Viewers were excited about the announcement of the cast for 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days season 5 when it dropped back in 2021, especially Ben Rathburn and Mahogany Roca. At the time, seven new couples were set to appear, including returning cast member Usman "Sojaboy" Umar. That meant thirteen new cast members would enter the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, including age-gapped couple Ben and Mahogany.
The 90 Day Fiancé franchise has several seasons under its belt that featured reoccurring couples with all-new content. The teaser for 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days season 5 promised plenty of juicy drama, revelations, fights, heartbreak, and love. While prior seasons of extended franchise content felt forced, the seven new couples of Before The 90 Days season 5 were ready with new and fresh storylines. However, Ben and Mahogany brought a different form of entertainment with their catfish storyline reminiscent of David Murphey.
Who Are Ben & Mahogany?
The couples from Before The 90 Days season 5 were originally introduced in an EW piece, while the 90 Day Fiancé YouTube channel released a teaser for the season that gave more initial information about Ben and Mahogany. EW listed Ben as a 52-year-old from Fraser, Michigan, while Mahogany was a 24-year-old from San Bartolo, Peru. “Despite the 28-year age difference, we have Jesus in common. The lord is blessing this relationship,” Ben said in the YouTube clip. Ben was described as a former pastor who left his strict, conservative religious life and ex-wife for a more free life. Ben overcame homelessness through modeling, a career move that attracted Mahogany. The young Peruvian beauty started a relationship with Ben after sending him a DM, though Ben’s friends were shown expressing doubt over their relationship and its authenticity.
Was Mahogany Catfishing Ben On Before The 90 Days?
Though EW revealed a photo of Mahogany, proving she wasn't using fake photos, the YouTube clip showed Ben’s friends voicing their concerns over Mahogany being a possible catfish. “Have you guys video chatted at all?” Ben’s friend asked, to which Ben, who is still with Mahogany, replied, “Uh no. She’s just very shy.” Mahogany’s suspicious behavior and the fact that she is just shy of 20 years younger than Ben raised many red flags for his family and friends. Meanwhile, Mahogany's online photos appeared almost too good to be true. Ben remained determined to pursue the relationship, as he thought God brought her into his life for a reason. While she was not a catfish, Mahogany lied to Ben several times throughout the season, and they left things rocky after the show wrapped up. As of 2023, the pair have seemed to work through their issues and are engaged, with Ben having not only proposed but having tattooed Mahogany's name on his wrist.
Ben and Mahogany brought an exciting storyline to Before The 90 Days season 5. The spin-off show memorably featured another similar plot with David Murphey, a wealthy American obsessed with the mysterious Ukrainian beauty Lana. TLC helped David track Lana down and was exactly who she said she is. However, after their meeting, Lana was not interested in dating David. Ben and Mahogany were thankfully more than online fantasy when 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days explored the relationship.
Sources: EW, 90 Day Fiancé/YouTube