Remember that tear-jerking scene in Episode 1 of Breaking Amish, where Jeremiah and his Amish girlfriend break up?
Jeremiah and Iva
Image courtesy of TLC
Maybe one reason the two didn’t display much emotion, is simply because they never did love each other. New evidence suggests that this scene is just another staged scene.
A source was kind enough to send me a link to an Iva’s Facebook page. The Iva depicted in the photos on that page appears to be the same Iva shown on Breaking Amish. The source also said that Iva has always lived in Pennsylvania and never in Holmes County, Ohio where the scene was supposedly filmed. On the Facebook page, I found a lot of photos dating back to 2011 in which Iva isn’t dressed Amish. I think it’s reasonable to believe that Iva also left the Amish some time before filming began.
The screenshot below, shows a photo of Iva in New York City. The photo was uploaded to Facebook on December 23, 2011.
Iva in New York City, December 2011
The images of Iva in addition to anecdotal evidence given by various sources, I believe, is reason to question the authenticity of the relationship between Jeremiah and Iva.
The screenshot below shows more of Iva’s photos:
Iva’s Photos
The screenshots above were taken from Iva’s public Facebook page several weeks ago. She has since set her page to private.
X Amish Atheist 
I think it is great that these people had work, but for them to lie *so* much is…well not criminal, but near that sentiment. Thanks for posting.
I started having my doubts about this show as soon as that scene was played. I thought that she was way to pretty to be with a guy like Jeremiah. The whole scene seemed off to me.
As for this blog, I’m really glad that you have brought to light the fact that this show is pure BS. I don’t know how dumb TLC thinks their viewers are, but this show sinks IMHO to a new low when it comes to pure fiction in reality TV. (I’m not counting Honey Boo Boo).
I started watching this show with my wife and 15 year daughter thinking it was going to be some what educational. A way to learn a little more about the Amish. But as soon as ep. 2, I realized this was anything but a “true” story. It was just one set up situation after another that where so transparently staged. You have done a great job pointing out almost all of the things that stuck me as strange.
The last ep. where the girls get “waxed” and where OK with letting a total stranger wax there vaginas even when they where asked if they wanted just a “bikini wax” which I would think would be way to embarrassing for them, they went with the total waxing, and where filmed while having it done. Then they where just fine talking about it. This weeks ep. looks to push things even farther with the girls visiting a “sex” shop. Really? When I saw this scene in the previews in last weeks ep, I decided to start looking into the show online because it’s going way over the line IMHO.
And boy did I find a lot of info, which mostly pointed to this blog as the source of where the info was coming from. I’ve read through a lot of this blog and the comments, and all I can say is great job, and keep up the good work!.
I would like this show to be exposed to the point where TLC starts to lose advertising due to the fact that this is a work of pure fiction and is openly condemning the Amish community. I also think this show should be pulled before the session is over, and TLC should apologize for advertising this show as being a “reality” show, which it is far from being.
And to think when I first stared watching this show I really felt that this group of innocent people where being exploited by TLC.
were; their
TLC is a successful corporation, with plenty of resources (both human and financial) at its disposal.
You are a single person protesting – without a valid complaint – and on top of that, a person with extremely poor spelling/grammar/usage skills, implying a limited level of education.
Do the math, who’s going to win? Do you honestly believe you can do anything to TLC? They do not have any obligation to account for public ignorance. If the show is entertaining, people will watch it – notwithstanding its credibility. As a member of the public, you are expected to be capable of rationalizing a situation, and displaying good judgment regarding what is shown to you – particularly by paying advertising bodies. To imply that a television network has some kind of duty to censor its broadcasting/speech so as not to “mislead” some of the less intelligent people in the community is ridiculous. TLC has no obligation to you whatsoever. Why would it seem like a good idea to publish a comment – on a sketchy internet page – stating that you are not smart enough to distinguish between fact and fiction, and the government should have to “protect you” from TLC? If networks had a responsibility to ensure that everything they broadcast was the strict and verifiable truth…gosh. Not only would every station turn to an (unbiased) version of the news, but free speech and freedom of the press would just shut down.
