Bachelor in Paradise is feeling more than just the Mexico heat with news that season four of the reality television show has halted production.
In a statement released by Warner Bros. this past weekend, it was revealed that production on the show was suspended due to a “thorough investigation.” Reports speculate that the investigation is looking into the alleged filming of a sexual encounter between contestants, DeMario Jackson and Corrine Olympios.
Related: ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ production halted over ‘allegations of misconduct’
“They stopped taping anything, and we were just kind of there, waiting in limbo,” the contestant adds. “We couldn’t talk to each other about what we knew. On Thursday, one of the camera guys told me that they were probably going to shut down production. I didn’t realize that it was that serious until then.”
The contestant notes that continued production on the season is unlikely seeing that an investigation could take “days, weeks or even months.” The contestant adds, “We all feel used. We’re pissed off. People had planned their lives around this. Contestants quit their jobs for this. We all had to step away from our real lives for three weeks.”
Chris Harrison has responded to the emerging scandal surrounding Bachelor in Paradise.
Harrison, the host of the show, has now released a statement on the issue.
“By now, no doubt, you have heard that we have suspended production on this season’s Bachelor in Paradise. I can confirm to you that this is sadly the case,” Harrison says in the statement. “Out of respect to all involved, there’s only so much I can and will say at this time. Normally with a situation like this I would not say anything until the incident is fully resolved, but with all the rumours and misinformation being put out there, I don’t find that to be possible anymore.”
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Harrison then asserts how seriously the situation is being taken.
“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 says. “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.”
“There are a lot of competing details in the various press accounts of the incident. And there’s a lot of misinformation out there too. We urge everyone to be patient until the investigation is complete,” the statement continues.
“I know in this day and age we want — and even expect — immediate answers, but in this case, it’s just not possible. So again, I urge you to please be patient and respect the privacy of the parties involved. I will keep you as informed and up to date as I possibly can.”
The statement ends by saying, “We’re sorry for any inconvenience and disappointment this may have caused the cast, the crew and our loyal fans. It is my sincere hope that we can come to a quick resolution on this and get back to work very soon.”
Paparazzi caught contestant Robbie Hayes in Florida after returning home from Mexico, where he also commented on the alleged incident.
—With files from Corey Atad
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