Irina Solomonova only hit our screens one week ago, yet she's already caused an internet firestorm.
The Love Is Blind season 4 cast member joined the Netflix experiment with the hopes of forming an authentic connection beyond appearances, a notion she dispelled upon connecting with Zack Goytowski. But her behavior within the dating quarters is what's really garnering viral attention.
She and Micah Lussier have quickly been labeled the mean girls of the season on social media, and it all kind of takes away from the primary purpose of the show: romance. While temporarily living alongside the other women, the two laugh at another cast member's heartbreak (the same person competing for Paul Peden's attention as Micah). Then, Irina needles Bliss Poureetezadi, Zack's other connection, to get under her skin and drive a wedge between her rival and her connection.
Naturally, things don't unfold smoothly with Zack, either. Ultimately, it's clear she's not attracted to him, as she refuses to hug him or kiss him. Plus, she insists he looks like a cartoon character, probably not what he hoped to hear. On their honeymoon, she pretended he didn't even exist.
"You got the worst part [of me]," Irina admitted to Zack. "I'm literally treating you so poorly. Like, I know it. I won't even look at you, touch you. You talk to me and I literally look away."
And the cherry on top of the bad behavior comes when Irina gets a little handsy with her new love interest, Paul...who just so happens to be engaged to her "best friend" Micah. It's utterly messy and heartbreaking, yet we can't look away...and we can't stop expressing our frustrations on Twitter.
What fans are saying about Irina Solomonova:
In what capacity is listening to someone else's heartbreak funny? This whole scene is just disgusting and immature #LoveIsBlind #LoveisBlind4 pic.twitter.com/hqrTgOLBgAMarch 24, 2023
Mean girl energy right there! #LoveisBlind4I still can't understand why Zack chose Irina & Paul chose Micah. Clearly, love IS blind. 🙄🙄🙄 Also, Kwame reminds me of Sk and Bartise. 😑 Can't convince me otherwise! #loveisblind pic.twitter.com/NfcuBG0Ig4March 25, 2023
Irina was afraid it was her skin that made her ugly but glad we can all see it was actually her personality that makes her ugly. #loveisblindMarch 24, 2023
Nobody :Irina every time someone is going through a difficult time in the house. #LoveIsBlind #LoveIsBlindS4 pic.twitter.com/31eLS39jObMarch 27, 2023
Why is Irina's bad behavior so addicting to watch?
As much as fans hate how she's behaving, Irina has a firm grasp on them, and you better believe everyone's tuning in to see what happens next. Something about her catty behavior has given us all middle school flashbacks to the cliques that made our lives a living hell.
"TV shows with heavy amounts of drama often tap into universal human emotions and experiences [and] many of these shows are crafted with a deep understanding of human psychology," says positive psychology coach Elle Mace. "Viewers often become emotionally invested in the characters and their storylines, which can lead to a sense of empathy."
We've all been deeply triggered, whether we've had an Irina or been an Irina at some point in our lives. Despite the negativity that tags bullying, Mace insists that showcasing such behavior can have its positives.
"While it may be uncomfortable or even distressing to witness, the portrayal of female bullying in media can raise awareness of the issue and prompt discussions about how to address it," she says.
Perhaps this is one way to keep us mindful of our own behaviors and hold ourselves accountable.
Who is Irina Solomonova from 'Love is Blind'?
Solomonova is one of four children in her family and owns a small business, Solo Collective, which focuses on event planning. The 26-year-old is based in Seattle, Washington, and it's not clear whether or not she has moved on since her stint on Love Is Blind.
Here's the schedule for all of the remaining Love Is Blind season 4 episodes. Be sure to check out other shows like Love Is Blind, too.
