7 Shocking Secrets About Love Is Blind’s David Bettenburg: Where Is 'Red Flag Dave' Now In 2025?
David "Dave" Bettenburg from Love Is Blind Season 8 quickly became one of the most talked-about and controversial figures in the show's history, earning the moniker "Red Flag Dave" from viewers. His tumultuous relationship with Lauren O'Brien in the pods and the dramatic fallout that followed captivated the Minneapolis-based season, leaving fans with more questions than answers about his true intentions and post-show life.
As of December 2025, the dust has largely settled from the explosive Season 8 reunion, but new details and revelations about Dave Bettenburg's life, career, and romantic status continue to surface. From addressing persistent rumors to confessing to a secret post-split rendezvous, here is an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at everything you need to know about the polarizing reality star.
David Bettenburg: Complete Biography and Profile
David Bettenburg entered the Love Is Blind experiment with a confident, often polarizing, personality. His journey in the pods was a rollercoaster, ultimately leading to one of the season's most dramatic non-weddings. The following is a quick look at the key facts about the reality TV star.
- Full Name: David Bettenburg
- Nickname: Dave, "Red Flag Dave"
- Age (at filming): 33
- Hometown/Season Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Season: Love Is Blind Season 8
- Occupation: Medical Device Sales (Specializing in the aesthetics/plastic surgery industry)
- Fiancée (on show): Lauren O'Brien
- Relationship Outcome: Split before the altar
- Current Relationship Status (as of Dec 2025): Single (Publicly)
- Key Controversy: Accused of being manipulative, seeking excessive sister approval, and secretly hooking up with Lauren post-split.
The Shocking Post-Show Revelations: Dave and Lauren's Secret Hookup
The relationship between Dave Bettenburg and Lauren O'Brien was fraught with tension after they left the pods. While they initially seemed like a strong match, their connection quickly deteriorated during the co-habitation phase, leading to a dramatic breakup before they could walk down the aisle. However, the story didn't end there, as Dave later confessed to a stunning post-filming secret.
1. They Secretly Hooked Up Immediately After the Split
In a major post-show interview, David Bettenburg shockingly revealed that he and Lauren O'Brien secretly "hooked up" almost immediately after they split on the show. This revelation sent shockwaves through the fan community, as it suggested a lingering emotional and physical connection despite their on-screen animosity and Lauren's apparent relief at ending the engagement. This secret rendezvous confirmed that the emotional ties were far more complex than the show’s final edit suggested, adding a layer of intrigue to the already messy breakup.
2. Lauren Has "No Interest" in Rekindling the Romance
Despite the secret hookup, the chances of a romantic reunion between David and Lauren O'Brien are effectively zero. As of December 2025, reports confirm that the short and definitive answer is no, the couple did not get back together. Lauren publicly stated that she has "no interest" in trying again with Dave, emphasizing that she has moved on and is focused on her future. The post-show reconciliation was a brief, confusing detour, and both parties appear to have closed that chapter, with Lauren citing his behavior as the "nail in the coffin" for their relationship.
Addressing the Scandals: Gay Rumors and Sister Approval
David's time on Love Is Blind was overshadowed by several personal controversies that became viral talking points. His on-screen demeanor and certain comments led to intense speculation from fans, which he later had to address publicly.
3. Dave Addressed the Persistent Gay Rumors
Throughout the airing of Season 8, David Bettenburg was forced to contend with persistent rumors and online speculation about his sexuality. Fans and online commentators questioned his chemistry with Lauren and his overall behavior, leading to unfounded theories. Dave eventually addressed the gay rumors in a post on his social media, choosing to respond to the gossip in a "shady post" rather than a direct, earnest denial, which only fueled the conversation further among the Love Is Blind fandom.
4. The Controversy Over His Sister's Approval
One of the recurring themes of Dave's edit on the show was his intense focus on getting his older sister's approval for his relationships. This raised eyebrows among viewers and Lauren alike, who felt it was an excessive focus for a 33-year-old man. Dave later claimed that fans were "blowing his sister drama out of proportion," but he admitted that he still seeks her stamp of approval for his romantic partners. This entity—his sister—became a key point of discussion about his readiness for marriage and independence.
5. He Was Already a "Resident Red Flag Guy"
Even before the season's conclusion, David was dubbed the "resident red flag guy" of Love Is Blind Season 8. His tendency to shift blame, his perceived manipulation of Lauren, and his general lack of accountability made him a lightning rod for criticism. This reputation was cemented by the time the reunion aired, solidifying his role as the season's primary villain, a contrast to the couple who did manage to get married and stay together, Taylor Haag and Daniel Hastings.
David Bettenburg's Life and Career in 2025
Since his dramatic exit from the reality TV spotlight, David Bettenburg has returned to his career and private life, though he remains active on social media, often engaging with the drama and his critics.
6. His High-Powered Role in Medical Device Sales
David's professional background is in medical device sales, specifically within the lucrative plastic surgery and aesthetics industry. His job involves selling high-end equipment, which explains his comfortable lifestyle and strong ambition. A look at his LinkedIn profile during the show's run confirmed his role at a company called Sofwave. This career path is a key part of his identity and a core entity in understanding his personality, as it speaks to his drive and focus.
7. The Pre-Show Wife Advertisement
In a bizarre and fascinating pre-show reveal, old social media posts from David Bettenburg resurfaced, showing that he had literally posted an advertisement searching for a wife back in 2016. This detail added another layer to the narrative, suggesting that his quest for a partner was a long-standing, public endeavor, even before he joined the Netflix experiment. While this old post was used by critics to question his sincerity, it also highlighted his persistent, albeit unconventional, search for love.
As of late 2025, David Bettenburg continues to navigate the aftermath of his reality television experience. While his relationship with Lauren O'Brien is definitively over, the controversies and revelations surrounding his time on Love Is Blind Season 8 ensure that he remains a memorable, if polarizing, figure in the show's history. Fans will continue to follow his social media for any new updates on his personal and professional life, eagerly awaiting his next big move.
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