Reality TV isn’t new to controversy, and The Golden Bachelorette is no exception. Shortly after the show’s debut on September 18, contestant Gil Ramirez’s troubling past came to light, shaking Bachelor Nation and raising questions about the vetting process for contestants.
Gil Ramirez, a 60-year-old educator from Mission Viejo, California, entered The Golden Bachelorette as one of 24 suitors vying for Joan Vassos’ heart. In his cast bio, he was described as “the perfect combination of romantic, sweet, and emotional,” painting him as an ideal candidate for the show’s inaugural season. However, details from his past quickly emerged that cast doubt on that image.
The Allegations Against Gil Ramirez
On June 11, a woman who claimed to be Ramirez’s former partner filed a temporary restraining order against him, citing emotional harassment. In court documents obtained by TODAY.com, the ex-partner alleged that Ramirez made “repeated unwanted contact” with her and her family, despite being told not to. She described the harassment as including “25 attempts daily via phone, texts, and video” and claimed that he confronted her at places she frequented.
The temporary restraining order was dismissed on July 24 due to “lack of prosecution,” meaning the case did not proceed in court.
How the Controversy Affected The Golden Bachelorette
Sources close to production revealed that the show’s team was unaware of the filing at the time of Ramirez’s casting. The information only came to light shortly before filming began, after contestants had already passed the background checks and vetting process. In response to the revelation, producers decided to limit Ramirez’s screen time.
This controversy adds to ongoing challenges within the Bachelor franchise, which has faced criticism for not adequately addressing contestants’ pasts.
A Broader Context of Scandal in the Franchise
The situation with Ramirez follows closely on the heels of allegations against Devin Strader, winner of Bachelorette Season 21. Strader was accused by a former girlfriend of abusive behavior, including physical altercations and harassment. Her 2017 request for a restraining order detailed a series of troubling incidents, including an alleged break-in, physical violence, and public altercations.
In response, Strader took to Instagram to deny the allegations, calling them “severely misconstrued” and asserting that he has “never inappropriately laid hands on another individual.” He acknowledged past mistakes but insisted the accusations were false.
The Larger Implications
The revelations about Ramirez and Strader highlight the challenges of vetting contestants for reality shows, especially as the franchise seeks to expand its audience with spin-offs like The Golden Bachelorette. Fans have expressed concern that production teams may not be doing enough to ensure the safety and integrity of the cast.
While Ramirez’s restraining order was dismissed, the allegations have raised questions about how much scrutiny contestants undergo before being chosen for national television. It also places a spotlight on how networks address such controversies once they emerge.
Moving Forward
As The Golden Bachelorette continues its season, the impact of Ramirez’s limited screen time remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the broader Bachelor franchise faces increasing pressure to prioritize transparency and accountability.
For fans, the show’s charm lies in heartfelt connections and romantic journeys. However, incidents like these serve as a reminder that reality TV is not immune to real-world complexities. Whether the franchise can learn from these controversies and better protect its participants remains to be seen.
