Jasmine Pineda, a notable figure from 90 Day: The Last Resort, has transitioned from a traditional monogamous relationship with Gino Palazzolo to an open marriage. This significant change prompts a deeper look into the motivations behind her decision. After exchanging vows with Gino, Jasmine anticipated a fulfilling married life in the United States. However, the couple’s initial happiness was soon overshadowed by challenges, particularly intimacy issues, which ultimately led Jasmine to seek therapy in season 2 of their journey on the show. Throughout the series, they were joined by others similarly navigating complex relationship dynamics.
Initially, I found it promising that Jasmine and Gino pursued therapy, believing it could help mend their strained union. Yet, I was surprised to observe their profound lack of mutual understanding, raising questions about the sustainability of their bond. Jasmine often pressured Gino for intimacy, overlooking his feelings, while Gino’s apparent disinterest signified a disconnect. This culminated in Jasmine suggesting an open marriage, a decision that became more poignant when she revealed her pregnancy with Matt Branis’ child in February 2025.
Financial Dependency on Gino
Need for Financial Stability
Having followed Jasmine’s journey since her debut on the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, I believe her character has undergone significant evolution in the past four years. With her recent happiness tied to her pregnancy in the U.S., it becomes clearer why Jasmine opted for an open marriage over simply parting ways with Gino. A major factor in her decision seems to be her reliance on his financial support.
Back in 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, Jasmine found herself pleading with Gino to stay after admitting to dishonesty about an infidelity with her ex-boyfriend, Dane. She recognized the gravity of losing both Gino and her K-1 visa. It appears Jasmine may have long held an attraction for younger men, and the 90 Day: The Last Resort setting provided a seemingly morally justified opportunity to explore polygamous arrangements with Gino.
Immigration Concerns
Desire for Permanent Residency
Jasmine’s choices also seem heavily influenced by her immigration status. If her primary goal had been solely to find happiness, she might have chosen to separate from Gino long ago. Recently, she expressed her desire to secure a prosperous future for her family in America, indicating that bringing her children to the U.S. is part of her long-term vision. While commendable, this ambition raises questions about the motivations behind her commitment to Gino.
Jasmine’s previous endeavors, which included working as a sugar baby and a teacher, underscore her financial struggles. Marrying Gino may have represented a pathway to establish a life in the U.S., even amidst their disparities in age and trust issues. Only after settling into their marriage did issues about intimacy surface, leading her to propose an open marriage, possibly as a safeguard against future immigration complications.
Control and Manipulation Dynamics
Seeking Validation and Assurance
Another aspect of Jasmine’s personality to consider is her propensity for control within her relationships. Throughout the series, her actions have often appeared strategically calculated. Notably, she maintains a backup Instagram account, which she has transformed into a business tool, mirroring the main account that launched during her initial appearance on television. This mirrored her approach when proposing an open marriage in 90 Day: The Last Resort.
Jasmine’s request for an open marriage can be interpreted as a tactic for assessing her feelings for Matt while still retaining her relationship with Gino. By exploring non-monogamy, she may feel empowered, as it ethically allows her to observe her future without completely severing ties with Gino.
Strategic Decisions and Future Security
Avoiding Perception of Exploitation
It’s worth noting that Jasmine’s exploration of an open marriage could be strategically aimed at securing her future in the U.S. through an ‘anchor baby.’ Recognizing the waning nature of her relationship with Gino and the increasing possibility of him seeking an annulment, Jasmine might have felt compelled to take measures to protect herself from deportation.
Given Gino’s lack of intimacy, Jasmine likely understood that conceiving a child with him was not feasible. This realization spurred her to cultivate a relationship with Matt, who could help fulfill her aim of becoming a mother and thereby enhancing her stability in the U.S. Her suggestion of an open marriage could thus reflect a calculated move to facilitate this transition, portraying herself in a favorable light rather than appearing exploitative of Gino’s support.
90 Day: The Last Resort continues to air Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on TLC.
Source: Matt Branis/Instagram