Photo: ED/Getty
It’s over forBachelor in ParadisecoupleMaurissa GunnandRiley Christian.
Gunn, 25, and Christian, 32, have called it quits and ended their engagement, PEOPLE confirms. The pair split a couple of weeks ago.
“We have decided to go our separate ways. Never did we imagine this, but we’ve come to a point where we both need to work on ourselves,” Gunn and Christian say in a statement to PEOPLE.
“We’ve appreciated everyone’s love and support so far throughout our journey and we just ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate through this,” Gunn and Christian add.
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Gunn and Christian met as contestants onBachelor in Paradise’s seventh season. At the end of the summer, they got engaged alongside fellow contendersJoe AmabileandSerena Pittas well asKenny BraaschandMari Pepin.
Gunn and Christian’s August 2021 engagement was historic as they became the first Black couple inBachelor in Paradisehistory to do so. Gunn and Christian previously told PEOPLE they weren’t awaretheir relationship milestone was a significant momentfor the popular ABC series.
“Going into this, I guess the social media and the media is kind of what let us know that we are the first Black couple to come out of this,” Gunn said in October 2021. “Because we just went into it [with an] open mind. Our hearts were open and we just happened to meet each other and we look alike, which is even better!”
Craig Sjodin/ABC
At the time, Christian said they were “just focused on finding love and building a connection.”
“The person that we found love with also happens to look like us, which is great,” he added. “It’s great for the culture. So, I mean, love is love.”
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However, breakup rumors first circulated after the holidays and when Gunn removed all her Instagram posts featuring Christian,including one of the pair celebrating Christmas together. (She has kept photos from their time onBachelor in Paradisetogether.)
Later on Gunn’s Instagram Story, she showed off the Edible Arrangement she received from her sister and its corresponding card, saying she’s an “amazing person.” Gunn also uploaded a photo that said “all that glitters is not gold” and a video of her without her engagement ring.
Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty
On Christian’s own Instagram page, he shareda cryptic workout video postand he addressed the importance of getting back up “no matter how many times we get knocked down.” He also spoke about maintaining “positive vibes” in 2022.
“No matter what you are going through, no matter what the situation is in your life, just make sure you keep pushing forward,” hesaidon his Instagram Story at the time. “Keep working hard and things will work out for the better. That really all I want to say, just a positive message for 2022.”
Both Gunn and Christian previously posted cryptic tweets as well.
“Try not be stagnant when facing obstacles that are beyond your control,” Christiantweetedon Jan. 6. “Just do what you can. That way, when things finally do fall into place, you’ll be able to hit the ground running.”
Gunn wrote inher own tweetin late December, “Sometimes you just have to see people for who they are, and not the potential they have.”
source: people.com
