If you were watching The Bachelorette back in 2020, specifically Tayshia Adams' season, you probably remember the moment your brain short-circuited. There was Ben Smith, the fan-favorite Army veteran with the vulnerable backstory, introducing his "close family friend" during hometown dates. And who walks through the door? None other than Food Network royalty and Top Chef legend, Antonia Lofaso.
Suddenly, the internet was on fire. People weren't looking at the date; they were frantically typing Ben Smith husband Antonia Lofaso into search bars, trying to figure out if they’d missed a secret wedding or a massive celebrity scandal.
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Honestly, the confusion is understandable. They have this easy, lived-in chemistry. But if you’re looking for a marriage license, you’re going to be looking for a long time. They aren't married. They never were.
The Reality of the Ben Smith and Antonia Lofaso Connection
So, what is the actual deal? It’s basically a classic case of "gym life meets real life." Ben Smith isn't just a reality TV contestant; he’s a high-level fitness professional. He works out of Deuce Gym in Venice Beach, and Antonia Lofaso happened to be one of his long-term clients.
But it clearly went deeper than just counting reps for squats.
During that infamous episode, Ben described Antonia as someone who is with him "more than anybody else." He even told Tayshia that the two women were "eerily similar." When Ben’s parents couldn't make it to the filming because of COVID-19 travel restrictions and his father's work as a doctor, Antonia stepped in. She wasn't there as a spouse; she was there as the "strong, decisive, bold" female figure in his life who knew him well enough to call out his emotions.
Why the "Husband" Rumors Won't Die
Search engines are funny things. Because people saw them together in a "family" setting on TV, the algorithm started pairing their names together. This created a loop where the more people searched for Ben Smith husband Antonia Lofaso, the more the internet suggested they were a couple.
It also doesn't help that Antonia is notoriously private about her romantic life. If you follow her on Instagram, you see her restaurants—Scopa Italian Roots, DAMA, Black Market Liquor Bar—and you see her daughter, Xea. You don't see a revolving door of boyfriends.
Ben, for his part, has stayed mostly in the fitness lane since his stint on ABC. He’s focused on the "Keep Going" mantra, dealing with his own journey regarding mental health and body image. While they remain incredibly close, the "husband" title is just a persistent internet myth.
The Real Love Story: Antonia and Heavy D
To understand why Antonia Lofaso isn't married to Ben Smith, you have to look at the actual partnership that defined her life. For years, Antonia was in a long-term relationship with the legendary rapper Heavy D (Dwight Arrington Myers).
They weren't "Hollywood" about it. They didn't do the red carpets together constantly. They just lived their lives.
- The Daughter: They welcomed their daughter, Xea Myers, in 2000.
- The Tragedy: In November 2011, Heavy D passed away suddenly at age 44 from a pulmonary embolism.
- The Aftermath: Antonia became a single mother overnight, balancing the grief of losing her partner with the meteoric rise of her culinary career.
She has spoken openly—though rarely—about how that loss shaped her. In a 2025 interview with People, she mentioned that there isn't a holiday or a birthday where they don't feel his absence. She’s focused on being a "mother first, chef second," and that kind of deep, foundational bond is hard to replace.
Is Ben Smith Married to Anyone?
Since his time on The Bachelorette, Ben has kept his dating life pretty low-key. He didn't go the typical "Bachelor in Paradise" route to find a quick influencer wedding. Instead, he went back to Venice Beach.
He and Antonia still show up on each other’s social media feeds occasionally, usually at the gym or supporting one of her restaurant openings. They are the definition of "chosen family." She’s the mentor; he’s the trainer who helps her stay strong enough to run a culinary empire. It's a platonic power duo that most people find hard to categorize because we're so used to everyone being "together" in the celebrity world.
What You Should Actually Know About Antonia’s "Inner Circle"
If you're trying to keep track of the men in Antonia's life, it's mostly a "brothers only" club.
- Guy Fieri: He’s essentially her honorary brother. They’ve worked together on Guy’s Grocery Games and Tournament of Champions for years. They spend holidays together.
- Ben Smith: The "younger brother" or best friend figure. He provides the physical and mental coaching that keeps her grounded.
- The Chefs: People like Brooke Williamson and Tiffany Faison. This is her tribe.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you've been following the Ben Smith husband Antonia Lofaso trail, here’s how to actually keep up with the real news without falling for the "husband" clickbait:
- Follow the Gym, Not the Tabloids: If you want to see what Ben is up to, look at Deuce Gym's content. He’s more likely to post a video about snatch technique or breathwork than a relationship reveal.
- Watch for Xea: Antonia’s daughter, Xea Myers, is a producer now and often the best source for seeing the "real" Antonia. Their bond is the centerpiece of Antonia’s life.
- Dine at the Restaurants: If you're in LA, go to Scopa. It’s arguably her most personal project. You’ll see the influence of her Italian heritage and the grit she developed while raising a daughter as a single parent.
The reality is less scandalous than a secret marriage but a lot more inspiring. It’s a story about a woman who survived a massive loss, built an empire, and surrounded herself with a "village" of people like Ben Smith who help her keep it all together. No rings required.
To stay updated on Antonia's latest projects, keep an eye on the Food Network's upcoming tournament schedules, as she remains one of the most consistent "titans" in the competition circuit.