In a recent episode of The Viall Files podcast, Joan Vassos, the star of The Golden Bachelorette, opened up about contestant Guy Gansert’s complicated history. Reports surfaced that Gansert’s ex-wife, Heidi O’Gara, had filed a temporary restraining order against him in 2021, prompting Vassos to weigh in on the situation.
“We come here with a lot of past,” Vassos noted during the conversation. “The Golden franchise is unique in that sense. We’ve lived full lives, and it doesn’t completely surprise me that there might be things contestants aren’t proud of later on.”
Joan’s Perspective on Guy
Vassos emphasized that she never encountered any negative behavior from Gansert throughout their interactions. “I would have never had any indication that there was any kind of past that he had,” she said. “He was so kind, open, and vulnerable with me. He even cried, expressing how happy he felt for the first time in years.”
Despite the allegations surrounding Gansert, Vassos maintains her belief in his character, stating, “I still believe that he’s a kind and good person. Maybe he made a mistake; I don’t know. All I know is what you guys know.”
Background on the Restraining Order
Earlier this month, PEOPLE reported on the temporary protective order filed by O’Gara in Reno, Nevada, in October 2021. She eventually dismissed the order just a month later, before it could be granted.
In her filing, O’Gara claimed Gansert had been contacting her via text messages that oscillated between attempts at reconciliation and anger. She also alleged an incident in which Gansert threatened her, claiming he “motioned like he was going to shoot me with his hand shaped like a pistol.”
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, O’Gara withdrew her request for the protective order, which led to a judge granting her dismissal on November 3, 2021.
Gansert’s Response
On October 10, Gansert addressed the situation publicly via Instagram, describing it as an “unfortunate situation” during a stressful time for both him and O’Gara. He explained that they reached a mutual resolution, which included O’Gara voluntarily dismissing her request for a protective order.
“I would like to respond to articles about a personal matter from 2021,” Gansert wrote. “Together we crafted a resolution that was agreeable to both parties. The past few years have caused me to conduct a deep personal evaluation, and I will always continue to work to improve myself.”
Gansert expressed gratitude toward The Golden Bachelorette and his supportive family during challenging times in his life.
O’Gara’s Statement
In response to the situation, O’Gara released her own statement to PEOPLE, emphasizing the importance of privacy for their family. “After years of marriage, Guy and I share four amazing children and a new grandson. While our divorce was very difficult, we reached a mutual resolution and have chosen not to comment about it publicly,” she stated.
Production’s Position
While ABC has not officially commented on Gansert’s situation, a source close to The Golden Bachelorette revealed that the production team was aware of the restraining order application during the vetting process. The source clarified that the order was never granted, as O’Gara dismissed it shortly after filing, allowing Gansert to continue in the casting process.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how these revelations will affect Vassos’ journey to find love, as she navigates her feelings for Gansert amidst a backdrop of his complicated past.
