The relationship between Amber Desiree "AD" Smith and Matthew Duliba during Season 6 of Love Is Blind remains one of the most polarizing and discussed arcs in the series' history. While they shared an early, intense connection in the pods, the relationship collapsed due to Matthew’s simultaneous pursuit of another contestant, leading to his abrupt exit. AD ultimately moved on to a different engagement, while Matthew became a symbol of the show's "villain edit" controversy.
The Pod Connection: Early Chemistry and Radical Honesty
When viewers first met AD and Matthew in the Charlotte, North Carolina season, the pairing seemed unlikely. AD, a former professional cheerleader and real estate agent, exuded charisma and emotional intelligence. Matthew, a senior financial advisor, was introduced as a socially awkward, stoic figure who famously walked out of dates if he didn't feel an immediate spark.
Despite his brusque demeanor with others, Matthew appeared to open up specifically to AD. Their early conversations were centered on what Matthew described as "radical honesty." He expressed a disdain for the typical "small talk" associated with reality television, which AD initially found refreshing. For AD, who had often felt that men were only interested in her physical appearance, the blind nature of the pods allowed her to connect with Matthew’s intellect and apparent sincerity.
Matthew's approach was assertive. He told AD that he was ready to leave the experiment with her and even mentioned wanting to ask her father for his blessing—a traditional gesture that deeply moved AD. At this stage, many viewers believed Matthew was simply a "misunderstood" romantic who struggled with the artificiality of the cameras.
The Controversy: The Dual Pursuit of AD and Amber Grant
The turning point for the AD and Matthew storyline occurred when it was revealed that Matthew was repeating almost identical "exclusive" sentiments to another contestant, Amber Grant. This "two-Ambers" situation became the primary catalyst for the season's early drama.
In the women’s lounge, Amber Grant shared her excitement with AD, detailing how Matthew had promised to leave the show for her and had spoken about seeking her father's permission for marriage. AD quickly realized that the specific, seemingly heartfelt promises Matthew had made to her were being recycled. The heartbreak was immediate, as AD had to reconcile the man she thought she was getting to know with the man who was playing two sides of the same coin.
Matthew’s Strategy or Sincerity?
The debate among fans and analysts centered on whether Matthew was intentionally "playing the game" or if he was genuinely confused by the process. Matthew’s defense, which surfaced more clearly in post-show interviews and social media posts, suggested that he was trying to find a genuine connection in a compressed timeframe and felt overwhelmed by the environment. However, the optics of telling two different women the exact same "unique" life plans created a narrative of manipulation that he struggled to shake.
The Dramatic Exit: Matthew’s Departure from the Experiment
The collapse of the relationship happened in real-time when Amber Grant, devastated by the revelation of Matthew’s double-dealing, chose to leave the experiment entirely. When Matthew learned that Amber had left because of his actions, his reaction was one of the most discussed moments of the season.
Instead of comforting AD or attempting to salvage their connection, Matthew became visibly distressed about how he would be perceived. He famously told the cameras, "I'm going to go get Amber," and effectively ended his time on the show. He left AD sitting alone, arguably more concerned with his own narrative and the departure of his "other" choice than with the woman he had claimed to love just hours prior.
This exit was a defining moment for Season 6. It left AD in a position of vulnerability but also showcased her resilience. For Matthew, it solidified his status as a controversial figure who "broke" the experiment by refusing to follow the standard engagement protocol once his actions were exposed.
AD’s Pivot: Moving Forward with Clay Gravesande
Following Matthew’s exit, AD redirected her focus to Clay Gravesande, a relationship that would eventually lead to an engagement and a trip to the altar. The contrast between AD's time with Matthew and her time with Clay was stark. While her connection with Matthew was built on a perceived (though flawed) intellectual "meeting of the minds," her relationship with Clay was far more physical and emotionally volatile.
Clay often expressed insecurities about his ability to remain faithful, citing his father’s history of infidelity. AD, ever the "fixer," tried to navigate these red flags. Looking back from the perspective of 2026, fans often wonder if AD’s willingness to stay with Clay despite his obvious hesitations was a reaction to the rejection she faced with Matthew. The "Matthew experience" may have inadvertently pushed her to try harder with Clay to ensure a successful outcome from the experiment.
Post-Show Fallout and the 2024 Reunion Absence
Matthew Duliba's decision to skip the Love Is Blind Season 6 reunion in 2024 further fueled speculation about his character and his experience with the show. While most cast members use the reunion to clarify their actions or apologize, Matthew chose to remain absent, later claiming that he did not feel the environment would allow for a fair representation of his side of the story.
In various social media statements and leaked interviews following the 2024 airing, Matthew alleged that the "villain edit" was real. He claimed that he had spent many more hours talking to AD than what was shown and that his "walk-outs" on other women were often encouraged or edited to look more abrupt than they were.
AD, for her part, handled the post-show press with grace. She confirmed that while the situation was painful, she did not harbor deep-seated resentment toward Matthew, though she was disappointed by the lack of transparency in the pods. She eventually moved on to various media projects and continued her successful career in real estate.