The government expects you to have a brain in your head and to USE IT. The show was not the “educational” feast you expected. Big deal. The fact that you came to the wrong conclusion does not mean anyone owes you anything. Perhaps next time think of a more viable method of educating your daughter than through a television channel.
You are a single person protesting the above (gracious reader’s) comment. On top of that, you have demonstrated poor grammar/usage skills, implying a limited level of education.
Let’s take a look at your third paragraph. The first sentence is actually a run-on sentence containing two independent clauses. The third sentence is poorly written. Your fifth sentence contains a comma error because “displaying good judgment…” is a dependent clause rather than an independent clause. Your seventh sentence incorrectly combines two independent clauses–making the last clause independent but incomplete. Your eighth sentence is incomplete, but I can appreciate that you were using a rhetorical device there.
Well, this has been fun!
Giggity, why don’t you go dangle a participle or something and get a life.
Who cares! Pure entertainment! The same as all that mess as the Real Housewife series…..who cares how many pairs of black/red designer shoes a rich woman has in an apartment size walkin closet! I don’t! Doesn’t pay my rent or put food on my table or pay the insurance on my car. Don’t get mad at TLC..they have other shows you could enjoy. Just don’t watch if it bothers you do much. Pure entertainment. ?..turn your tv off…read a book instead. Hahahahaha
This may seem like a ridiculous thing to point out but didn’t anyone notice Iva’s extremely fake blonde highlights? I know everyone has said about eyesbrows being perfectly groomed, but this is different. The girl has perfectly salon given blonde highlights. Noone has natural highlights like that…..
I noticed the same thing!
I really enjoy your blog. You are a great writer. i have been wondering about this for a while now: supposedly, Jeremiah was married to Naomi Stutzman and allegedly beat her which led to her living in a battered woman’s center. Naomi Stutzman’s facebook page, however, shows her to be an older woman (much older than Jeremiah.) I know that there are multiple Naomi Stutzman’s in the world, however, this particular facebook page shows that this Naomi Stutzman lives in Ohio and is an ex-amish and has written a book about the Amish lifestyle. Her cover photo also shows three young girls who she said in a comment were here grandchildren, the daughters of a Monica Stocker. The three girls resemble Jeremiah greatly. I am now thinking that Naomi Stutzman is Jeremiah’s mother-in-law and is posing as his ex-wife because his actual ex-wife does not want to be involved in all of this press drama. What do you think?
You’re looking at the wrong Naomi. She really is Jeremiah’s ex-wife and I believe she’s in her mid to upper twenties. She has a Facebook account but she may have it set to private so that she doesn’t come up in search results.
What happened? It’s been 10 days since the last post. I’ve been coming here after each episode for the rundown on what’s real and not. Come back XAA!
I’m still here, Josh. I’m just not reviewing individual episodes of Breaking Amish anymore. I find it deleterious (i.e. depressing and angering) to my mental well-being.
Love this blog. Can’t wait to read your thoughts on last Sundays episode. At least they’re starting to divulge some new info.
Just read that you weren’t reviewing the show anymore. Bummer. Your reviews were great.
Thanks! Yeah, I’m not reviewing the individual episodes anymore. I might post more general articles, I just have to see if I can get the time.
I miss your weekly comments as well! I also read that there will be a ” reunion” show to delve into the truths, lies and updates. That should be more interesting than any individual episode. A quick, somewhat naive question: in a recent episode Sabrina told Jeremiah to stop speaking Dutch. Do most Mennonite sects not speak Dutch?
Most Mennonite sects do not speak Pennsylvania Dutch. I know a few very conservative Mennonites that do but I’m not sure if their entire community does or if these individuals just picked it up from their Amish friends.
Thank you as always for your intelligent and well written point of view. I heard your section on Penn’s show and was surprised that he didn’t delve more into your journey to atheism, but it was definitely riveting. I am intrigued by the Amish and agree that this show puts them in an undeservedly bad light. I hope more viewers realize these episodes are completely fake and staged and don’t judge Amish people any differently. Very poor judgment on the part of TLC, and could be potentially dangerous.
Did you notice the news that there will be a “reunion episode” (a two-part episode on top of that) in which the cast deals with the allegations that they have mis-represented their past. There’s a clip on-line from the reunion, and based on that, they are going to talk about a few questions raised about their pasts, but I doubt they will give satisfactory answers to them.
