Erika Owens may not have gotten her happily-ever-after on 90 Day Fiance, but she seems to have captured the hearts of viewers.
The Australian photographer’s bubbly personality, rainbow-colored hair, and eye-catching outfits certainly added to her appeal.
She’s been getting a lot of fan support as her rocky relationship with YouTuber, Stephanie Matto, plays out on the popular TLC show.
Throughout the season, we’ve seen a patient Owens grappling with Matto’s insecurities during her trip to Australia.
This marked the first time the couple was meeting in person, and what started off happy quickly took a turn for the worse.
As the season progressed, things only got worse, with constant arguing, which usually left Erika in tears.
Erika is feeling the love
The self-proclaimed “colorful weirdo” has been getting a lot of love on Social Media from fans – many of whom have taken sides in the couple’s relationship.
It’s fair the say Owens has received an overwhelming amount of positive responses, and just recently, she took to Instagram to express her gratitude.
In the photo, the always colorful Erika is clad in a pink, leopard print romper and pink shades, with the rugged Australian terrain as her backdrop.
She writes in part, “I’m so appreciate of all the love and kindness I’ve been receiving over the past few days – I’ve needed it. It’s not easy putting your life on tv and then having to watch it from an outside perspective but I’m very proud of my authenticity and courage to throw myself into the deep end. I came into this wanting to be 100% Erika with no bullsh*t.”
She also proclaimed, “I’m a small-town baby gal with big dreams that likes to laugh and make people happy. My friends and family are my world and I try every day to live passionately and courageously. Thank you so much y’all for being so lovely and for seeing my soul for what it is.”
View this post on InstagramLife won’t sparkle unless you do. 🌈💖 I’m so appreciate of all the love and kindness I’ve been receiving over the past few days – I’ve needed it. It’s not easy putting your life on tv and then having to watch it from an outside perspective but I’m very proud of my authenticity and courage to throw myself into the deep end. I came into this wanting to be 100% Erika with no bullshit. ⠀ ⠀ I’m a small town baby gal with big dreams that likes to laugh and make people happy. My friends and family are my world and I try every day to live passionately and courageously. Thank you so much y’all for being so lovely and for seeing my soul for what it is 🥰⠀ ⠀ #90dayfiance #beforethe90days #90dayfiancebeforethe90days #tlc #realitytv #loveislove #lgbtq #lgbtqia #lgbt #samesexcouple #ldr #longdistancerelationship #longdistance #australianfashion #adelaidefashion #melbournefashion #manicpanic #manicpanichothotpink #evohair #hairgoals #adelaidehairdresser
As the 24-year-old photographer relishes all the fan love on social media, her onscreen flame Stephanie Motto had the opposite experience.
Stephanie deactivates Instagram
Matto received so much negative backlash on social media that she has deactivated her social Instagram page.
Stephanie’s friend, IG user @heaatherrjadee, went on a social media rant earlier, bashing the show for portraying Matto in a negative light.
“You decided to do this show because it was supposed to be fun for everyone. No one could have foreseen anything that happened or how they would broadcast it.”
She added, “Just remember, this show is cringeworthy, laughable, lovable and the epitome of what a SH*T SHOW should be.”
View this post on InstagramWe took this picture at the airport right before Stephanie left for Australia. If I knew then what I know now about how everything was going to be edited and all the hate she would receive, I would have turned that car around and not let her go. With tonight’s episode inevitably just bringing in more scrutiny I decided that I was going to take a moment to say what I see my from my view. Stephanie, your sexuality and illness do no define who you are. Your sexuality is something you let few of us know for so long and I’m proud of you for sharing it the way you did. I just wish the way the show shared it would showcase more of the good that happened in-between everything they are showing. Your illness is something you’ve learned to live with and I love you don’t let it stop you for doing the things you want to do. You’ve found so many ways to live your life without out sacrificing your health. You decided to do this show because it was supposed to be fun for everyone. No one could have foreseen anything that happened or how they would broadcast it. You went to Australia with pure intentions. It’s okay that all the Karens, Carols and Susans want to shit talk you and say nasty things online. They’re all middle aged mothers who hate their children and are in unhappy marriages. (Generalized statement.) I would shit talk you too if I were them. Death threats are not okay. I want you to remember that. No matter how many any of us get them. It’s just a show and crazy people feeling some type of way. (Also where I’m referring to these Karens, Carols and Susans) Just remember, this show is cringeworthy, laughable, lovable and the epitome of what a SHIT SHOW should be. At this point all we can say is FUCK IT. Keep owning all the things about you that make you, you. I love you always. ♥️ #90dayfiance #90dayfiancebeforethe90days #90dayfiancetea #fuckit #shitshow #fuckyoukaren
As for Stephanie, she won’t be gone forever, she’s simply taking a break.
In the meantime, you can still see her and Erika on episodes of 90 Day Fiance, which airs Sunday nights at 8/7c on TLC.
