Ben Rathbun has raised a lot of red flags among 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days viewers for his questionable behavior, causing some fans to be surprised at his former career choice as a youth pastor. The US native previously held this job, even though he was raised in a strict church that he described as cult-like. However, new information about Ben’s criminal history coupled with his onscreen antics and social media behavior has caused 90 Day Fiancé fans to question if Ben was the villain-type as a pastor.
Though he arrived late in Before The 90 Days season 5, Ben has drawn considerable fan ridicule for his behavior. The 52-year-old father is determined to make things work with 22-year-old Mahogany Roca, despite her disdain for him. Ben ignored Mahogany’s claim that he didn’t visit her and insists that God led him to Mahogany. Meanwhile, viewers recently learned that Ben was arrested in 2020 for an OUI and driving with a suspended license. He was then jailed and released again this week for allegedly violating his probation after he allegedly missed a hearing last month. Such behavior has greatly affected how viewers see Ben, though his creepy behavior on Before The 90 Days lessened the surprise of fans learning about Ben's arrest.
One fan took to Reddit to share a now-deleted screenshot of a topless social media photo of Ben, captioned, "So, this guy was a youth pastor?" Many viewers voiced that Ben made them uncomfortable with his fervent pursuit of Mahogany, which was not the best label to have as someone who teaches the word of God to young people. "This guy is holding a dark secret and I want to know what it is," one concerned and skeptical user wrote. Multiple commenters agreed that Ben appeared to be concealing something dark about his character. Other commenters noted how Ben now works part-time as a model and fitness model, which appears to be a very different career path than his original plan.
Viewers are most upset that Ben served as a youth pastor since he is now trying to use the guise of his faith to be intimate with a woman three decades younger than him. "He gives off a bad vibe and all his creepy actions confirm this. The 'This God's plan', and trying to pressure Mahogany (sic) with it to get what he wants," one commenter wrote. "I doubt seriously that this is the first time he has cornered someone young into thinking 'This is God's plan,'" another commenter added. Many viewers believe Ben's justification for wanting to date Mahogany is very concerning. Ben does appear to use his faith as a means to coax her into a relationship.
Overall, Ben’s choice to appear on Before The 90 Days has likely greatly harmed his reputation in his personal life. Some viewers are also skeptical of whether or not Ben will retain his position as the Executive Director of the Michigan Lupus Foundation. Though viewers are also suspicious of Mahogany, many viewers are urging her to get away from Ben and his potentially predatory behavior. With the season winding down, fans will soon learn the fate of Ben and Mahogany's relationship at the 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days Tell-All.
Source: r/90dayfiance/Reddit