Unlike many episodes where the reveal ends the friendship, this case ended with a unique reconciliation:
Two months later, the pair revealed they had reconciled. Nelly sent Infiniti a long apology letter and funded a "make-up" vacation to Miami.
This episode is often cited by fans for its focus on the complexities of female friendship and the "reverse-engineering" sometimes found in reality TV production. It also highlighted the hosts' skepticism, notably with Max Joseph’s blunt commentary on Infiniti’s gullibility regarding Dave's claims. 'Catfish' Season 7, Episode 9 Recap - “Infiniti & Dave” [S7E9] Infiniti & Dave
Infiniti, a 19-year-old dancer based in New York City, sought help from hosts Nev Schulman and Max Joseph regarding her six-month online relationship with "Dave". Despite living in the same city, Dave consistently avoided meeting Infiniti, citing work commitments or travel. The investigation initially flagged several "red flags," including:
Research into his phone number led the hosts to a man named "Macksimo," whose profile featured content Infiniti found disturbing. The Revelation Unlike many episodes where the reveal ends the
Infiniti initially refused to forgive Nelly, rejecting a hug after the confrontation.
Dave used multiple phone numbers and claimed to be in California for extended periods. It also highlighted the hosts' skepticism, notably with
The psychological motivation behind the deception was rooted in . Nelly confessed that while catfishing, she learned things about Infiniti that Infiniti had never shared with her in person. This "alternate channel" of communication made Nelly feel closer to her friend, even as she maintained the lie. Aftermath and Analysis