During 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way season 3, newcomer Steven Johnston became one of the biggest villains in the entire 90 Day Fiancé franchise, and his ex-girlfriend Vanessa became a fan favorite at the Tell-All. The American Steven was on his worst behavior at that special event. From telling beloved cast member Kenneth Niedermeier he looked old to smugly commenting that he had never seen Evelin Villegas dressed so modestly before, viewers were appalled by Steven's bad behavior. However, it was revelations about Steven's marriage to Alina that really put him in the hot seat. Fortunately, Steven's ex-girlfriend Vanessa arrived to respectfully put him in his place and advocate for Alina.
Steven and Alina chronicled their relationship in The Other Way season 3, which ended in them getting married. They wed despite him admitting to not being a virgin, and sleeping with another woman while talking to Alina. Steven was blasted by viewers for using his Mormon faith to manipulate Alina, as he expects her to abide by the strict rules of his church even though he broke them. The season 3 Tell-All revealed that Steven had visited his ex-girlfriend Vanessa just days before traveling to Turkey to marry Alina. Vanessa, who dated Steven for several months and was also cheated on by him, arrived at the Tell-All to support Alina.
Vanessa quickly established herself as the hero of The Other Way season 3 Tell-All, as she eloquently and clearly dragged Steven in an attempt to help Alina avoid mistreatment and heartbreak. Unseen clips from the show revealed Steven and Vanessa's secret meeting before his marriage to Alina, which showed Vanessa clearly communicating with Steven and establishing boundaries. “Steven I’m not your teacher on your path to manhood and I would prefer it if this would be the last time we speak," Vanessa told her ex-boyfriend as he sought relationship advice. Despite her ill feelings towards Steven, Vanessa arrived in person with one goal in mind. “I’m here to support Alina," Vanessa stated upon entering the studio. She was once again clearly and respectfully communicating her feelings.
Though it obviously wasn't easy for her, Vanessa put her feelings aside in order to try and protect Alina. She revealed that Steven had been “fronting as a faithful man who wanted to be in a monogamous relationship," but shared that he had sex with three women during a trip to Russia, despite promising his then-girlfriend Vanessa that he wouldn't go "all the way." Vanessa grew tearful as she addressed Alina and told her that it was okay to leave Steven despite marrying him because he wasn't who he said he was. "This is not what you agreed to," Vanessa emotionally told Alina as she urged her to recognize her worth. By putting Alina's needs above her own discomfort around Steven, Vanessa has been hailed by many viewers as a true supporter of fellow women. Meanwhile, Vanessa maintained her decorum while dealing with Steven, which must have been difficult in light of his behavior.
Vanessa isn't the only woman to come forward about Steven, to try to help Alina realize that he is not the devout and faithful man he initially portrayed himself to be. Steven admitted at the Tell-All that he had been intimately speaking with about nine women online, and Alina confirmed that multiple ladies had sent her screenshots of their flirty exchanges. However, Alina maintained that she was not going to end her marriage to Steven. 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way viewers were deeply disappointed to see that Alina will be standing by Steven despite his alarming and inappropriate behavior. However, Vanessa did her best to warn Alina and offer support.