Bachelor in Paradise has halted production of its fourth season and it is reportedly because of sexual misconduct between two of the contestants.
Warner Bros released this statement, “We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico. We have suspended production and we are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action.”
While the studio did not elaborate what happened, a source told People, “It’s an incredibly difficult and complicated situation, primarily involving two contestants.” The source added, “The show absolutely values the primacy of consent, and this instance it appears as though conduct allegedly occurred without the proper consent having been given. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, and a lot of people who need a chance to tell their stories fully, and the producers and the authorities will make sure they are given every opportunity to do so. Most of all, everyone wants to ensure the safety and well-being, both mentally and physically, of all parties involved.”
What happened? According to TMZ, the show asked DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios to hook up. That they did in the pool with a lot of alcohol involved as other contestants looked on. There was a lot of nudity, Russian Hands and Roman Fingers, and then something happened that is said to have become worrisome to the other houseguests in Mexico. TMZ says that Jackson, “says she put her genitals in his face and he began licking.” That is where the problem lays. When producers saw the video of the interaction, they felt uncomfortable and halted production.
No word if the show will begin airing on August 8th. Although, with the contestants already back in America it is highly unlikely.
UPDATE: Corinne Olympios broke her silence to TMZ today and “claims she was in a blackout state” when she hooked up with DeMario Jackson in the pool. She also told them that she “blames the producers for not pulling the plug and protecting her.” Although, a source told TMZ that “she was lucid and fully engaged.”
I guess we will find out in the inevitable very special Bachelor in Paradise episode that we all know is coming to TV near you in the not so distant future.
