Kaitlyn Bristowe Makes No Apologies For Her Choices As ‘The Bachelorette’
Kaitlyn Bristowe had barely been crowned the new Bachelorette before controversy arose over some upcoming drama this season. At the end of the two-night Bachelorette premiere, a season preview revealed Bristowe had sex with a contestant. The negative reaction on social media was called “slut-shaming” by some commentators.
Bristowe told Entertainment Tonight she is not ashamed of her actions.
“I’m a 30-year-old woman and I make my own decisions and intimacy to me is a part of every relationship and I don’t know why everyone is so shocked by it. It’s 2015.”
The preview implied the union did not happen during a “fantasy suite” date, when intimacy between the Bachelor and/or Bachelorette and contestants is strongly implied. On Bristowe’s season of The Bachelor, much was made about Becca Tilley’s “fantasy suite” date, since she had yet to reveal to Bachelor Chris Soules that she lacked intimate experience.
Previews look like there’s some shaming b/c @kaitlynbristowe had sex with someone. If it was #thebachelor, he’s be bragging. #bachelorette
— Julie (@jmulc21) May 20, 2015
So, it seems like this is The Slut Shaming Season #Bachelorette @kaitlynbristowe having sex isnt bad, you’re okay bb.
— Sawyer (@HamletHologram) May 20, 2015
Bristowe also told ET that she did not plan the pace at which her relationships developed on The Bachelorette.
“I’m an in-the-moment kind of person. I tried to compartmentalize each relationship and be present with each guy, and some went faster than others and some went slower than others.”
In an interview with Extra, Bristowe said she does have regrets, but they are more about timing and hurt feelings.
“I only regret the timing of it, because there’s like an unspoken agreement that, yes, I have other relationships, but I get really in the moment with each relationship and that’s what they kind of ask of me.
“[I regret the night] only because I think I hurt other people’s feelings.”
ET revealed that Nick Viall, who was one of Andi Dorfman’s finalists on the last season of The Bachelorette, is back this year and he is rumored to have been Bristowe’s unexpected tryst.
Ironically, Viall developed a poor reputation after discussing his fantasy suite date with Dorfman during the After the Final Rose special. Dorfman had rejected Viall in favor of Josh Murray, from whom Dorfman later split.
Bristowe defended Viall to Extra.
“He had a really rough go on Andi’s season and he wasn’t portrayed in the best light. I don’t think he would put himself through that again if he didn’t believe what he was there for, and I do believe he was there for me.”
The Bachelorette airs Monday nights on ABC.
[Kaitlyn Bristowe image: The Bachelorette/ABC]
