Are Zaina and J.R. From ‘The Ultimatum’ Still Together? She Spills the Details

Zaina Sesay expressed that she felt “entirely blindsided” by the conclusion of “The Ultimatum” Season 3.

The finale, which debuted on December 18, marked the peak of several intense weeks in her relationship with Jon Richard “J.R.” Warren.

Zaina, 32, and J.R., 33, had been together for three years prior to participating in the show. She presented the ultimatum to him, and in the finale, she received her answer. However, she reveals that watching the show has been a more significant revelation.

“I was utterly blindsided by it all,” Zaina shared with TODAY.com during an interview. “I didn’t recognize the person I saw on screen. I did not know who J.R. was. My friends and family were like, ‘Who is that man? We don’t know him.’ I feel like I was deceived the whole time, making it seem like we were in a fake relationship based on his behavior.”

Continue reading to discover how Zaina and J.R.’s journey concluded on the show and their current status.

Do Zaina and J.R. get engaged in the ‘Ultimatum’ finale?

Zaina and J.R. both engaged in trial marriages with Scotty Lewis and Sandy Gallagher, respectively. Initially, it appeared that the experience shifted J.R.’s perspective on marriage during the finale.

“You have shown me a lot of love and care. I want to express my gratitude for that,” J.R. said to Zaina during the finale. “I wasn’t prepared to appreciate it before this.”

As he took her hands, he mentioned that he believed she would make a “fantastic wife and mother” and envisioned himself giving “100%” to ensure her happiness.

“I can see a future with you,” he declared.

However, just as the music halted, J.R. realized he wasn’t prepared to provide her with what she rightfully deserved. He admitted he wasn’t the “rock” or “provider” he aspired to be, ultimately deciding to leave the show single.

Zaina accepted his decision gracefully, telling J.R. that he would be an incredible husband someday. “Deep down, I just knew you weren’t ready,” she expressed.

Both became emotional as Zaina conveyed her love for J.R., and they shared a kiss. He echoed her feelings, stating, “You’re still my favorite person,” Zaina added.

Reflecting on that day with TODAY.com, Zaina admitted she was uncertain if J.R. would propose.

“It was tough to gauge because during the entire trial marriage, he kept saying the right things to keep me hopeful,” she explained. “I felt like there was a chance we could have left together or at least not gotten engaged but continued our relationship outside of the show.”

However, on “Ultimatum Day,” she noticed his body language was revealing his intent.

“He kept stepping back, and I was like, ‘Are you trying to disappear like Homer Simpson? I’m perplexed,'” she said.

What is Zaina and J.R.’s relationship like now?

Regarding her current relationship with J.R., Zaina shared with TODAY.com that it is “non-existent.”

“It’s unfortunate because I consider myself a very understanding person. I appreciate having conversations, and I think that if he had taken any accountability, we could have remained cordial. Instead, he evaded any real dialogue,” she stated.

The reality star elaborated, “It’s almost like passing a stranger on the street. We encounter each other at events, and I don’t even look his way because everything that transpired was incredibly disrespectful.”

Zaina expressed her relief that “everything came to light” and that she has found peace with the conclusion of her relationship.

“It’s unfortunate that I had to endure that experience, but I believe sometimes God reveals truths. It became evident: J.R. and I were not meant to be together, and he needed to be removed,” she remarked.

The real shock for Zaina, she added, was observing J.R.’s relationship with Sandy, his trial marriage partner. On the show, J.R. and Sandy openly shared their growing feelings and even exchanged kisses. This was, however, news to Zaina.

“When we switched back, J.R. was very adamant about saying, ‘Nothing happened. Sandy initiated everything.’ He downplayed it to the extent that I believed him, thinking, ‘There’s nothing for me to worry about,'” she recounted.

Although Sandy had communicated with Zaina about the trial marriage, Zaina confessed she was unaware of the depth of their relationship until recently.

“After the show, he never provided me with closure, nor did he engage in any real conversations. I only learned about what transpired between him and Sandy last month, before we filmed the reunion,” she shared.

Since the show concluded, Zaina’s family has been a source of support, expressing their “deep concern” for her wellbeing.

“They’re thanking God I’m out of that toxic dynamic. They’re showering me with love while also urging me to ‘just stay away from him,'” she said.

During the reunion, which aired on December 18, J.R. shared his perspective, asserting that Zaina was upset about their post-show separation and didn’t want him to date others.

“I informed her that I needed time to process things, but she wanted to resume our previous relationship, disregarding everything that transpired, and get back together,” J.R. stated. “We’re not together. I feel that to truly understand what we want from our relationship, we need this time apart. I believe she was upset about that.”

Zaina clarified that during their breakup, they lived across from each other while still communicating and spending time together.

“Naturally, I felt really confused, and he consistently refused to provide closure,” Zaina explained. “I would ask, ‘Okay, during this break, are we seeing other people?’ That’s a valid question. I was seeking clarity, not being controlling.”

“I hold a lot of love for Zaina. I’m unsure why she feels this hostility. I’ve been there for her whenever she reached out. I haven’t shut her out at any time,” J.R. responded. “I haven’t given her closure because I’m still in the process of dealing with everything.”

Where is Zaina now?

Zaina asserts she has “no regrets” about participating in the show and would gladly do it “a million times over” because, prior to this, she was “blinded to the truth.”

“I’m genuinely grateful for the entire experience, despite its challenges and the tears I shed during the healing process,” she stated.

Following the show, she embarked on a “deep healing journey.”

“I began prioritizing myself and fully embracing my passions. I left my corporate job to pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. I’m in the process of establishing my own wellness brand. Fitness, wellness, and self-care are the three primary areas I aim to focus on, along with mental health,” she shared.

Zaina added that she is excited to share her story with others “to help them recognize when it’s time to walk away.”