Fans of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days have been left reeling after new developments reveal that Rick Van Vactor may have seriously betrayed his relationship with girlfriend Trisha Stiley during a period of silence that threatened their fragile long-distance romance. What initially seemed like a storyline about communication issues and trust quickly turned into one of the most controversial moments of the season when Rick openly admitted he got intimate with his ex-girlfriend while Trisha was out of contact — and then struggled with guilt over whether to tell her. Swooon+1

The tension began when Trisha, a 25-year-old midwife from Madagascar, inexplicably stopped answering Rick’s calls for five days before Rick flew to meet her in person. She later explained the absence was due to complications involving her brother’s scooter accident and her ex-boyfriend being robbed and accusing her of involvement. Trisha insisted she was overwhelmed and too stressed to talk, even fearing Rick might think she was asking for money. Swooon

Rick didn’t fully trust that explanation at first, expressing confusion and frustration about the lack of communication. What he didn’t initially share with Trisha — but later confessed to producers — was that during those same five days, he reached out to his ex in Colombia, booked a trip, and spent time with her while still in communication with Trisha. Swooon

In a startling confession, Rick admitted that he and his ex “acted as a couple” and were intimate “multiple times a day, every day” during his visit. He acknowledged this decision came from a place of insecurity and hurt after assuming Trisha was being unfaithful — but his actions have since sparked backlash from both viewers and fellow cast members. primetimer.com

The revelation has raised major questions about trust, communication, and maturity within their relationship. Rick’s choice to fly halfway across the world to reconnect with someone he once dated — while still involved with Trisha — has been described by fans as impulsive, disrespectful, and profoundly damaging. Many commenters on fan forums have accused him of planning the reunion with his ex before Trisha even went quiet, suggesting his actions were less about miscommunication and more about seeking comfort or validation elsewhere. Reddit

In the context of 90 Day Fiancé, where relationships are already under intense scrutiny, this confession complicates an already delicate situation. Rick and Trisha’s age gap — he is 52 with five children and she is 25 — has been a point of discussion since the couple’s introduction. This latest twist adds fuel to debates about power dynamics, emotional maturity, and cultural understanding within international relationships. Reddit

What makes the situation even more provocative is how Rick’s admission contrasts with Trisha’s own moment of honesty. While Trisha explained her silence and emotional stress to Rick, hoping for understanding and trust, Rick’s response was to pursue intimacy with an ex rather than seek clarity with the woman he claims to love. Long-time viewers of the franchise have highlighted how this dynamic reflects broader issues within the series — cautionary tales about jealousy, insecurity, and the danger of reacting before communicating. primetimer.com

Producers captured Rick’s internal conflict clearly: he admits he feels guilty and fears telling Trisha could end their relationship. Yet even this fear stems from a place of self-preservation rather than deep regret. In confessional moments, Rick acknowledges that he went to Colombia because he did not trust Trisha at the time, but now sees “the truth in her eyes.” primetimer.com

This storyline taps into one of the core themes that 90 Day Fiancé viewers have come to expect: the collision of idealism with reality. The show often highlights how couples with strong emotional connections can still make decisions that contradict the very principles they claim to hold dear. In this case, Rick’s actions speak louder than words, forcing fans to question whether his feelings for Trisha are rooted in genuine love or something more self-serving. primetimer.com

Social media reactions have been swift and brutal. Many fans have expressed disgust at Rick’s behavior, describing it as a betrayal and urging Trisha to reconsider the relationship. Others have critiqued the narrative structure, noting that the show once again highlights a pattern where male partners jump to conclusions and then compound their mistakes with even bigger ones — a recurring trope in the franchise’s storytelling. Reddit

Rick’s admission has also fueled debate about whether the relationship can survive this breach of trust. For a couple already navigating a significant age gap, cultural differences, and the stress of long-distance communication, this confession may prove too large to overcome. Even if Trisha eventually learns the truth about Rick’s actions, the damage might already be irreparable — especially if her experience in Madagascar was emotionally taxing before the betrayal came to light. primetimer.com

The fallout from this revelation will likely play out over the remainder of the season, providing both cast members and viewers with a dramatic storyline rooted in real-world consequences. Whether Rick ultimately confesses everything to Trisha on camera, or whether the truth comes out through producers, is expected to be a major focus of upcoming episodes. For now, one thing is clear: Rick’s actions have brought serious scrutiny to his character and the foundation of his relationship with Trisha. primetimer.com

Summary:
Yes — according to recent episodes of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, Rick Van Vactor did cheat on Trisha Stiley by reconnecting with his ex, traveling to Colombia, and being intimate with her while Trisha was unreachable. While he feels guilty in confessional footage, he has not yet confronted Trisha about this betrayal, leaving their future uncertain and fans divided over his behavior. Swooon+1