Selling Tampa’s Anne-Sophie Opens Up About Her Perfect Match Experience: “I Didn’t Feel Seen”
In a crossover event to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Netflix’s hottest singles return for a new dating competition in Perfect Match. Hosted by Nick Lachey, the show finds former cast members of Too Hot Too Handle, Love Is Blind, The Circle, The Ultimatum, The Mole, Selling Tampa, and more brought together to find love in a tropical paradise. As they compete to form relationships, the most compatible couples play matchmaker, breaking up other couples and sending them on dates with brand-new singles they’ll invite to the villa. In the end, only one couple can be crowned the Perfect Match… but what happens when you bring in contestants who aren’t open to dating all different types of people?
While watching the show it’s hard to ignore the fact that many of the Black women and women of color in the cast, from Selling Tampa’s Anne-Sophie and Colony to The Circle’s Savannah, were sent home early before getting a chance to make a real connection.
Kristen Maldonado of Pop Culture Planet spoke with Anne-Sophie during the Perfect Match press junket about her experience on the show. “I'm not going to lie. I did have a moment where I broke down. I'm not sure if it's shown, but there's a moment that I thought to myself like, ‘Oh my gosh, I don't think — I didn't feel seen,” she told us. “I think that may be because […] maybe they weren't all open-minded. Maybe they came with previous stigmas of what […] dating a black woman might be like. Either way, I didn't feel seen and it sucks but, you know, you learn.”
Many fans have voiced their concerns with reality shows treating Black women and women of color poorly. “Colony, Anne-Sophie, and Savannah all leaving early was def a red flag,” @justkilling_time commented on our interview on TikTok, while @whosdestinyw said: “That’s how EVERY reality show treats Black women.”
“I noticed that in most dating shows they set the Black girl up for failure,” said TikTok user @herfinestgold, with user @picassothis adding: “They need more open-minded contestants. It’s annoying seeing this play out time and time again.”
Meanwhile some others thought it came down to poor gameplay. “I don’t really know about this one… it was kind of her fault for letting Chase stay. She knew his past. She could’ve made something with Zay or even Calvin,” commented TikTok user @urlocalloca.
Regardless, fans showered Anne-Sophie with love in our comments section. “She has so much going for her, she’s beautiful and has an amazing career,” said @theemmaelysee, with @lauryntamiaaa commenting: “The men on the show simply weren’t matches for the ladies of Selling Tampa. They’re too beautiful and successful. I think men are looking for ‘easy.’”
When it comes down to it, @anaisrmorgan said it best: “So glad we’re able to have these convos about reality — I want my shows to be messy and dramatic but I want them to be INCLUSIVE too.” TOTALLY agree!
UPDATE: Since posting this article, we’ve gotten an update on Anne-Sophie’s experience in the Perfect Match villa. “I’m in contact with both my previous matches, but it’s just all amicable. I give Chase a hard time about his hair and, Zay, we just keep in contact and check on each other frequently,” she shared. Instead of focusing on Perfect Matches, she highlighted the friendships she made along the way. “I made some good friendships. Myself and Savannah, we got really close after the show, as well as me and Ines. Those are my two ladies and, of course, Colony. We’ve always had a strong friendship.”
Perfect Match is currently streaming on Netflix, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday.
