Ned Fulmer Speaks Out on Cheating Scandal After Leaving The Try Guys (Exclusive)

Ned Fulmer is stepping back into the public eye, three years after his career took a significant hit due to an infidelity scandal while part of The Try Guys. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, he discussed his journey through the aftermath of his actions and his efforts to rebuild his life, relationship, and career. The main focus of his narrative is accountability and a sincere desire to share the lessons learned from his experiences, which culminate in his new podcast titled Rock Bottom.

Summary of Events

Fulmer, a co-founder of The Try Guys, gained popularity for his "wife guy" persona, portraying a devoted husband and father. However, in September 2022, his public image was shattered when he admitted to engaging in a consensual affair with a colleague. The scandal prompted the remaining members of The Try Guys—Keith Habersberger, Zach Kornfeld, and Eugene Lee Yang—to announce that Fulmer would no longer work with the brand. The fallout was swift and ruthless, with Fulmer being edited out of existing content and memes surfacing across social media.

In the immediate aftermath, he expressed regret through a now-deleted Instagram post, yet he retreated from the public eye to focus on his personal life and mental health. His hiatus marked a stark shift from the constant content creation that characterized his prior career.

A Time of Reflection

During his absence from social media, Fulmer dedicated himself to self-reflection and mending his relationship with his wife, Ariel. He candidly admits to the devastation he caused both to her and their family. Their efforts to navigate the emotional turmoil involved couples therapy, allowing them to explore their issues and establish new boundaries rooted in mutual respect and honesty.

Fulmer emphasizes that this process has not only strengthened their relationship but also transformed their approach to sharing their lives. "Every cent that we spent on therapy was worth it for the improvements in our family life," he states, indicating a newfound commitment to both personal growth and partnership.

The Launch of Rock Bottom

Fulmer’s return to content creation comes with the introduction of his podcast, Rock Bottom, where he aims to facilitate impactful conversations with individuals facing their own significant challenges. The show intends to spotlight stories of resilience, including people who have overcome addiction, convictions, and the public eye’s negative gaze.

The debut episode features a raw dialogue with Ariel about their journey through infidelity, underscoring the "terrifying" nature of discussing such personal matters under public scrutiny. The couple faced moments where they wanted to exit the conversation, but ultimately found pride in their openness and vulnerability.

A Shift in Content Philosophy

Unlike the lighthearted skits and challenges that characterized The Try Guys, Fulmer acknowledges that his content will now reflect a deeper, more introspective narrative. He remarks that his time away has taught him to avoid representing himself as a "caricature" of his past persona, insisting that authenticity is now paramount.

"[I was] presenting myself as a ‘wife guy’ who talked about his adorable relationship," he reflects. "It’s obviously not how real relationships work," he admits, recognizing that the disconnect between his online identity and personal reality was damaging.

This newfound authenticity extends to Fulmer’s relationship with his audience. He notes the importance of establishing boundaries regarding his family life and his children’s privacy, a lesson learned during his period of reflection.

Addressing the Past

Though the specter of his past actions looms large, Fulmer feels that addressing his mistakes is crucial for moving forward in his career. He believes that public figures bear a responsibility to reestablish their identity following controversies, stating, "I know that addressing the past is something that people care about and want to hear."

His willingness to confront his past opens him up to scrutiny but reflects a genuine commitment to growth. "It’s a necessary step to move into a new chapter," he argues, recognizing the need to provide context to his transformation.

Navigating Public Reaction

Fulmer acknowledges the mixed reactions he may face upon his return but maintains an optimistic perspective. He’s learned the importance of tuning out negativity while being receptive to constructive criticism. "I think I’ve come to understand that I have to tune it out a little bit…let the work speak for itself," he reflects.

As he embarks on this new journey, his focus is not just on recovering his professional reputation but on making meaningful connections and fostering discussions about overcoming adversity. By creating space for stories of struggle and redemption, Fulmer aims to craft a narrative that resonates with others facing their own difficulties.

Final Thoughts

Ned Fulmer’s journey is a poignant reminder that personal growth often comes in the wake of adversity. His experiences serve as a testament to the complexities of relationships, accountability, and the pursuit of integrity. In sharing his story through Rock Bottom, he seeks to inspire others who have found themselves at their own "rock bottom" to engage in candid conversations and explore the possibilities of growth and reconciliation.

As Fulmer prepares to reenter the digital landscape, he encourages an atmosphere of honesty and open dialogue. Whether through therapy, podcasts, or sharing personal stories, his mission seems clear: to explore the depths of human experience and emerge stronger, both personally and professionally. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear; Fulmer is committed to forging a new path defined by authenticity, connection, and hope.

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