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Is Brennan Shoykhet a 'master manipulator'? Emily Balch's friend slams 'MAFS' Season 17 star for friend-zoning his wife

'MAFS' Season 17 star Brennan Shoykhet received backlash for friend-zoning Emily Balch

DENVER, COLORADO: 'Married At First Sight' Season 17 star Brennan Shoykhet has recently been dubbed as a "master manipulator" as he friend-zoned his wife Emily Balch. In the latest episode of the Lifetime show, Emily connected with her friend via FaceTime.

During the conversation, Emily told her friend about her struggles in marriage, stating, "I told him that it just feels like you care more about the appearance and you, not me, not us because you make all of the decisions."

However, Emily's friend called Brennan a "master manipulator" and noted that he had been "disrespectful" to her feelings and "acts like it's the Brennan Show." Emily was stunned by her friend's comment but opted not to say anything.

However, Emily also shared she wasn't forcing love on Brennan, adding, "That's what I said, no one's forcing you to sleep here." Emily revealed her conversation with Brennan, "'You're like making me try and fall in love with you,' and I'm like, 'I'm not trying to make you fall in love with me.'"

She added, "I don't want that right now. Friends talk about feelings too." However, Emily's friend assured her that Brennan should be lucky to be in love with someone like her.

She inquired with Emily about her future intentions with Brennan. Emily expressed her uncertainty, stating, "I'm in a bit of a quandary, but I do want to explore the possibility of salvaging our marriage."

She added, "It's just hard when you're dealing with someone who really does not want to be portrayed badly on camera."

Emily's friend was furious about Brennan's attitude and said, "Well, then maybe he should be less of an a**hole." She suggested to Emily, "I, like, support whatever decision you make but, like, personally, I think you should run for the hills."

However, the viewers seemed to agree with Emily's friend's advice and slammed Brennan.

A social media user tweeted, "Friend, We ALL think she should run for the hills..." Another person added, "Emily, listen to your friend! This is the Brennan bullshit show!"

A critic noted, "Emily, take your friends advice and run for the hills girlie 🥰."

Another viewer penned, "One thing about Emily’s friends they’re going to be outspoken but Emily needed to hear everything she’s saying."

An X user stated, "I think Emily friend is correct a master manipulator."

Emily Balch sees 'dissimilarities' in Brennan Shoykhet and his promises

In the most recent episode of 'MAFS' Season 17, Pastor Cal presented Emily Balch with a video featuring Brennan Shoykhet, where he discussed his expectations and qualities.

During the pre-wedding interview, Brennan expressed his commitment to "follow the process and work on it the best way that I can."

However, Brennan appeared to fail on his promises as he showed less effort in his relationship. After watching the video, Emily shared, "I see a lot of the same phrases [and] qualities, that I think he emphasizes, which is like trust and being there for one another."

Emily further claimed, "I also see some dissimilarities, because we're interviewing, so we're on our A game."

She added, "But for me, it's like trust the process. And I feel like for me, that got cut pretty short." Emily explained, "It's just like trusting the process and like not giving up."

Brennan Shoykhet struggles to form a connection with Emily Balch

'MAFS' Season 17 husband Brennan Shoykhet struggled to form a connection with Emily Balch, especially after their honeymoon.

Brennan first refused to move in with his wife and when he did, Emily had to carry her own luggage despite her wrist injury. Brennan recently admitted that he wanted to continue his relationship as a "friend."

However, Emily seemed to be disappointed with Brennan and told her friend, "I mean, for me, I really wanna make sure we give our all to figure this out."

She added, "I really do think he cares, but he has no idea how to show it." Emily then expressed that she wanted to go back to how things were at the beginning of their marriage.

She said, "I know how he felt before, and I just don't believe him in all of this." Emily continued, "'Cause I was like, something switched, and I think he put a block or hurdle up that has created these issues when things were progressing in the right way, and it's exhausting."

'Married At First Sight' Season 17 airs on Wednesdays at 8 pm ET on Lifetime.