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Fans slam 'MAFS' Austin R for 'gaslighting' as Becca Haley breaks down amid intimacy issue in Season 17

'MAFS' Season 17 star Becca Haley tearfully complaints about Austin R avoiding intimacy

DENVER, COLORADO: In a recent episode of 'Married At First Sight' Season 17, Becca Haley, visibly upset, revealed her emotional turmoil as husband Austin R consistently avoided intimacy. Fans criticized Austin, labeling him a 'gaslighter' due to his contradictory claims about their intimate moments. Becca further exposed his contrasting on and off-camera behavior, recounting a public incident during a shopping trip where Austin's muttered words left her feeling embarrassed. Tearfully recounting the ordeal, Becca disclosed a challenging struggle within their marriage, emphasizing her difficulty in communicating her feelings to her husband.

In an emotional revelation, Becca tearfully shared, "It led to an hour and half drive home of, just like, more miscommunications." Elaborating, she revealed, "He admitted in the car that this last week he's been questioning whether we would work or not, which was hard." Becca expressed hurt, saying, "But it's also hurtful because I don't understand why he didn't bring it up before." She admitted struggling to share her feelings with her husband.

From the beginning of their marriage, Austin had been avoiding intimacy with Becca. Despite her attempts to communicate her needs, Austin provided different reasons for abstaining from intimacy. However, the viewers accused Austin of gaslighting Becca.

A social media user claimed, "Austin is gaslighting Becca. That's why she feels like she's going crazy. Austin avoids intimacy constantly. No apology can make up for that." Another person added, "Austin is gaslighting and @pepperschwartz and Pastor Cal apparently don't get it, despite professional training."

Another critic noted, "Austin now wants to fugging cuddle after talking the night before? If this isn't the biggest collection of gaslighting MOFOs." Another internet user penned, "Austin is manipulating Becca in that he wants to be intimate in front of the cameras, but not in other instances!

Another viewer tweeted, "Austin after Cameron stole the idea of having a heart problem so he could get out of the marriage to his tv wife..." Another x user shared, "Austin is constantly gaslights Becca."

'MAFS' Season 17 producers push Austin R to apologize to Becca Haley

'MAFS' Season 17 star Austin R left Becca Haley alone in bed during a couple's retreat, leaving her confused. Becca claimed, "I really don’t know what happened." as Austin revealed he left because he wanted to sleep in a bigger bedroom. Austin, seemingly drunk, invited her to join but left Becca uncertain about their intimacy

While leaving the room, Austin said, "Just so you know, I’m going to go sleep in the big bedroom and you can come if you want." Austin's intention baffled Becca and she shared, "I still was like, 'Well, are we going to do something?' and he just stood in the doorway and was like, 'Oh, I don’t know.' He was just drunk."

She elaborated, "It didn’t feel very inviting, it didn’t feel like he was coming up behind me, kissing my neck." In the latest episode, Becca revealed that she was still heartbroken with the incident and claimed that his apology was pushed by the Lifetime show producers.

'MAFS' Season 17 star Becca Haley 'begs' to be wanted

Becca Haley and Austin R recently addressed their intimacy issue, particularly the night he left her alone in bed. Becca expressed disappointment, stating, "Friday, our one night here was definitely disappointing for me." She revealed her frustration with Austin's lack of initiative in their physical relationship, tearing up as she shared, "I just keep waiting... It doesn't feel good to have to, like, beg to be wanted." The couple's retreat incident was a focal point, but Becca conveyed that it was part of a larger pattern that was deeply troubling her.

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