The INSIDER Summary:
- "Bachelor in Paradise" returned for season four after a sexual misconduct scandal briefly shut production down.
- The first episode leaned into the scandal, but left the discussion until the second episode.
- Host Chris Harrison sat down with the cast members, except for Corinne Olympios and DeMario Jackson who were involved in the scandal.
- They discussed racism, sexism, and consent.
- The sit-down received mixed reactions from viewers.
When "Bachelor in Paradise" season four premiered Monday night, the episode briefly touched on the sexual misconduct scandal that briefly stopped production. But Tuesday's episode dove into the scandal with a sit-down with most of the contestants.
Monday night's episode of the ABC reality show seemed like a cheap ratings grab. It played up the drama, then ended with a cliffhanger for no reason. The show did have a premiere ratings high, but fans were angry with how the situation was handled. On the other hand, the sit-down received mixed reactions.
Host Chris Harrison gathered the cast, minus Corinne Olympios, 25, and DeMario Jackson, 30, the two contestants involved in the scandal.
After some probing from Harrison, the contestants answered questions about the importance of consent, how they say race played a role in the allegations, the media's reaction to the scandal, and their trust in the producers. For a full breakdown of the convseration, you can read it here.
Fans were happy that racism, sexism, and consent were all discussed. Raven's openness about being a sexual assault survivor struck a chord with many viewers.
Thank you @ravengates09 for so beautifully summing up the importance of consent and sharing your story... #BachelorInParadise
— Emma Gray (@emmaladyrose) August 16, 2017
Really happy to see this important conversation about race, sexism, and consent issues happening on #BachelorInParadise tonight.
— caroline hewitt (@caro_hew) August 16, 2017
Raven's take was nuanced and sensitive to both race issues and consent, especially as a sexual assault survivor. #bachelorinparadise
— One On Ones N' Roses (@on_roses) August 16, 2017
#BachelorInParadise discussing what consent is and how to properly gain your partner's consent is what we need in the media #OnlyYesMeansYes
— Becky Winters (@its_b_dubs31) August 16, 2017
So much respect right now for #BachelorInParadise. Glad they got serious & decided to have conversation about racism & sexual consent.
— Summer Telban (@SummerTelban) August 16, 2017But some fans had a problem with how everything was presented and discussed.
I love education on consent and sexual assault and raising awareness but the way this is being done just isn't working. #BachelorInParadise
— Sami Higgins (@Shigg2) August 16, 2017
I feel like that was more victim blaming Corrine than a consent talk #BachelorInParadisepic.twitter.com/lha5k4ezo5
— 🦄✨Taylor✨🦄 (@Tayhoj) August 16, 2017
Not sure how I feel about this therapy session/consent lesson on #bachelorinparadisepic.twitter.com/nUwD4ISXBR
— Krysta (@kferryy) August 16, 2017
I'm all for talking about consent on TV but the refusal of the cast to let Corinne call herself a victim was out of line #BachelorInParadise
— Annie Selak (@aselak) August 16, 2017
The #BachelorinParadise crew did a great job remembering their lines during that little sit down talk.
— Alex Denton (@ADenton10) August 16, 2017Harrison made sure to reiterate that the investigation found no sexual misconduct and asked the cast members individually if they all felt comfortable staying. Each person said yes.
Olympios and Jackson will have their chance to discuss the allegations and investigation during the "Bachelor in Paradise" reunion show later this season.
SEE ALSO: Here's how 'Bachelor in Paradise' explained the scandal that shut down production
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