Television June 11, 2017
'Bachelor in Paradise' Production Suspended Over 'Misconduct' Allegations
ABC
UPDATE: TMZ sources close to Olympios say she was blacked out and doesn't recall what happened in the hot tub with DeMario. Other insiders who have seen the footage claim she was lucid.
Warner Bros. has confirmed in a statement to "Extra" that production on the fourth season of "Bachelor in Paradise" has been suspended.
"We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of 'Bachelor in Paradise' in Mexico," the statement reads. "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."
Cast members were seen leaving Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in an Instagram photo.
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The fan-fave cast looked relatively upbeat in the image, giving no indication of the specific misconduct that led to the show's interruption.
It has been reported that two contestants are in the center of the controversy — Corinne Olympios and DeMario Jackson. Sources close to DeMario told TMZ that the two enjoyed drinks at the bar and eventually ended up at the pool, where they were seen making out and engaging in alleged sex acts.
After a show producer looked at the footage, production was immediately suspended by Warner Bros. and DeMario and Corinne were sent home ahead of the rest of the cast.
According to TMZ, one of the show's producers felt that Olympios may have been sexually assaulted, but DeMario argues it was consensual and claims that she was the instigator. Other insiders who are familiar with the footage say that Corinne seemed “fully engaged."
Another source close to the show told People magazine, "It's an incredibly difficult and complicated situation, primarily involving two contestants. 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.”
On Sunday, “The Bachelorette” contestant Eric Bigger weighed in on the controversy, telling TMZ, “I think they had a good time, probably got out of whack, and I think the truth came to light, whatever that means.”
Warner Bros. has not commented on the specific details surrounding the “misconduct” that took place.
Cast members on the fourth season are: Nick aka St. Nick Benvenutti, Raven Gates, Jasmine Goode, Robby Hayes, DeMario Jackson, Danielle Maltby, Lacey Mark, Taylor Nolan, Corinne Olympios, Derek Peth, Kristina Schulman, Amanda Stanton, Vinny Ventiera, Alexis Waters, Alex Woytkiw and Ben Zorn.
