Among the stars of TLC’s wide branching reality TV franchise 90 Day Fiancé, Paul Staehle provides some of the most entertaining and hilarious moments.
Paul first appears in season one of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days with his then-girlfriend Karine Martins. Karine and Paul’s tumultuous relationship over the course of several seasons give fans an in-depth look at his personality and unintentional behaviors. Despite fans’ disdain for Paul, it is undeniable that he consistently adds a comedic element to the show.
Paul Runs Away
Arguably the funniest coping mechanism of Paul Staehle is his compulsion to literally run away from confrontation. In season one of Before the 90 Days, Paul decides that he needs to come clean with Karine and share the dark details of his past.
He pulls Karine aside to explain that he has gone to jail for arson and has a restraining order from his ex-girlfriend. Before Karine can even begin to process the confession, Paul freaks out and takes off running. Hilarity ensues as Karine, the camera crew, and producers chase after Paul through the surrounding vegetation.
Paul Packs Too Much Luggage
Without fail, every time Paul travels to visit Karine in Brazil, he packs too many bags. In the first episode of the first season of The Other Way, Paul prepares five pieces of luggage to take with him on his flight. When told that he cannot take all of his baggage, he throws a tantrum in the middle of the airport and refuses to go on his flight without all of his luggage. The child-like behavior displayed by a grown man is, unfortunately, very funny.
Paul Doesn’t Recognize Karine
Another instance of Paul’s high entertainment value is when he is completely oblivious to Karine. In season two of Before the 90 Days, Karine goes to pick up Paul from the airport. Paul mutters to himself and proceeds to walk right by as she awkwardly calls his name and waves. Paul is distracted because he is having problems with his luggage. The tense moment is almost immediately lightened when he does recognize her and a sweet reunion takes place.
Paul Goes Swimming
In true Paul Staehle fashion, he creates a hilarious moment when he decides to wear a condom while swimming. Karine invites Paul on a day date to swim in the Amazon. The scene grows strange because Paul, per the doctor’s orders, brought something additional to protect himself.
He explains matter-of-factly to the camera that the draw-string piece of fabric protects him from anything from swimming up inside of him. Fan comment sections and Karine alike were confused and entertained by this extra provision before getting into the water.
Paul Goes Swimming Part 2
Paul and Karine’s swimming date is so entertaining that it deserves a second mention. After he finally has all of his protective gear on, Paul finally gets into the water, and fans are given a feast of awkward splashing and spluttering as he tries to find his bearings.
In addition to his water condom, Paul is wearing a full pair of pants, a shirt, and a life vest. His movements suggest that swimming may not be his favorite activity. Karine tries to make light of the situation by playfully splashing water at him, but it only further exacerbates Paul. These moments in the river are extremely entertaining.
Paul’s Luggage Is Searched
As Paul journeys to visit Karine in season 1 of The Other Way, one of the legs of the trip is a boat up the river. On the boat, his luggage is searched by authorities. Paul’s poor Portuguese on top of his poor social skills land him in a tense and awkward situation. Each of his bags is searched as he bounces around explaining the odd and plentiful items he brought on his trip.
Paul Explains He Isn’t a Terrorist
In season one of The Other Way, Paul has returned to Brazil, this time intending to stay and live with Karine in Tonantins. However, to live with Karine and their soon-to-be-born baby, he must first get his visa approved by the government. To fans’ delight and Paul’s surprise, he is denied his visa because of a mistranslation.
His criminal record in Portuguese translates as a much more serious offense, that being terrorism. When told he was denied because of acts of terrorism Paul, is completely flabbergasted. He must then poorly explain that arson is not terrorism. Unfortunately, Paul’s misfortune translates as an amusing spectacle.
Paul Meets Karine’s Parents
Upon meeting Karine’s parents for the first time in season one of Before the 90 Days, Paul creates a very awkward and silly moment. He tries to explain to Karine’s father that he wants to take her to stay the night at a hotel.
Her father is concerned, thinking Paul wants to have inappropriate relations with his daughter. The language barrier and the implications of a hotel make for one hilarious albeit cringeworthy moment.
Paul Runs Away, Again!
After finding out that he has been denied his visa, Paul is devastated and worried about the effect that this news could have on Karine and their baby. As Paul sits and explains the situation, he pauses for a moment and then shoots off running past the camera and producers.
Multiple YouTube compilations with thousands of views suggest that fans recognize these as some of Paul’s funniest moments. An honorable mention goes to a later moment in the season when he runs away again when he and Karine are waiting to board the boat to Tonantins. His constant break downs and freakouts are oddly entertaining and make for hilarious reality television.
Paul Goes to the Dog House
In season 1 of The Other Way, Paul comes home to find a disgruntled Karine after a long day of drumming up work in Tonantins. The two begin to argue, and, as accusations fly, the tension is palpable. As the fight climaxes and comes to an end, Karine is left crying and Paul is in the doghouse. Paul literally goes outside and crawls into the doghouse. Paul inside the doghouse is indisputably one of his funniest moments.
