No other couple on 90 Day Fiance was as controversial as the Season 3 couple, Mark and Nikki. Here’s everything you need to know about their situation.
90 Day Fiance documents international couples in the US who go for K-1 Visas to be together before tying the knot.
The TLC reality show revolves around the challenges and adventures these couples face as they navigate cultural differences, family dynamics, and the pressures of planning a wedding within a limited timeframe.
Mark Shoemaker and Nikki Mediano were on 90 Day Fiance Season 3 and became notorious among the viewers because of how they met and their age gap. The pair almost divorced in 2022 but their case was dismissed mid-way and they are still married today.
How did Mark and Nikki on 90 Day Fiance meet?
The pair met on an international dating site before they applied for the K-1 visa and joined 90 Day Fiance. What made the viewers uncomfortable about their relationship was the fact that Mark was 58 when he met a 19-year-old Nikki.
Mark was previously married to a woman from Cebu, Philippines, and had four kids with her. After his relationship with his ex-wife fell apart, Mark went on a dating site and met Nikki.
On the show, his kids expressed discomfort with their father’s relationship because Mark’s eldest child was older than her step-mom.
Viewers also saw red flags in the fact that Mark proposed to Nikki just two days after they met in person. He bought her the same model car that his ex-wife drove and took her to his house, which still had his ex-wife’s photos everywhere.
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Mark sued TLC after 90 Day Fiance Season 3 airing
Mark faced criticism for his behavior on the show and that led him, along with Nikki, to take legal action against TLC. They accused the network of unfairly editing footage to portray them negatively.
However, in December 2017, their case against TLC was dismissed and the judge ruled in favor of the network, citing the contractual agreement that granted producers full editing discretion.
Afterward, the couple stepped away from the spotlight and social media for a long time.
In January 2022, Mark’s daughter Elise Shoemaker, who went no-contact with him that same year, disclosed that her father was displeased with his portrayal on the show, but she acknowledged that some of his behavior on-screen did reflect reality. Elise concluded that participating in a reality TV show inherently involved the risk of such portrayals.
Mark and Nikki tried separating after 90 Day Fiance
In March 2022, news broke that Mark had filed for a divorce with Nikki, claiming that she cheated on him. He also filed a motion to seal their divorce, which was denied.
A year later, their divorce was dismissed entirely. According to InTouch Weekly, in the official documents, Mark wrote: “Plaintiff wants nothing more, but to save this union. The defendant promised, after filing a complaint, to get help to correct ongoing egregious behavior, but has failed. Plaintiff has sought out marital counseling and continues, but given the circumstances has been unsuccessful.”
Are Nikki and Mark still together?
As of September 2024, it seems that Nikki and Mark have separated, but are still legally married. Since they’re living private lives, fans have no way to stay updated on their situation.