Michael Ilesanmi’s long, drama-filled saga with Angela Deem has left the 90 Day Fiancé universe divided for years, but now, the tides are turning, and fans are questioning everything they once believed about the Nigerian reality star. After more than seven years of emotional turmoil, public arguments, and betrayal, it seems Michael has finally broken free—and some believe he deserves another chance not just at love, but on TV. When Michael first appeared alongside Angela in 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, viewers were skeptical of his intentions. A younger man pursuing a much older, outspoken American woman raised every red flag. But as the seasons progressed, the layers of their relationship began to peel back, exposing not just Michael’s missteps, but Angela’s aggressive, controlling behavior. Now that Michael is in America, away from Angela’s wrath, fans are beginning to see a different side to him—one that suggests he might have been a victim, not just a villain. It’s no longer a black-and-white narrative, and that’s exactly why he deserves a redemption arc on the franchise that made him infamous.

Michael’s critics are quick to remind viewers that he cheated on Angela not once, but twice, and ultimately abandoned her just three months after arriving in the United States. These actions have fueled the image of him as a manipulator who used Angela as a visa ladder to the American dream. But what these critics often ignore is the years of public humiliation, verbal abuse, and isolation Michael endured at the hands of a woman who thrived on dominance. Angela’s behavior was so toxic that even other cast members and fans began demanding her removal from the franchise. Her shouting matches, physical altercations, and tendency to control every aspect of Michael’s life painted a disturbing picture. While cheating should never be excused, some fans now argue that Michael’s actions stemmed from emotional deprivation and desperation, rather than calculated opportunism. If Angela can get countless second chances on television despite her abusive patterns, why can’t Michael be granted one to show who he truly is?

Following his exit from Angela’s household in early 2024, Michael settled in Houston, Texas, and began adjusting to his new life in America. He’s no longer just “Angela’s husband.” He’s establishing his own identity—making friends, experiencing snow for the first time, and embracing social media as a budding influencer. What’s even more telling is that he has received overwhelming financial support from fans, who helped him raise over $50,000 to secure legal representation and fight Angela’s attempts to deport him. That level of crowd-sourced support indicates a dramatic shift in how viewers perceive him. Michael is no longer seen as the scammer from Nigeria, but as someone who escaped a toxic relationship and is trying to build a better future. And isn’t that exactly the kind of story 90 Day Fiancé was built to tell? A flawed individual striving for redemption, hoping for love, and daring to dream? Michael’s narrative could now be a tale of growth, healing, and second chances—and fans are here for it.

Meanwhile, Angela’s spiral continues, but the focus has shifted from heartbreak to revenge. Consumed by the belief that Michael deceived her, she has taken legal steps to annul their marriage and have him deported. Her frustration has boiled over into national media appearances, most notably an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show—which had to be pulled from CBS’s platforms after fans lashed out at her abusive behavior. While some former castmates continue to support Angela, others—and the larger fanbase—are growing tired of her antics. She’s no longer seen as the sassy Southern spitfire, but as a toxic force in the franchise. Ironically, her obsession with taking Michael down has only made fans more sympathetic to his side of the story. Angela appears fixated on vengeance, unable or unwilling to accept that their relationship failed due to her own behavior as much as Michael’s. Her refusal to grow, reflect, or move on contrasts sharply with Michael’s efforts to start anew—and that contrast has only deepened the call for his return to TV.

With both Michael and Angela now living separate lives, the stage is perfectly set for 90 Day: The Single Life or a spin-off that follows Michael without Angela’s domineering presence. Fans have never truly seen him on his own, unfiltered and free to pursue relationships without being shadowed by Angela’s temper. The chance to explore Michael’s real personality—his values, his romantic preferences, and his ability to commit to someone in a healthy way—could be a refreshing addition to the franchise. It’s time for producers to stop rehashing toxic couples and start rebuilding arcs with redemption and growth. Michael might have once been a controversial figure, but he’s no longer the man viewers met years ago. He’s older, wiser, and finally free. Now, he deserves the spotlight—this time, on his own terms.