Pascal Ibgui, the French-born salon owner from Chicago, made a big impression on The Golden Bachelorette with his luxurious lifestyle and distinctive personality. Known for his fondness for designer clothes and private jets, Pascal also showed a softer side, sharing his journey from humble beginnings in Paris to establishing a thriving salon business in the U.S.
Despite his charm, Pascal’s journey with Joan Vassos came to an end when he realized he wasn’t ready to take the next step with her. This revelation came during a traditional Tahitian ceremony, where Pascal felt trapped and ultimately told Joan he couldn’t move forward. The decision led to a poignant goodbye, leaving Joan questioning her own worthiness of love. In an interview following the taping of the Men Tell All episode, Pascal shared his candid thoughts on his relationship with Joan, his views on front-runner Chock Chapple, and the adjustments he feels the show needs to better suit older contestants.
A Painful Goodbye to Joan
Watching the episode was tough for Pascal. He expressed his regret at hurting Joan, emphasizing that he tried to be honest and respectful during their goodbye. “There’s no good way to end a relationship,” he shared. Despite his own guarded feelings, he felt Joan’s pain deeply. Pascal acknowledged the challenge of opening up about his personal journey and added that Joan had likely connected with his positive outlook.
Pascal’s Honest Take on Chock
Pascal didn’t hold back on his view of fellow contestant Chock, who emerged as a front-runner for Joan’s affection. He remarked on Chock’s intense approach, which he felt made others uncomfortable. “We’re mature men, and Chock was all over her… like a stalker,” he noted, highlighting moments he found inappropriate, such as Chock asking Joan what side of the bed she slept on. Pascal described the other men’s discomfort and questioned if Chock’s forwardness was genuine or exaggerated.
The Reality of Long-Distance Love
Pascal voiced his concerns about long-distance relationships for older couples, saying the show’s format poses unique challenges for mature contestants. While younger contestants might more easily relocate, Pascal emphasized that people in his stage of life, with established careers and family ties, prefer local relationships. He proposed future seasons consider local matchmaking within major cities. “When you are established, with a routine and connections, it’s hard to imagine moving across the country to be with someone,” he said.
Life After the Show and Personal Growth
Despite leaving the show without a lasting relationship, Pascal remains grateful for the experience. He enjoyed bonding with the other men and learning to open up in ways that aren’t usually encouraged in his everyday life. Returning to his successful business, Pascal noted that fame hasn’t drastically changed his life, though he appreciates the occasional recognition from fans. Reflecting on the show’s impact, he joked about his unforgettable date with Joan, where they took a private jet to Las Vegas—a memory that, for Pascal, remains as much about the journey as the destination.
As The Golden Bachelorette finale approaches, fans are left to wonder if Joan will find lasting love. For Pascal, the show was a valuable experience, providing both introspection and unforgettable moments.