Where Are They Now? AD and Matthew in 2026
As of 2026, the lives of AD and Matthew have diverged significantly, reflecting their different approaches to the fame brought by the show.
Amber Desiree (AD)
AD has successfully leveraged her appearance on the show to become a prominent figure in the lifestyle and real estate space. By 2026, she has expanded her brand into home design and remains a frequent commentator on relationship dynamics in modern media. She is often cited as one of the most "emotionally intelligent" contestants to ever appear on the franchise. Her relationship with Clay Gravesande did not result in a marriage, and she has since been private about her dating life, focusing instead on her professional growth and advocacy for self-love.
Matthew Duliba
Matthew has largely retreated from the public eye. After the initial storm of Season 6, he returned to his career in finance. While he briefly attempted to share his "side" of the story via a few podcast appearances in late 2024, he ultimately decided that the reality TV world was not for him. In 2026, he maintains a low profile, though he is still occasionally recognized as the man who "nearly broke the pods." There are unverified reports that he did reach out to Amber Grant after the show, but no long-term relationship ever materialized between them.
Comparing AD’s Relationships: Matthew vs. Clay
The following table compares the two primary relationships AD had during the Love Is Blind experiment, highlighting the different challenges and dynamics of each.
| Feature | Connection with Matthew | Connection with Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Bond | Intellectual & Value-based | Physical & Growth-oriented |
| Communication Style | "Radical Honesty" (Initial) | High-energy & Confrontational |
| Major Red Flag | Dishonesty / Double-dating | Commitment Phobia / Infidelity Fears |
| Resolution | Matthew left the show abruptly | Engagement ended at the altar |
| Post-Show Status | No contact / Distant | Friendly / Amicable distance |
| Fan Perception | Seen as a "What-If" or "Bullet Dodged" | Seen as a tragic "Not Meant to Be" |
Lessons in Pod Dating: Red Flags and Emotional Intelligence
The AD and Matthew saga serves as a textbook example of several "red flags" often discussed in the context of modern dating and reality television.
- The "Unique" Script: Matthew’s use of identical romantic scripts for two different women is a classic sign of manipulative "love bombing." When someone uses highly specific, high-stakes language (like asking for a father's blessing) very early on, it can be a tactic to create a false sense of security.
- The "Us Against the World" Mentality: Matthew often positioned himself and AD against the "production" of the show. While skepticism of reality TV is healthy, using that common enemy to build a bond can sometimes be a way to isolate a partner from outside perspectives (like the other women in the lounge).
- Reaction to Conflict: Matthew’s decision to leave the moment his actions were questioned, rather than engaging in a difficult conversation with AD, highlighted a lack of accountability. A partner’s behavior when they are "caught" is often more telling than their behavior when things are going well.
AD’s journey also highlights the importance of the support system found in the lounges. Had it not been for her open communication with Amber Grant, she might have entered an engagement with Matthew based on a false premise. This emphasizes the value of community and "vetting" even in unconventional dating scenarios.
FAQ: Common Questions About AD and Matthew
Did Matthew and AD ever date after the show?
No, Matthew and AD did not pursue a relationship after the show ended. Following Matthew's exit to "go get Amber [Grant]," AD moved on to Clay Gravesande. While there were rumors of a brief conversation during the post-production period, AD has confirmed in multiple interviews that their romantic connection ended the moment he walked out of the pods.
Why did Matthew leave Love Is Blind so abruptly?
Matthew left the show after his "double-dating" strategy was exposed. When he realized that Amber Grant had left the show because of his comments to both her and AD, he claimed he no longer wanted to be part of the "TV experiment" and stated he was going to find Amber Grant. His exit was largely seen as a way to avoid a direct confrontation with AD and the other cast members.
What happened to the "other" Amber (Amber Grant)?
Amber Grant left the show mid-experiment after discovering Matthew was telling AD the same things he was telling her. After the show, Matthew claimed they went on a few dates, but Amber Grant has largely stayed out of the spotlight and did not participate in the reunion or major follow-up media.
How did Matthew respond to his portrayal on the show?
Matthew was highly critical of his "edit." He claimed that the show runners omitted conversations that would have made his actions seem more logical and that they focused only on his most awkward moments. He chose not to attend the reunion, citing a lack of trust in the production's narrative.
Did AD regret her time with Matthew?
AD has stated that she does not regret the connection, as it taught her a lot about what she was looking for and helped her identify certain patterns in the men she dates. However, she has been clear that his departure was a "blessing in disguise" as it allowed her to experience a full journey on the show, even if her engagement to Clay did not result in marriage.
Final Recommendation for Fans and Viewers
For those looking to understand the full complexity of AD and Matthew’s time on Love Is Blind, it is recommended to watch the first four episodes of Season 6 with a close eye on the "lounges" rather than just the pod dates. The real story of their relationship was told through the conversations AD had with other women, which provided the context Matthew was attempting to hide.
As we look back from 2026, their story remains a powerful reminder that "blind" love still requires a foundation of transparent truth. If you are navigating the dating world yourself, let AD's resilience be a guide: when someone's words to you are the same as their words to everyone else, the "special" connection may be a performance, not a reality.
