MTV called Ashley Mitchell and Hunter Barfield's relationship "a whirlwind romance ... that quickly derailed into bitter arguments and loathing" (via Reality Blurred). Following their tryst, the two were paired up in season 32 of the series, "The Challenge: Final Reckoning." On the first night, Mitchell slept with fellow contestant Kyle Shore, resulting in Barfield calling her a "stupid f****** s***" and telling contestants that if Mitchell cost him the cash prize, he would "come for her family."
On the season finale, Mitchell and Barfield won the final challenge, with Mitchell finishing slightly ahead of Barfield, giving her the option of keeping the money or splitting it with her partner. Mitchell chose to keep the money stating, "This guy's belittled me, put me down, s***-shamed me, and also threatened my life and my family's life. I'm keeping the money" (via YouTube).
Mitchell's choice to stand up against her toxic ex left everyone shook. In a 2018 interview with People, she explained, "I was sick of the men in that house being so misogynistic ... As soon as I had that chance I did not even double think it." During the season's reunion, Barfield finally took the opportunity to apologize for his past mistakes. Unfortunately for him, it was a little too late.
Hopefully he and other "The Challenge" contestants think twice before making another million-dollar mistake.
