Age of Attraction Star Reveals Daughter's Backlash Over Age-Gap Relationship

Theresa DeMaria says one of her co-stars' kids cut off contact after learning of their parent's romance.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:08pm

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Theresa DeMaria, a star of the reality show Age of Attraction, revealed that one of her co-stars faced backlash from their daughter over the age-gap relationship featured on the show. While DeMaria said her own three children were supportive of her relationship with a man 27 years her junior, she noted that another cast member's daughter "did do that, but I'm not going to say who." The article also provides updates on the other couples from the show's first season.

Why it matters

The story highlights the challenges that can arise when age-gap relationships become public, even within a celebrity's own family. It also touches on broader societal attitudes towards these types of relationships and the ongoing conversations around women's empowerment and equality.

The details

According to DeMaria, aside from some public criticism, her own children were supportive of her relationship with John Merrill, who is 27 years younger. However, she revealed that one of her co-stars' daughters "did do that" and cut off contact after learning of their parent's age-gap romance. The article does not specify which cast member this involved, but notes that the only other stars with daughters were Andrew Wheeler and Jorge Sanchez. Wheeler, 38, had paired up with Libby Vodicka, 22, while Sanchez, 60, dated Vanelle Fenmou, 27.

  • The Age of Attraction reunion special is set to premiere on The Viall Files' YouTube channel on April 1, 2026.

The players

Theresa DeMaria

A 54-year-old star of the reality show Age of Attraction, who formed a relationship with a man 27 years her junior.

John Merrill

Theresa DeMaria's 27-year-old partner.

Andrew Wheeler

A 38-year-old Age of Attraction cast member who paired up with a woman 16 years younger.

Libby Vodicka

A 22-year-old woman who dated Andrew Wheeler on Age of Attraction.

Jorge Sanchez

A 60-year-old Age of Attraction cast member who dated a woman 33 years his junior.

Vanelle Fenmou

A 27-year-old woman who dated Jorge Sanchez on Age of Attraction.

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What they’re saying

“If I were to put a percentage on it, I would say 95 percent of the people out there are totally in support of me, cheerleading me, and really want us to be together.”

— Theresa DeMaria

“It makes me feel a lot more confident and happy to know that they wrote that to you. I had no idea what it said. And so, I don't want to walk away.”

— Theresa DeMaria

What’s next

The Age of Attraction reunion special is set to premiere on The Viall Files' YouTube channel on April 1, 2026, where viewers may learn more about the fallout between the cast member and their disapproving daughter.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex dynamics that can arise when age-gap relationships become public, even within a celebrity's own family. It underscores the ongoing societal debates around women's empowerment, equality, and the acceptance of unconventional romantic partnerships.