As Golden Bachelorette star Joan Vassos narrows down her pool of potential suitors, fans are growing increasingly convinced that Pascal Ibgui, one of the front-runners, might ultimately break her heart.
Pascal, a 69-year-old salon owner from France, has been building what appears to be a strong connection with Joan, 61, a widow and private school administrator from Maryland. However, despite their initial chemistry, viewers have noticed warning signs in their relationship.
Joan has narrowed her selection of suitors to seven, with Pascal being a standout. While he has impressed her with his life story—having worked his way up from a difficult childhood in Paris to building a successful life in the U.S.—his reluctance to fully open up emotionally has raised concerns.
During a one-on-one date in Las Vegas, Pascal shared that he hadn’t felt love and support from his parents growing up. “I didn’t feel love and support from my parents,” he revealed to Joan, giving her a rare glimpse into his past. Though Joan was touched by his vulnerability, she expressed concern that he might not be able to consistently maintain that level of openness.
“I was very glad that Pascal opened up to me,” Joan said, but she added a word of caution: “If we can’t fully open up to each other, this relationship won’t work.”
Fans took this as an early indication of trouble, with many suggesting that Pascal’s emotional guardedness could spell the end of the budding romance.
Further tension arose during a group date when Joan felt Pascal wasn’t putting in enough effort to win her attention. When she confronted him about it, saying, “I was disappointed that you didn’t make much of an effort,” Pascal explained that he’s more comfortable in one-on-one situations and didn’t want to appear overly aggressive.
While Joan accepted his explanation, it left her with lingering doubts, and viewers online have taken note of his seeming hesitation in pursuing Joan with the same energy as some of the other suitors.
Another concern has been Pascal’s focus on material wealth. His designer wardrobe and luxurious lifestyle have stood out on the show, with Joan worrying that their values might not align. In one confessional, Pascal attempted to downplay his wealth, saying, “I’m not a snob, people shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” but his focus on the finer things in life seems to be at odds with Joan’s desire for emotional connection and security.
Since the beginning of her journey on The Golden Bachelorette, Joan has been clear about what she is looking for in a partner. After the death of her husband, John, she has sought someone who will make her feel emotionally safe and supported—qualities she isn’t sure Pascal can consistently offer.
With Pascal continuing to hold back emotionally and prioritizing other aspects of his life, fans are worried that Joan may ultimately be left heartbroken.
