Big Ed From 90 Day Fiancé: Reddit's Verdict
Hey, 90 Day Fiancé fans! Let's dive into the whirlwind that is Big Ed Brown. You know, the guy who brought us the unforgettable mayonnaise hair treatment and a whole lot of cringe-worthy moments? Yeah, him. Big Ed became a household name, or perhaps infamous is more accurate, thanks to his appearances on the show. But what does Reddit, the internet's unofficial judge and jury, really think about him? Buckle up, because we're about to explore the Reddit reactions, the controversies, and everything in between.
Who is Big Ed?
Before we jump into the Reddit rabbit hole, let's do a quick recap of who Big Ed is for those who might be new to the 90 Day Fiancé universe. Ed Brown, or Big Ed as he’s widely known, first appeared on 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days. His storyline revolved around his relationship with Rosemarie Vega, a young woman from the Philippines. Their relationship was, to put it mildly, fraught with issues. From Ed's questionable behavior to significant cultural differences and communication barriers, their journey was a rollercoaster that kept viewers glued to their screens.
Ed's initial introduction painted him as a somewhat awkward but well-meaning guy searching for love. However, as the season progressed, his actions and comments raised eyebrows and sparked considerable controversy. Remember the time he asked Rose to take an STD test? Or when he criticized her appearance and living conditions? These moments, and many others, quickly turned public opinion against him. Despite the numerous red flags, the drama made for compelling television, and Big Ed became one of the most talked-about figures in the franchise.
Reddit's Initial Reaction
So, what was Reddit's initial take on Big Ed? In short, it wasn't pretty. Subreddits like r/90DayFiance quickly filled with threads dissecting his behavior, often with scathing criticism. Users didn't hold back, labeling him as narcissistic, manipulative, and downright disrespectful to Rose. The infamous mayonnaise hair treatment scene became a symbol of his eccentric and, according to many, performative behavior. Memes and GIFs flooded the internet, turning Ed into a figure of ridicule.
Many Reddit users pointed out what they perceived as Ed's lack of self-awareness and his tendency to prioritize his own ego over Rose's feelings. They criticized his constant need for validation and his apparent discomfort with Rose's cultural background. The age difference between them also raised concerns, with many questioning the power dynamics at play in their relationship. It's safe to say that Reddit didn't mince words when it came to their assessment of Big Ed.
Key Controversies and Reddit's Response
Let's delve into some of the specific controversies surrounding Big Ed and how Reddit reacted to them. One of the biggest points of contention was his treatment of Rose. From pressuring her to take an STD test to making disparaging comments about her breath and appearance, Ed's actions were widely condemned. Reddit users accused him of being insensitive and disrespectful, arguing that he was more concerned with controlling Rose than building a genuine connection.
Another controversy arose when it was revealed that Ed had lied about his height to Rose. This seemingly small deception was seen by many as a sign of his insecurity and dishonesty. Reddit users mocked him relentlessly, creating memes that highlighted the height discrepancy. The incident further solidified his image as someone who was willing to deceive others to get what he wanted.
The living conditions in Rose's home also became a major point of discussion. While Ed portrayed himself as a savior coming to rescue Rose from poverty, many viewers felt that he was exploiting her situation for his own gain. Reddit users criticized him for filming the squalid conditions of her home without her consent and for using it as a way to make himself look better. This sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of reality television and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Reddit's Evolving Opinion
Interestingly, as time has passed, Reddit's opinion of Big Ed has become somewhat more nuanced. While the initial reaction was overwhelmingly negative, some users have started to view him with a mix of pity and amusement. They argue that while his behavior is still problematic, he is also a deeply flawed and insecure individual who is perhaps not entirely aware of the impact of his actions.
Some Reddit users have even suggested that Big Ed is playing a character for the cameras, exaggerating his quirks and flaws to stay relevant. This theory posits that he is aware of the criticism he receives but is willing to endure it in exchange for fame and attention. While this is just speculation, it does raise questions about the authenticity of reality television and the extent to which participants are willing to go to remain in the spotlight.
Of course, not everyone has softened their stance on Big Ed. Many Reddit users continue to view him with disdain, arguing that his behavior is harmful and should not be excused. They point to his past actions and comments as evidence of his true character, and they reject the idea that he is simply playing a role. This division of opinion highlights the complexity of the issue and the varying perspectives that exist within the 90 Day Fiancé community.
Big Ed's Reddit Presence
Adding another layer to this saga is Big Ed's own presence on Reddit. Yes, you heard that right! Ed himself has been known to engage with the 90 Day Fiancé community on Reddit, often responding to comments and addressing criticisms. His interactions have been met with mixed reactions, ranging from amusement to skepticism.
Some Reddit users appreciate Ed's willingness to engage with his critics, seeing it as a sign of humility and self-awareness. They believe that he is genuinely trying to learn from his mistakes and improve his behavior. Others, however, view his Reddit presence as a calculated attempt to rehabilitate his image and control the narrative surrounding him. They argue that his responses are often defensive and insincere, and they question his motives for engaging with the community.
Regardless of one's opinion of Big Ed, his presence on Reddit has undoubtedly added a unique dimension to the 90 Day Fiancé fandom. It's not every day that you see a reality TV star directly engaging with their critics in such a public forum. Whether his intentions are genuine or not, his interactions have provided plenty of fodder for discussion and debate.
The Impact on Big Ed's Career
Despite the controversies, Big Ed has managed to parlay his 90 Day Fiancé fame into a somewhat successful career. He has appeared in multiple spin-offs of the show, including 90 Day: The Single Life, and has amassed a large following on social media. He also sells merchandise featuring his image and catchphrases, capitalizing on his notoriety.
Reddit's opinion on Ed's career success is, unsurprisingly, divided. Some users begrudgingly acknowledge his business acumen, admitting that he has managed to turn his infamy into a profitable venture. They argue that he is simply playing the game and giving the audience what they want. Others, however, are critical of his success, arguing that it sends the wrong message and rewards bad behavior.
The debate over Big Ed's career highlights a broader issue within the reality television industry. How much should we reward individuals who engage in problematic behavior? At what point does entertainment become exploitation? These are complex questions with no easy answers, and they continue to be debated within the 90 Day Fiancé community and beyond.
Big Ed Today
So, where is Big Ed today? He continues to be a fixture in the 90 Day Fiancé universe, appearing in various spin-offs and specials. His personal life remains a topic of interest, with fans eagerly following his relationships and adventures.
Reddit's coverage of Big Ed's current activities is as lively as ever. Users continue to dissect his behavior, analyze his relationships, and share their opinions on his latest endeavors. While the initial outrage may have subsided somewhat, the fascination with Big Ed remains strong. He is, for better or worse, an integral part of the 90 Day Fiancé landscape, and his story continues to evolve.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Big Ed is a polarizing figure who has generated a wide range of reactions within the 90 Day Fiancé community. From the initial outrage over his treatment of Rose to the more nuanced discussions about his character and motivations, Reddit has played a central role in shaping the narrative surrounding him. Whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying that Big Ed has left a lasting impact on the franchise.
So, what do you think about Big Ed? Do you believe he is a misunderstood character, or do you view him as a villain? Share your thoughts in the comments below!