jessica at Amber’s expense, despite Jessica’s continuous attempts to apologize.

According to Amber, going into filming, she and Matt intended to avoid drama at all costs.

“We made it really clear that we wanted nothing to do with the drama. That’s not our life,” she told Insider. “It’s not an arc in a TV show, it’s our life,” she said, adding, “We don’t want the drama. We were actively avoiding it.”

The Barnett’s say they made it clear throughout the filming process that interacting with Jessica was a no.

“We had an inkling that certain people might show up, but we understand where we stand with the situation. I didn’t want to be in a position or put in a position where I was forced to talk to somebody or do something that would upset me or my wife,” Barnett added. “I tried to avoid the situation as much as possible. The thing that pissed me off the most was that there was understanding that I was trying to avoid it and certain people wouldn’t leave it alone.”

Jessica says it’s unfortunate that Matt and Amber aren’t over the ordeal and the couple blocked her on social media

Jessica says it’s clear the couple has yet to move on. She says the gift snub was both awkward and unfortunate.

“Obviously I knew they’re not my biggest fans,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “It was on my heart to approach them and let them know, ‘Hey, so much time has passed. I’m happy for y’all. I’ve worked through all my emotions. I’ve been put through it in the press and I’ve moved on a long time ago from that. So yeah, I handed them the gift and I didn’t expect this. Probably most awkward moment of my entire life. I’m just standing there, holding out this bag, and [Barnett] just wouldn’t grab the bag. It was quite embarrassing.”

Furthermore, Jessica says hints to believing that Amber controls Matt. Matt makes it clear in the Netflix special that he doesn’t interact with Jessica out of respect for Amber. He also admits the whole situation makes him uncomfortable.

“I think he also has respect for her and I think they have a good thing going…but yeah, I think everyone is a little scared of Amber,” Jessica joked. 

Love Is Blind: After the Altar is available for streaming on Netflix.