This past week, my Twitter has been exploding with anger, and it’s all thanks to a man named Juan Pablo Galavis. For those of you out of the loop, Galavis was the latest “Bachelor” on the eponymous television show. He’s arguably now better known as The Most Hated Man in America – ouch.
Generally, I try to avoid The Bachelor and all of its spinoffs. From the fake “reality television” format, to the idea that you can find your husband or wife in a matter of weeks – it’s just silly.
However, this year I couldn’t avoid it even if I wanted to. After last week’s finale, I couldn’t help but wonder what Mr. Galavis did to upset my Twitter friends so deeply. So, from one clueless collegiette to another, here’s a lowdown on all the craziness.
This year’s most-eligible man is a Venezuelan former professional soccer player Juan Pablo Galavis. If his name sounds somewhat familiar, it might be because he caused controversy earlier in January for his comments about the gay community.
When asked about the idea of an openly gay Bachelor, Galavis said that it wouldn’t be, “a good example for the kids to watch that on TV.” He added that gays are “more pervert in a sense.”
Galavis later retracted his comments, blaming his poor word choice on English not being his first language.
The controversy soon faded, and it seemed that the non-Bachelor watching world had heard the last of Galavis. That is, until the finale.
After ten weeks and 27 eligible ladies, Clare Crawley and Nikki Ferrell were the final two women. Bachelor tradition dictates that the last woman standing will get a proposal from her man. Here’s the twist: Galavis sent Crawley home, but he did not propose to Ferrell.
Apparently, this isn’t even the worst of it. Crawley’s final date and eventual send-off was one dramatic moment after another.
Galavis allegedly led Crawley on, right up until their last date. On their romantic helicopter ride over St. Lucia, Crawley actually asked him if their relationship was “just a physical connection.” Galavis denied it, and convinced her to stay until the final rose ceremony.
But as we know, Galavis eventually said goodbye to Crawley. When she was let go, Galavis tried to give her a hug – but was rejected!
Needless to say, Crawley was angry, and told him, “I would never want my children having a father like you.”
Though Ferrell was given the final rose, she wasn’t given the traditional engagement ring.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure I want to propose to you,” Galavis told her, adding, “I like you a lot. A lot.”
What, no ‘I love you?’ This Bachelor just went from bad to worse, thus vilifying himself in the minds of thousands of women.
Despite the ensuing controversy, Galavis and Ferrell are still going steady (whether they’re going strong is subject to opinion).
During the After the Final Rose special, host Chris Harrison asked Galavis if he was in love with Ferrell. He refused to answer. Galavis said he’s taking things slow, and wants to keep the relationship private.
Keep it private? Maybe he should have thought of that before going on television.