Pascal Ibgui, a once-charming contender on The Golden Bachelorette, left audiences stunned as his journey with Joan Vassos came to an abrupt end. After self-eliminating during the Fantasy Suite stage, Pascal’s reputation took a serious hit. While he started the season as a crowd favorite, his sudden shift in feelings and departure left fans questioning his intentions.
As a 69-year-old salon owner from Chicago, Pascal brought sophistication, style, and a distinct French charm to the show. Joan was immediately intrigued by him, and he quickly became one of her top prospects. The two even shared a glamorous date in Las Vegas, and he later introduced her to his family. For a while, it looked as if Pascal was a strong contender for Joan’s heart. Yet, everything changed during their much-anticipated overnight date.
During a symbolic bonding ceremony, Pascal had a change of heart. Realizing he didn’t feel as deeply as he thought, he confessed to Joan that he saw her only as a friend. This was a painful revelation, both for Joan, who had grown close to him, and for Pascal, who was visibly distraught. In the emotional scene, Pascal tried to push the cameras away, wanting to keep the moment private. However, Bachelor Nation viewers still saw the heartbreak unfold and many were disappointed in Pascal’s decision to wait so long to reveal his feelings, particularly after Joan had invested so much in him.
Fans were quick to express frustration, especially since he had introduced Joan to his family and let her believe their relationship was serious. Some questioned why he stayed until the Fantasy Suite stage to reveal his true feelings. Pascal’s actions brought up another heated debate: was he on the show for love, or for publicity? Since The Bachelor franchise often opens doors to influencer opportunities and reality TV fame, some speculated that Pascal may have been motivated by the potential for exposure. While there’s no evidence to support this claim, Pascal’s reputation as a well-established salon owner and world traveler did lead some fans to think he might have been looking to expand his brand.
Another theory claims Pascal’s decision may have had nothing to do with Joan herself, but with the structure of the show. Joan removed the bed from the Fantasy Suite, signaling her intent to approach their night without physical intimacy. While some fans speculated that Pascal’s disappointment over this contributed to his decision, others believe he simply didn’t feel strongly enough for her. Pascal’s fans have defended him, stating that it’s better to walk away honestly than to force feelings that aren’t there.
Pascal’s exit brings to mind a similar scenario with The Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner, who faced harsh judgment from fans after his own split from Theresa Nist. The backlash against Gerry, and now Pascal, reveals the complex expectations fans have for contestants, even those on a quest for love later in life. While viewers understand that feelings are complicated, the timing of Pascal’s exit and his unexpected self-elimination left a mark on his reputation.
For now, Pascal’s future with Bachelor Nation remains uncertain. Fans speculate he could appear on a future Golden Bachelor in Paradise, if the show decides to create a spin-off for its older contestants. Pascal may not have won Joan’s heart, but his journey on The Golden Bachelorette has certainly made him one of the most talked-about personalities of the season.
