With the newest season ofThe Bachelorrapidly approaching, all eyes are on leading man, Grant Ellis. The New Jersey native debuted on Jenn Tran’s season ofThe Bachelorettebut was eliminated before the hometown dates. While he and Jenn weren’t the perfect match,his charismatic and positive attitude led producers to invite him back for his own season.Grant seems like the perfect bachelor to leadThe Bachelorseason 29.
Last season culminated in Joey Graziadei’s engagement to winner Kelsey Anderson. As the pair update fans online with their romantic success, fans are vying to watch a new lead search for love.This fan favorite will undoubtedly make an entertaining season, but some may worry that the experience won’t be positive. Many leads endure emotional issues, heartbreak, and deception on the seemingly wholesome dating show.Grant may regret his involvementaltogether.
Jenn Tran Was Heartbroken
Unfortunately, manyBachelorcouples seem perfect on screen but don’t survive long off camera. The pressure of publicity and producer interference can make people appear stronger than they are. There are many benefits, both financially and professionally, from appearing on a major dating show. Subsequently,many contenders and leads have used the system for personal gain.
According toUSA Today, only 4% of Bachelor couples are still together.
Jenn and her season’s winner, Devin Strader, were a part of the unfortunate majority. Jenn and Devin seemed to share a rare connection during their stint on the show, making their joint proposal a particularly memorable season finale. However, their relationship did not last, with the pair returning to update fans on their split. AlthoughDevin seemed genuine and trustworthy, his actions post-filming said otherwise.
Devin told the physician assistant student that he regretted committing to marriage and no longer loved her.
Jenn revealed Devin’s behavior changedafter the finale. She claimed that Devin had grown cold and distant over the two-month long-distance dating period. He then called her on the phone to break off the engagement. Devin told the physician assistant studenthe regretted committing to marriage and no longer loved her. The next day, he followed Jenn’s competitor fromThe Bachelorseason 28, Maria Georgas, on social media. Jenn was devastated and spoke openly about the events. Devin, feeling cornered, shared his side of the story online, coupled with private text conversations between the pair.
The New Jersey native spoke with Kaitlyn Bristowe on the podcast,Off the Vine. She shared more intimate details following the break-up includingevidence of infidelity and his alleged emotional abuse.According to Jenn, several people had reached out with screenshots and DMs from Devin while the pair were together. The release of analleged restraining order from his ex-girlfriendonly made matters worse. It seems as though the contender manipulated Jenn for potential fame and monetary gains.
Joey and Kelsey Have Attracted Backlash
They Will Always Be Criticized
Winners ofThe Bachelorseason 28, Joey and Kelsey, found love through the competition. While they have defied all odds and remained together post-filming,they have attracted backlash that likely interferes with their relationship.Notably, the pair have been accused of leveraging their fame to grow their social media accounts while continuously postponing their marriage. It’s worth noting the couple committed to the wedding during the finale but pushed back the wedding to an unknown date. Joey and Kelsey claim that his involvement in the competitionDancing With The Starstook priority.
Constant criticism undoubtedly has taken a toll on their relationship.
While it’s unclear if the couple does plan to marry or if the relationship was intended to attract fans,the couple has endured scrutiny for their stint.Constant criticism undoubtedly has taken a toll on their relationship. Cheating accusations were hurdled against Joey forhis intimate relationship withDWTSco-star Jenna Johnson. The situation had grown so bothersome thatKelseytook to her TikTok to address rumors. Although she maintains her position and seems confident in her partner, her frustration is noticeable. The couple will likely never return to normalcy after their stint on the show.
Bachelor Contestants Are Notoriously Misleading
Gerry Turner Ruined His Reputation
Jenn can attest to the franchise’s disproportionately ill-intentioned contestants. Unfortunately, like many reality television shows, many contestants use the platform for their personal gain.The Bachelorfranchise has a history of inviting questionable characters on the show. Producers overlook these red flags consistently, leading tomajor disruptions like Gerry Turner.
Gerry seemed like quite the catch during his season onThe Golden Bachelor. He admitted tearfully to the cameras he had lost his late wife in 20217 andcould not bring himself to date again.This retired “restauranteur” was respectful, intelligent, and very successful. The Indiana native left the ladies swooning. What more could audiences ask for?
Not untilThe Hollywood Reporterdelved into his past did viewers begin scrutinizing the leading man. According to their research, not only did Gerry lie about early retirement and retiring period, buthe also lied about his romantic past following the tragic loss of his wife.While Gerry claimed he remained single for years, an anonymous woman came forth about their relationship.
Gerry entered a relationship with this woman, 14 years his junior, only a month after his wife’s passing.
Gerry entered a relationship with this woman,14 years his junior, a month after his wife’s passing.Several relationships followed this two-year commitment. Gerry deceived fans to appear more wholesome. Notably, Gerry discussed with Justin Long on theLife Is Shortpodcast the invasive and lengthy screening process required before participation. It’s more than likely the producers were aware of and even encouraged Gerry’s lies.
The Show Prioritizes Ratings Over Love
The Franchise Is A Business
As previously mentioned,The Bachelorfranchise is known for its extensive vetting process. So, when so many contestants and leads are attached to questionable behaviors and pasts,the franchise should be first investigated.While lying to the masses is not forgivable, it’s worth noting the power dynamic on set. Drama makes good television. Bad behavior is likely encouraged and “minor” lies may be best for ratings.
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Grant seems earnest in his pursuit of love, with his exit video reiterating,“I want a family. I want to be happy. I want a wife. I want to be in love. I want that.”Unfortunately,this platform may not be the ideal venue for love.Grant may find that the experience only led to heartbreak and disappointment.
Grant will undoubtedly make a fantastic lead inThe Bachelor. While the show will always protect their best interests, Grant seems hopeful of the future. With so many alumni remembered for their blunders, he may want to tread carefully. Fans can only hope the show won’t hinder his search for love.
The Bachelorseason 29 premieres June 06, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
The Bachelor
Cast
The series centers on a single bachelor selecting a romantic partner from a group of contestants, with episodes featuring various challenges and eliminations.