I haven’t watched the show after the second episode, but based on what people have said on-line, it has not answered virtually any of the questions that were raised after the show began airing. TLC said in the beginning that “There is a lot of information floating around about the group featured on Breaking Amish. Much of it is not true, but some of it is — and is addressed in upcoming episodes.” Despite that, no answers have been given.
So I’m almost certain that there is no way the reunion episode is going to clarify the situation much, especially considering that there are literally hundreds of weird details about the show; tattoos, coloured hair, pics online, court documents, use of language, shooting locations in the first episode, etc.
I’m hoping the reunion episodes will be an honest look at the allegations that have come up but I doubt they will.
if yall dnt like the show, or how things r going, just STOP WATCHING!! Its 4 entertainment purposes!! I personally still like it &have learned a lot since watching! Cud theyve went about it differntly, yes… But nonetheless, its still good tv!!
Greetings X – I have to add my name to the list of those who miss your weekly reviews, but I understand the effect it must have on your mental well being, and that is far more important than entertaining strangers. I’m sure many of your other readers will agree with me that you and the other ex Amish have done far more to educate the non-Amish population than this show could ever hope, and for that I thank you.
You truly have a talent for the written word, so please keep writing and I’ll keep stopping by to read!
Yeah just wondering… Did anyone else notice that “Iva’s” name changed in the new episode to “ivy”? What the????
I noticed that too lol. i liked the zoom in on her face after he left the house as shes staring out the front door window like 2 feet away from a camera
Hi X,
I have enjoyed your recaps and thoughts on Breaking Amish.
Because I live in Puxsutawney, I see Rebecca and Abe around town from time to time. After speaking to a few Amish friends, I understand this show is not acceptable to them and the folks participating are very much looked down upon in the Amish communites in this area.
TLC has made a mockery of a very sensitive sitiuation.
Love your writing! Keep up the good work..
Wow, I stumbled upon this topic while googleing “is the long island medium a fake” I am sooooo glad I found this. . . Whatever you call it? A blog? Or a thread? Anyhow, I live just outside of shippensburg pa. And have become familiar with true Amish people and how they “really” live. I was raised baptist in the deep south, and you only know about people and their cultures by what you see on tv. Well first of all, I tried to walk the walk of being a “real” Christian, for years. I was so afraid of the doubts that kept creeping into my mind. I knew god knew everyone’s thoughts, so if I died, I would go to hell because at times I doubted God, or I doubted the stories were really true. I struggled everyday with that fear. Sometimes every second of everyday. I tried to see answers where were none. I begged and pleaded that god remove the doubt from my mind, yet I heard nothing, saw nothing, felt nothing. That went on for years. Finally, I guess I was 32 and heard myself say out loud, this is all bullshit. And that was the end of the struggle. That’s when I became truly free. I see so many simalaritys in these story’s. I just wish atheists had some sort of support system or something to help the new “non believers” to acclimate to the shock of reality. For some it is to unbearable. Well thanks very much for the posts and keep up the good work.
There isn’t much of any support system for atheists but there are groups popping up online here and there. This blog is my way of dealing with it.
Well, your blog is awesome. What I think is frightening is, TLC “The learning channel” is far from it. I had gotten so used to watching the programs they air, that I totally abandoned what “TLC” actually ment. There really isn’t much To learn from these rating driven networks of hog slop. Matter if fact, if a person was to watch a natgeo. Special, then research the topic for ones self, that person would find very many falsehoods, deception, and down right lies. All because these network owners/ producers etc. know that most Americans anyway, don’t seek alternative sources of knowledge. They know that. Basically we see it on the news, or a deality show so it must be true. And the ignorant will defend the crap that the media spews everyday. What I mean is, I you were to research a topic, gather the reference material, even bring physical evidence, most people would call you a conspiracy theorist, you to your face that they don’t care about the truth. People are afraid of truth, they would rather believe in a fairytale deity that protects them, than to acquire knowledge through science. How did the human race prevail through evolution at this rate? Yo, I’d like give a shout out to my caveman brothas from the past. . . Peace.
Oh, and I think TLC will claim that they were “mislead” buy some of the cast and blame it all on them. And again, everyone in tv land will believe it.
