The returning “Bachelor in Paradise” cast members had a lot to say on Tuesday’s episode about the scandal surrounding an incident between Corinne Olympios and DeMario Jackson. Similarly, fans had a lot to say about these reactions.
During the second part of the Season 4 premiere, Chris Harrison and the cast reconvened following Warner Bros.’ decision to resume filming. The production had briefly shut down due to allegations of misconduct related to Olympios and Jackson’s sexual encounter.
ABC has opted not to air footage of the incident in question, and no specifics were shared about what actually happened between the two cast members, who did not return.
Instead, the episode featured Harrison asking the cast if they agreed with Warner Bros.’ call to resume production, and everyone did. Raven Gates said that nothing “bad” happened between Olympios and Jackson, and that she hopes the scandal doesn’t deter “actual victims” from speaking out.
The conversation also included a debate on whether race was a factor and whether those who supported Jackson were implicitly “slut-shaming” Olympios.
As might be expected, plenty of fans took to Twitter to weigh in about the episode.
“You can practically see the cast reading the ‘ABC isn’t liable’ cue cards the lawyers are holding up behind the cameras,” one user wrote.
“They literally discussed everything BUT what happened between Corinne and DeMario,” another viewer tweeted.
Check out an array of messages below.
You can practically see the cast reading the "ABC isn't liable" cue cards the lawyers are holding up behind the cameras. #BachelorInParadise
— Maggie Katherine (@EmKayBeee) August 16, 2017
Did the whole cast just call Corinne a liar and a racist? #bachlorinparadise pic.twitter.com/6lWYDmpJl9
— Marissa Greaves ✨ (@Marissab91) August 16, 2017
Not really sure Chris Harrison is the best person to lead a convo about race and it's implications on #bachlorinparadise
— Christina Warren (@film_girl) August 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/mattcampbell330/status/897620362862759936
When #BachelorInParadise wastes 30 mins of my time trying to convince me their show is real and isn't scripted pic.twitter.com/FRt7NGpRDt
— Elizabeth Sarahhh (@biz_laine) August 16, 2017
They literally discussed everything BUT what happened between Corinne and DeMario #BachelorInParadise
— G (@geerolls) August 16, 2017
the #BachelorInParadise cast couldn't have handled corinne's assault any worse. they should all be ashamed
— mel. (@hotmulIigan) August 16, 2017
This was handled so bad and like it really felt like everyone was shaming Corrine and defending Demario #BachelorInParadise
— clarke !! (@axelsflcmes) August 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/erinbethany/status/897631575243935745
https://twitter.com/imsocornyy/status/897672080006795264
Least important thing tonight, but #BachelorInParadise just had a really great open convo about slut-shaming and consent, color me stunned
— prettyspookysoldier🎃 (@prettysailorr) August 16, 2017
“Bachelor in Paradise” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.