Big Ed became famous because he appeared on the hit TLC reality show 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days. Viewers were introduced to the San Diego pet supply store owner and his quest to find love abroad. However, Big Ed did not have an easy journey on the show as issues emerged in his relationship with Rosemarie from the Philippines. Let’s take a closer look at Big Ed and recap some of the most memorable moments from his time on 90 Day Fiance.
Meeting Rose online
Big Ed had spent many years being single before trying his luck in online dating. He began communicating with several women from other countries and quickly hit it off with Rosemarie, a single mother from the rural Philippines. Despite their notable age difference of 28 years, Big Ed and Rose connected through long video chats and messages. He was drawn to her kind and loving personality. After months of speaking online, Big Ed agreed to fly to the Philippines to meet Rose in person.
The culture shock in the Philippines
When Big Ed arrived in Manila, American and Filipino cultural differences became apparent. He struggled with the heat and humidity, struggling to walk around due to the warm weather. Big Ed also faced challenges with the language barrier as he did not speak Tagalog. Simple tasks like getting around the city and communicating with locals posed difficulties. Viewers saw Big Ed’s discomfort with the poverty in Rose’s village, which lacked running water and electricity. Adjusting to life in the Philippines was challenging for the American, but he was determined to win Rose. big ed 90 day fiance
Testing Rose’s feelings
During their time together, Big Ed began questioning whether Rose had romantic feelings for him or was just interested in moving to America. He decided to put her commitment to the test by lying about having to leave the country abruptly for an emergency. When Rose became upset at the supposed departure, Big Ed was satisfied that she genuinely cared for him. However, his manipulation did not sit well with 90 Day Fiance fans, who felt it was unfair to Rose.
Revealing the height difference
One of the most talked-about moments from Big Ed’s story involved him surprising Rose with the news that he is only 4’11”, nearly a foot shorter than her. Rose took the revelation in stride, but viewers were only impressed with Big Ed once they met in person to disclose such vital details about his appearance. It made him seem deceptive and sparked rumors that he hoped Rose would be too invested by that point to back out over his short stature.
Disapproval of Rose’s breath
Things turned when Big Ed began voicing concerns about Rose’s hygiene. He confronted her about her bad breath and suggested she should change her dental routine. Rose was understandably offended and embarrassed by his criticism. Big Ed’s approach to addressing the issue came across as disrespectful on the show. Fans accused him of body shaming Rose and not being culturally sensitive to the differences in medical care between America and the Philippines.
Visiting Rose’s family
A highlight of Big Ed’s trip was spending time with Rose and her young son Prince. However, tensions emerged during their outing with her extended clan. In a scene that made international headlines, Big Ed refused Rose’s offer of balut, a popular Filipino snack involving a fertilized developing bird embryo. He called the food “disgusting” and “gross,” upsetting her relatives. Big Ed also did not make the best impression by snapping photos of the impoverished conditions at Rose’s home without permission. Cultural insensitivity was a recurring theme in Big Ed’s storyline.
Proposing with a ring pop
In a cringe-worthy televised moment, Big Ed got down on one knee to propose to Rose – but presented her with a wrapper ring pop candy instead of an engagement ring. She accepted the bizarre proposal regardless. TLC cameras captured Rose’s underwhelmed reaction to the ring pop, which was likely not what she envisioned for a marriage proposal. Given the circumstances, Big Ed’s handling of the proposal was extraordinarily cheap and circumstancesl. His failure to properly commit to an actual engagement ring spoke volumes.
Issues arise back in America.
Upon returning to the US, Big Ed and Rose’s relationship was tested during the long-distance separation required before she could apply for a K-1 visa. Communication issues, trust problems, and cultural differences resurfaced. big ed 90 day fiance started pushing Rose for more explicit photos, which made her uncomfortable. He also wanted a more intimate physical relationship than she was ready for—the clash of values created friction between the couple. Come decision time, Big Ed chose not to move forward with the K-1 visa application, ending their 90-day period and relationship.
Accusations of abuse and manipulation
In the aftermath of the show, serious accusations emerged against Big Ed. Rose publicly stated that he emotionally and financially abused her. She alleged that he returned gifts like her new phone once the cameras stopped rolling. Other damaging claims surfaced as well, painting Big Ed as manipulative and exploitative. While he denied any wrongdoing, the portrayals tarnished his reputation beyond repair in the eyes of 90 Day Fiance viewers and fans of Rose.
Where are they now?
Since filming ended, Big Ed and Rose have taken very different paths. She remains in the Philippines, focusing on her son and career. Big Ed returned to San Diego but with dimmed fame. He makes periodic podcasts and Cameo appearances to mixed reviews. In 2022, Big Ed tried to regain relevance by joining the 90 Day: The Single Life cast but again faced backlash. As for romance, neither Big Ed nor Rose have publicly dated anyone new since their failed televised relationship. The experience left scars that proved hard to overcome.
In summary, Big Ed’s brief time on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days delivered many cringe-worthy, controversial, and conversation-starting moments. His on-screen relationship with Rose highlighted cultural insensitivity issues. Allegations of manipulation ultimately tainted Big Ed’s reputation beyond repair with fans of the show. While the experience gave him temporary fame, it did not have a happy ending professionally or personally in the long run. Big Ed’s journey is a cautionary tale for those looking for love abroad with unrealistic expectations or intentions. His story captivated audiences both for better and worse.
