Joan Vassos’ journey on The Golden Bachelorette has had its fair share of romance, heartbreak, and red flags—and now, it appears Chock Chapple may be stirring up more drama than she anticipated. Following Pascal Ibgui’s heartfelt departure from the show, where he gracefully stepped back to allow Joan to pursue other connections, he voiced concerns about Chock’s behavior, suggesting that Joan may be seeing his true colors too late.
While Pascal was deeply respected by viewers for his transparency and decision to leave, his parting words about Chock’s “stalker-like” tendencies left fans worried for Joan. Chock, who has emerged as a potential frontrunner, has raised red flags with other contestants on set, displaying intense behavior that some castmates—and Pascal in particular—have questioned. From hovering a bit too closely to pushing boundaries during group dates, Chock’s pursuit of Joan seems, to some, to be crossing the line of respect and sincerity.
For Joan, navigating her role as The Golden Bachelorette hasn’t been easy, especially in the shadow of Gerry Turner’s controversial turn as the original Golden Bachelor. Gerry’s season ended with his choice to marry Theresa Nist—though that relationship quickly dissolved, much to the disappointment of fans who had trusted his supposedly “wholesome” image. Joan’s season thus had a lot to prove, as viewers hoped to see a deeper, more genuine exploration of mature relationships.
However, Joan’s challenges have only intensified as rumors and past histories have surfaced. Another finalist, Guy Gansert, also faces scrutiny due to a restraining order filed against him by an ex-wife, raising questions about the show’s vetting process. Now, with Pascal’s concerns about Chock, viewers are left wondering if Joan’s strongest connections have genuine potential—or if these men are hiding more than they’re showing.
Pascal’s decision to bow out might not be as shocking as his candid comments on Chock’s behavior. Leaving behind his budding romance with Joan, he openly warned her about Chock’s “stalker-like” behavior, which he found concerning during filming. Chock’s behavior might seem intense to some, and his words have added an extra layer of tension as fans anticipate Joan’s final choice. While her connection with Chock has appeared genuine, some wonder if there might be a different side of him that Joan hasn’t seen yet.
As the season nears its finale, Joan’s journey has fans divided over who might be the right match for her, if any. If Joan chooses Chock, many fans hope that his intense behavior on the show doesn’t carry over into a real-world relationship. And if she chooses no one, many might believe she dodged a bullet. Whatever Joan decides, The Golden Bachelorette has kept viewers on their toes, waiting to see if her happily-ever-after is waiting just beyond the final rose—or still out there somewhere, waiting to be found.
