If you’ve followed the rollercoaster that is Chantel Everett’s life since her messy split from Pedro Jimeno, you probably thought you'd seen it all. The family brawls, the private investigators, the international drama—it was a lot. But then came Ashley Bowen.
Honestly, the shift from Chantel's search for a "masculine man" in Greece to her engagement to a woman caught almost everyone off guard. It wasn't just a plot twist for a TV show; it was a total pivot in her identity that played out right in front of us.
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The Night Everything Changed
Most people think this relationship started on a film set. It didn't. Chantel and Ashley were actually friends for a long time before the cameras even started rolling for the latest spinoff. Ashley was a family friend first—specifically close with Chantel’s brother, River.
The real turning point happened over a bottle of wine at home.
Chantel has been pretty open about how it went down. Ashley basically sat her down and admitted she had romantic feelings. Then, she went for it and kissed her. Chantel’s reaction? She said she almost fainted. Not out of disgust, but because it felt like her "first kiss ever." That’s a heavy statement for someone who was married for seven years.
Transitioning from Friends to Fiancées
Moving from a platonic friendship to a romantic partnership is tricky enough when you aren't a reality TV star. For Chantel, it meant deconstructing everything she thought she knew about her own sexuality.
- The Initial Hesitation: When Ashley first leaned in, Chantel actually pulled away. She wasn't sure if she wanted to "ruin" the friendship or if she was even into women.
- The Mexico Reflection: During the filming of 90 Day: Hunt for Love in 2025, Chantel was dating men but couldn't stop thinking about Ashley back in Atlanta.
- The Public Confirmation: By August 2025, she officially came out and confirmed they were a couple.
The engagement itself was straight out of a movie. In December 2025, Ashley took Chantel to Uhuburg, this massive Renaissance-style castle in Helen, Georgia. Chantel thought they were there for a simple photo shoot. Instead, Ashley dropped to one knee, pulled out a diamond, and sang an original song called "Duet for Juliet."
Why the Fans (and Karen) Are Skeptical
It wouldn't be a Chantel story without some suspicion. While many fans are happy she’s finally found peace after the Pedro era, the "90 Day" detectives have been working overtime.
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There’s a bit of a "small world" problem here. Reports surfaced that Ashley Bowen actually used to work for Sharp Entertainment—the production company behind the 90 Day franchise. This sent the internet into a tailspin. Was she a plant? Did she use her job to get close to the family?
Then there’s Karen Everett. Chantel’s mom has never met a partner she couldn't find a problem with. On the Hunt for Love Tell All, Karen claimed she was friends with Ashley first and felt "used" as a stepping stone for Ashley to get to Chantel. It’s classic Karen drama, but it adds a layer of tension to an already complicated situation.
Breaking the Pedro Cycle
Whether you believe the relationship is a "clout chase" or true love, you can't deny that Chantel looks different these days. With Pedro, it always felt like she was fighting for air. With Ashley, the vibe is... softer.
They even started a joint Instagram account, ChantAshley Diaries, where they show the mundane stuff—going to jiu-jitsu classes and just hanging out at home. It’s a far cry from the explosive dinners in the Dominican Republic.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As we move into 2026, the focus has shifted from "Are they together?" to "When is the wedding?" and "Will we see it on TV?"
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Chantel has expressed that while she’s open to more filming, the "explosive" nature of her mom's relationship with Ashley makes her hesitant. She seems to be prioritizing her peace—and her career as an aesthetic nurse in Atlanta—over the constant chaos of the past decade.
If you’re following their journey, here are the real takeaways:
- Trust the timing, not the script. Chantel didn't plan on coming out at 34, but the friendship with Ashley provided a "safe space" she didn't have in her marriage.
- Watch the family dynamics. If Karen Everett doesn't come around, expect this to be the primary conflict in any future seasons of The Family Chantel or 90 Day Diaries.
- Keep an eye on the music. Ashley is a serious music artist. Her "original songs" for Chantel aren't just for TV; they’re part of her actual career, which adds another layer to their "power couple" aspirations.
Chantel and Ashley represent a massive shift in the 90 Day world—moving from international K-1 visa drama to a very local, very personal story of self-discovery. Whether they make it down the aisle or not, the "Chantel and Ashley" era is officially here.