MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

'MAFS' Season 17 viewers call out Brennan Shoykhet for 'controlling' his wife Emily Balch

'MAFS' Season 17 star Brennan Shoykhet was advised to take an 'individual' therapy

DENVER, COLORADO: Brennan Shoykhet recently had an intense argument with 'Married At First Sight' Season 17 therapist Dr Pia Holec after she called him out for controlling his wife Emily Balch.

In the latest episode, Dr Pia asked Brennan if he was 'holding back' from being 'fully honest' to protect his wife's feelings after a rocky start to their marriage. He said, "I'm definitely mindful of being respectful and taking very much into account her feelings."

Brennan added, "I'm not going to say anything that won't help anything but do damage." Brennan's response stunned Emily and Dr Pia immediately noticed her 'body language' and 'eye movements'.

As Dr Pia tried to talk to Emily, Brennan constantly interrupted the conversation while answering on behalf of her. However, Brennan's interruption offended the therapist and she reiterated that she would like to directly speak to Emily but he still continued to interrupt.

Brennan claimed, "I'm just helping. This is a lot, right, so I’m just gonna help her take a step back." Meanwhile, Dr Pia made it clear that Emily didn't need Brennan's help but he again reiterated and noted, "This is my wife, so I'm just gonna make sure she's okay."

However, the viewers fumed over Brennan as he tried to 'control' Emily. An X user tweeted, "Dr. Pia don't feed Brennan words. He's not a protector...he's a controller. He wants to control the narrative for his benefit."

Another person added, "Do y'all notice that Brennan is trying to control her responses? WEIRDDDD." Another critic claimed, "Poor Emily, she's got a husband that has to be in CONTROL!! Emily don't let him control you!!"

Another viewer added, "Brennan tried to stop Emily because he was afraid she was about to disclose something. It wasn’t because he cared for her it to control her. He doesn’t have feelings for her. Brennan is very close-minded."

Another tweet reads, "Now Brennan wanna claim Emily as his wife like he's trying to protect her when it's clear that you are trying to control her responses and the narrative that's portrayed about YOU."

Another internet user wrote, "Not saying u don't find her attractive, and actually saying it are literally the same thing Brennan. He clearly doesn't value women's opinions they way he tried to carry Dr. Pia."

Another social media user suggested, "So Brennan is controlling. He’s trying to control the narrative but failing miserably. Be a man and say what the issue is. Especially when your wife clearly wants to know!'

Why is Brennan Shoykhet not attracted to Emily Balch?

Brennan Shoykhet's heated therapy session comes as the couple, who wed sight unseen, have struggled to adjust to married life. After he and Emily Balch returned from their honeymoon, Brennan admitted he was not attracted to his wife.

Brennan decided to spend a few days at his apartment with Emily instead of immediately moving into a shared space. He also refused to help Emily move her belongings even though she had an injured wrist, and left her friends unimpressed at their housewarming party.

However, Emily recently expressed her confusion about why Brennan didn't feel a connection with her. Meanwhile, in the recent episode's afterparty, Breenan seemingly admitted that Emily's addiction and party-goer personality had estranged him from his wife.

Emily Balch breaks down in tears amid her marriage woes with Brennan Shoykhet

In 'MAFS' Season 17 Episode 10, Emily Balch had a conversation with her co-star Becca Haley about Brennan Shoykhet. Becca asked Emily, "Whether he's attracted to you, you know how attractive you are, right?"

Becca's question hit hard to Emily and she got emotional over the trajectory of her marriage. Emily admitted, "I mean, this week has been tough, but I have learned a lot about myself."

She added, "I'm hitting limits I didn't even know I was capable of. I've learned I am stronger and more in tune with my emotions for not having a relationship." Emily tearfully continued, "But now, this is why, though, I didn't date. I need someone who's sure of me and sure of themselves."

However, Emily admitted that she didn't want to 'give up' on her marriage, as she believed 'a lot's there' but she wasn't sure what to do to build their connection. 

New episodes of 'Married At First Sight' Season 17 premieres every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on Lifetime.