Bachelor in Paradise recently halted production on its fourth season due to “misconduct” between DeMario Jackson and a female contestant. In response to the scandal, host Chris Harrison has released a statement, PEOPLE reports.
“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’s statement says. “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 rumors and misinformation being put out there, I don’t find that to be possible anymore.”
“Let me start by saying the safety and care of the cast and crew of our show is of the utmost importance to us,” the statement continues. “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 host ends his statement with an apology. “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. 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 to this and get back to work very soon.”
Veterans of the Bachelor franchise, including Season 21 contestants Raven Gates and Taylor Nolan, have reacted to the situation on social media.
I’m heartbroken about BIP.
— Raven (@ravengates09) June 12, 2017
Good people make bad things better. Incredibly thankful for friends, family, chosen family, and this very special bachelor fam #ripbip4
— Taylor Nolan (@taymocha) June 12, 2017
Leah Block, who appeared on Season 20 of The Bachelor and Season 3 of Bachelor in Paradise, slammed the show’s producers in a series of tweets.
Just shows everyone how trashy that show is & how trashy the producers are to think it’s ok to film sexual activity on an ABC SHOW. #garbage
— Leah Block (@leahblock) June 12, 2017
All of these contestants (including myself) are supposed to trust these producers who we all think are our “friends”. Yeah…definitely not.
— Leah Block (@leahblock) June 12, 2017
Though we won’t be seeing BIP this summer, hopefully this situation will be resolved for the sake of all those involved.