Being in the public eye can invite both admiration and harsh scrutiny. For Joan Vassos, her journey as the first Golden Bachelorette has sparked a wave of online criticism that she never anticipated. After a relatively smooth ride during her time on The Golden Bachelor, Joan now finds herself confronting a barrage of negative comments. Recently, she opened up about her experience with bullying and the impact it’s had on her.
Joan’s Response to Online Hate
In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Joan sat in her car alongside her daughter Allison, addressing the negativity she’s been facing. She revealed that she frequently receives harsh direct messages and shared some of the hurtful comments directed at her, which ranged from attacks on her appearance to criticism of her choices in men.
“The bullying has shocked me, and I have to say it does hurt my feelings,” Joan explained. She expressed her belief that reaching her 60s would shield her from such behavior, a sentiment echoed by her daughter, who labeled the critics as “miserable” and stressed that targeting anyone, including her mother, is not acceptable.
The Backlash from the Beginning
Joan’s experience with online hate isn’t new; it started even before The Golden Bachelorette premiered. Following the announcement of her role as the leading lady, many fans were outraged. Her early self-elimination in Week 12 of The Golden Bachelor left viewers with mixed feelings, especially since they had gotten to know other contestants better.
Throughout her current season, Joan has faced accusations of being motivated solely by financial gain in her decisions, a claim that has stung deeply. Despite the emotional toll, she has continued to navigate the challenges that come with being a reality TV star.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Joan?
Joan has yet to reveal whether she intends to pursue a future in reality television after her time on The Golden Bachelorette. Given the recent bullying, she may reconsider her desire to remain in the public eye. However, if she does find love and get engaged during the series, it’s likely that the spotlight will remain on her, regardless of her plans for an on-camera wedding.
Should she choose to continue her reality TV journey, numerous opportunities await her, including appearances on popular competition shows like Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Several alumni from the Bachelor franchise, including Joey Graziadei and Jenn Tran, have competed on DWTS in Season 33, showcasing the potential for new beginnings.
Conclusion
Joan Vassos’s candidness about the bullying she faces highlights the darker side of reality television. As she navigates her journey on The Golden Bachelorette, it’s clear that she is not just a contestant but a resilient woman facing the challenges of public scrutiny head-on. What are your thoughts on the bullying Joan has encountered? Should she consider another reality TV venture? Share your opinions in the comments!