In Episode 7 of The Golden Bachelorette, contestant Pascal Ibgui surprised viewers by choosing to leave Joan Vassos just before the fantasy suite dates. Ibgui, one of Joan’s final three suitors, opened up to TheWrap about his decision, explaining that while he had grown close to Joan, he felt the connection hadn’t deepened enough to warrant staying.
Reflecting on their time together, Pascal shared that his hometown date with Joan had felt natural and positive. “I felt comfortable, and my kids felt comfortable with her,” he said. Despite his guarded feelings heading into their next date in Tahiti, he hadn’t anticipated he’d be leaving so soon. He acknowledged that, while honored Joan had chosen him to advance, he “didn’t spend enough time with her to really get to know her” fully. This uncertainty only deepened during a bonding ceremony in Tahiti, which he described as feeling much like a wedding. “If she would have taken me scuba diving or skydiving, I think I [would] have been much more comfortable,” Pascal explained. “But the ceremony and vows were overwhelming.”
Though he participated in the ritual, Pascal chose to end things that evening, feeling it was unfair to continue without a spark strong enough to justify a potential engagement. “I felt like there were two guys very much in love with her, so it didn’t feel right for me to stay,” he revealed.
Pascal noted that his decision wasn’t swayed by Joan; he simply realized they were missing the chemistry he needed to commit to a serious future together. “She’s a beautiful, kind, and intelligent woman, but something was missing,” he said. Wanting to avoid any misunderstanding around the fantasy suite experience, he left the show before the date’s final phase, explaining, “I didn’t want anyone to think I had misled her or that there was an issue with the experience.”
When asked if he would consider being the next Golden Bachelor, Pascal was non-committal, saying he would need to learn more about what the role entails.
The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.
