"Don't call me, don't talk to me, forget me then." Joey reacts to his breakup with Michael on Love after Lockup

Breakups are never easy, but when you're on national television, they come with a side of public scrutiny. For Love After Lockup stars Michael and Joey, things went from hopeful to heartbreaking in a matter of minutes. Just as fans were rooting for a post-prison fresh start, Michael threw a curveball that nobody, especially Joey, saw coming.

Michael suddenly announced that he needed space. The result? A blindsided Joey, a confused audience, and yet another emotional rollercoaster courtesy of Love After Lockup.

"Don't call me, don't talk to me, forget me then."

Joel said to the camera while clearly struggling to stay composed.

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Michael steps back from the Love After Lockup romance

In what might be the most brutal blow of the season so far, Michael told Joey he needed a break. Not a chat, not a pause, but a full-on break.

Joey, clearly hurt, had just gotten Michael back after a long separation due to prison. There was hope. There were plans. There were even some cozy reunion moments that looked like they might lead somewhere. But then, the emotional rug was pulled out.

Michael told Joey that he was not really trying to do the whole relationship thing right now, adding that he needed to focus on himself. For Joey, who had been patiently navigating the uncertainty, this wasn’t just disappointing, it was devastating.

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A return to old patterns and familiar heartbreak

Michael’s past has never stayed in the past for long on Love After Lockup. He’s a repeat presence in the show’s drama-heavy timelines, often cycling through relationships, legal issues, and emotional setbacks.

This time, viewers were hoping things might be different. Joey’s stability seemed like a possible anchor. But instead of building something solid, Michael chose to pull away again.

"Michael said he couldn't do this, okay then. Be done, don't call me, don't talk to me. Forget me then. I don't want to hear what he's got to say, because whatever he's got to say is bulls*it."

Joey’s quiet response made it clear that he was trying not to fall apart on camera, but the sadness was all over his face.

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Signs of Trouble all year long

Michael’s announcement didn’t come out of nowhere, there were signs. Throughout the season, viewers noticed his hesitation and moments of doubt. But seeing it all unfold on screen, in real time, made the emotional impact that much stronger. Joey, who had been so hopeful about their future, was left grappling with the reality that Michael might not be ready to move forward. His quiet heartbreak was a stark contrast to Michael’s withdrawal, making the split feel even more one-sided.

"You've done enough of this all f**king year."

This latest development on Love After Lockup isn’t just another reality TV drama, it’s a reminder of the challenges many couples face when trying to rebuild after incarceration. The journey is never simple, and emotions can run deep and complicated. For Joey and Michael, that complexity has been front and center, with viewers watching every twist and turn. Now, with Michael stepping back, fans are left wondering if this is the end of the line or just another pause in their tumultuous story.

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What’s next for Michael and Joey?

For now, it’s unclear what direction this story will take next on Love After Lockup. Michael has taken a step back. Joey is left picking up the emotional pieces. And fans are left with more questions than answers.

Will Michael return, as he has so many times before? Will Joey move on and finally find someone ready for the same level of commitment? The future is wide open, just not in the way either of them probably hoped.

With Love After Lockup, there are rarely clean endings. What you do get, though, are real emotions, raw breakups, and the kind of drama that sticks with you after the screen goes black.

So while Michael might be gone (again), Joey’s story is far from over.