The 8th installment of Netflix’sLove Is Blindhad viewers rooting forLauren O’BrienandDavid “Dave” Bettenburguntil their relationship eventually fell through because Dave wasn’t comfortable with O’Brien’s recent relationship coming into the show — the fact that she was dating this man three months prior and even staying at his place. However, she is now clapping back at Dave and insinuating thathe should’ve been ready for a “mature relationship.”
During the July 27, 2025 episode ofNot Skinny But Not Fatpodcast, O’Brien expressed surprise that Dave, who hadinitially dismissed concerns about her dating history, would abruptly reverse course like that. According to her, before cameras rolled, Dave allegedly told her,“I don’t really give a s— who you slept with.”Yet once word took root that O’Brien had been romantically involved with a man who was connected to Dave’s social circle — his sister knew the best friend of the guy — their relationship immediately crumbled. According to Lauren, the tension hinged on how her past was suddenly judged and went on to share her sentiments in the following words:
“I’m the bad guy in this situation. I’m the one that’s gonna sit here and defend myself for being the Minneapolis w—- on national television. And I’m willing to do that. I just didn’t understand why it mattered. I do think that there was love there. But I don’t think he loved me enough to put me above the ego.”
David Bettenberg Learned Lauren O’Brien Was Seeing Someone Prior to ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 8 Began
The major point of contention here is the fact thatDave’s knowledge of O’Brien’s past casual relationshiphad comeshortly before joining the experimenton the show. As per how things unfolded, it appears that his friends and family hadalerted David to Lauren’s recent dating historyas the couple settled into their new routine following the show’s initial pod phase andromantic getaway.
Although Lauren maintained that her previous involvement was never a committed relationship, and despite Daveallegedly initially letting her know that he was okaywith it, it eventually ended up bothering him. O’Brien, at the same time, believes that deep down, Dave is a good person and he was just having trouble dealing with his ego:
“I do think that deep down, he is a good person who was trying to do his best. I think where he was lacking is putting his ego down, the emotional maturity, being able to be fully ready for an actual mature romantic relationship.”
