The 'smoking gun' that led ABC to suspend 'Bachelor in Paradise' after an alleged sex scandal
ABC
Variety spoke with the producer, who hasn't worked on the "Bachelor" franchise, but has produced similar shows.
The producer said that while one or more contestants could be at fault here in the case of an drunken fling gone too far, which is what has been alleged by sources close to the set, the real reason ABC and Warner would shut down production lies with the failure of their own producers and crew.
The reality TV producer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, laid out why this alleged sexual misconduct is especially unusual and has big consequences for ABC and its producers.
"My concern about this situation is that if the person was beyond a point of making her choices and was still being shot and being put into this scenario, it's a very weird situation," the producer said. "When you talk about sexual assault, it's almost always just two people alone and it becomes a he-said-she-said situation. This is the most unusual situation, because not only is there a third party, but there are cameras that watched everything that happened and everything that led up to what happened."
And while ABC and Warner contestant contracts make sure to cover the companies against anything that happens to and between contestants during their time shooting, that can surely be challenged in the case of incidents that included recklessness by producers.
"That, to me, is the smoking gun as to why a franchise worth hundreds of millions of dollars was shut down," the producer concluded.
"Bachelor" host Chris Harrison gestured to the production's responsibilities toward the cast and crew in his statement on Tuesday.
"Let me start by saying the safety and care of the cast and crew of our show is of the utmost importance to us," Harrison said. "It is with this thought in mind that we made the decision to suspend filming. An investigation into the situation was started immediately. Warner Bros. is handling the details of that investigation. They're moving quickly to gather all the facts, and once that's done, a clear, concise decision can be made about where we go from here."
A producer reportedly filed a complaint after witnessing the alleged incident, after which the investigation was started. As of yet, no charges have been filed with law enforcement, but both Olympios and Jackson have said they have sought legal counsel. ABC and Warner may have quite a legal battle ahead of them.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- Experts warn of rising temperatures in Bengaluru as Phase 2 of Lok Sabha elections draws near
- Axis Bank posts net profit of ₹7,129 cr in March quarter
- 7 Best tourist places to visit in Rishikesh in 2024
- From underdog to Bill Gates-sponsored superfood: Have millets finally managed to make a comeback?
- 7 Things to do on your next trip to Rishikesh