Hiya
I am not Amish, but my father left a community in his youth, and I was raised with Amish principles (No make-up-even on my wedding day, no television in the house, cooking, sewing, modesty, kindness, etc.) I walked by my husband’s television the other day and saw about a minute of Breaking Amish. I told my husband, “That is fake. The Amish would never allow a television camera crew in their house. They don’t even like still photographs”
So I began researching, and found your blog. I just wanted to say, “Thank you for expounding on the truth. Even when you feel no one is listening, you are planting seeds.”
Hugs
Carol
What amazes me is Jeremiah’s twitter account. When the shows were being aired he played along. Now he wants to stick up for himself on Facebook. People like the fakes on this show and the producers of such filth are disgusting.
Iva left the Amish two years ago, when she was 16, along with her parents. She was hired and paid for her performance as Jeremiah’s gf. The scene’s were filmed in Lancaster, PA. Iva has a boyfriend and it sure isn’t Jeremiah… lol… She had taken her FB page down but recently put it back up…
This chick is on the new “Breaking Amish LA” I saw a commercial for. My memory for reality television isn’t that great, but I do have a knack for remembering faces and I remember her scene with Jeremiah being ridiculously scripted. Looks like the new show will have more fakers. Looks like they’re following the same formula with dramatizations of them leaving their homes in the Amish community in the beginning. At the very least I hope -these- kids aren’t all a bunch of assholes.
Iva is on the new Breaking Amish series; Breaking Amish
LA. On the website http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/breaking-amish-meet-the-new-cast-heading-to-los-angeles-2013186 they say “Devon, 21, from Indiana, and Iva, 19, from Pennsylvania are both Amish and want to explore living life among the so-called “English,” or non-Amish.” however, Iva has been non-Amish for quite a while now, and since Jeremiah was from OH, then Iva was also from Ohio,
NOT Pennsylvania.
Nope… She’s from Pennsylvania. She never knew Jeremiah before filing those scenes with him.
Yeah, she said in Breaking Amish LA that she has lived in Ohio.
Pingback: Jeremiah Raber's fake ex-girlfriend Iva is on Breaking Amish: LA
Betsy is supposedly from Ohio but not that long ago I saw cameras not far from a store I been many times, where I belive in the past I saw Iva working (They sell baked goods?!) She was real pretty too but you could tell had some issue with acne in the past. I could be wrong it may be someone who looked a awfull lot like her?? either way I think I have a pretty good idea where the Ohio one lives!
I bet they have changed things around to protect them as much as they can / so we dont find out the truth. some are just as much english as you or I and simply play the part…their making money like all get out with all the tourists. I live a county away but want to move up there where there is always work AND they want to leave the best county in ohio crazy!
didnt Iva father turn Jeremiah away from the door once? But she says he left?? am i confused or they?
Iva lives in Pennsylvania. She never lived in Ohio.
What is Iva’s last name?
this is from http://starcasm.net/archives/229388 :
Kim
•22 days ago
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Iva Troyer is her name. Has not been amish for years…has her drivers license and has been on many vacations including a Caribbean cruise…she is also engaged to be married
Obviously the relationship was fake. In the flashback, Iva is wearing a full head cap. In the series she stars in, she is wearing a heart shaped transparent cap. So which community is she supposed to be from?
So, in the first season, Jeremiah is 32, and has (supposedly) been together with Iva for two years. In the second season, Iva is 19.
So, supposing the relationship was true, she was 17 (or younger, I don’t know how long it was between filming these seasons) when they got together. And he was 30. Isn’t that a little creepy? Even if it’s not true, TLC is portraying it that way.
Im guessing im a bit late to the party here but ive discovered a couple of facebook pages which are active, one belonging to a Naomi L. Stutzman whom i believe to be Jeremiah’s Ex-Wife by a post on the 2nd facebook account commenting about age’s (which surprisingly matches up) which as it turns out to belongs to a miss Tanika Raber (who also claims to be an Actor for TLC).
Also looking at the 2nd accounts friends list it appears to be that there is quite a few current Amish people with facebook accounts which comes to me as a big “WTF” moment as i was on the assumption that the “Interwebz” for the Amish was a direct ticket to sin/debauchery and hell.