Felipe Prior, an architect and businessman who rose to national prominence after his participation in Big Brother Brasil 20 (BBB 20), has had a romantic journey that, for many years, remained largely private and unconfirmed by the public eye. Unlike many celebrities whose dating lives are a constant subject of speculation, Prior's romantic history was notably quiet until a significant announcement in 2023, marking a new chapter in his personal life. This unique trajectory has made his first publicly acknowledged relationship a focal point of interest, especially as it unfolded amidst considerable public scrutiny and legal challenges.
Prior to his stint on BBB 20, Felipe Prior maintained a low profile regarding his personal relationships. While his professional life as an architect and entrepreneur was known, his romantic entanglements were not a subject of public discussion or media reports. This absence of a public dating history set him apart from many of his peers in the entertainment world, leading to a perception that he was either highly private or had not yet found a long-term partner to share with the world. His time on the reality show, though marked by intense friendships and rivalries, did not feature any romantic pairings, further cementing his image as someone whose focus lay elsewhere.
The landscape of Felipe Prior's romantic life dramatically shifted in March 2023, when, at the age of 30, he publicly announced his first-ever relationship with Jéssica Castro. The announcement came as a surprise to many of his followers, who had grown accustomed to his single status. Prior shared a video on social media detailing his romantic proposal to Castro, which involved a bouquet of flowers and a hidden note inside a dessert during a dinner. This grand gesture was accompanied by his self-proclaimed title, "o último dos românticos" (the last of the romantics), signaling a significant and heartfelt commitment.
Jéssica Castro is a financial educator and digital influencer, born in Rio de Janeiro in 1994. Her background in finance and her online presence as a content creator provided a contrast to Prior's architecture and reality TV fame. The couple's initial public appearances and social media interactions showcased a budding relationship, with both sharing glimpses of their life together. Prior often spoke about how Castro helped him diversify his investments, while he, in turn, advised her on handling the pressures of public attention and online "haters" who sometimes targeted their relationship.
The relationship between Felipe Prior and Jéssica Castro soon faced an unprecedented test. In July 2023, news broke that Prior had been condemned in the first instance to six years in semi-open prison for rape, an accusation that dated back to 2014, prior to his BBB fame. The conviction, and the subsequent detailed report on the TV show Fantástico, ignited a firestorm of public debate and criticism. Many speculated about the future of his newfound relationship with Castro amidst such severe allegations and a legal battle.
Despite the immense public pressure and the gravity of the accusations, Jéssica Castro demonstrated a steadfast commitment to Felipe Prior. While she took measures to privatize her social media accounts to shield herself from the onslaught of negative comments and public scrutiny, she did not end the relationship. Reports indicated that she continued to stand by Prior, and the couple maintained their relationship, choosing to navigate the difficult period together. This decision was met with mixed reactions from the public, with some criticizing her choice and others respecting her personal stance.
The period following the conviction saw the couple maintain a more private profile, though occasional updates from Prior's side suggested their continued togetherness. Their relationship became a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, or, for critics, a controversial bond. The public nature of Prior's legal troubles inevitably cast a shadow over his personal life, but his relationship with Castro appeared to endure, evolving from a public declaration of first love to a partnership tested by extreme circumstances.
As of recent reports, Felipe Prior and Jéssica Castro continue to be in a relationship. Their journey, marked by a surprisingly late entry into public romance for Prior and an immediate immersion into controversy, highlights the complexities of celebrity relationships. From his self-proclaimed "last of the romantics" declaration to navigating a high-profile legal battle, Prior's love story with Castro remains a significant chapter in his public biography, underscoring a bond that has weathered considerable storms since its public inception.