Bachelor in Paradise's DeMario Jackson is reportedly desperate to clear his name as Warner Bros. investigates alleged misconduct regarding his hot, heavy and very-public hookup with Corinne Olympios.
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Sources close to DeMario say the bachelor wants the tape of his sexual encounter with Corinne to be released in order to prove his innocence, TMZ reported.
DeMario is reportedly "hell-bent" on getting a copy of such footage and he already hired a lawyer to contact Warner Bros. and request the tape. If DeMario fails to receive a copy of the tape himself, he reportedly wants Warner Bros. to take initiative and publicly release it.
The sources say the tape will show Corinne and himself consensually "rubbing, touching and fingering" in a pool at a Mexican resort where the fourth season of Bachelor in Paradise began filming about one week ago before production was abruptly shut down.
DeMario believes the video will show he did absolutely nothing wrong, according to TMZ, in light of recent sexual assault accusations.
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The executive recruiter from Century City, CA, is also reportedly demanding Warner Bros. release a statement clarifying that while the situation is currently being investigated for "allegations of misconduct," he is not under investigation.
Multiple people who have allegedly seen the Bachelor in Paradise footage told the website that the sexual act in question appears to be completely consensual between DeMario and Corinne, and that DeMario was not the aggressor in the hookup.
TMZ claims, in fact, the couple behaved with kindness and consideration towards each other at the time.
A source told Us Weekly on Tuesday that DeMario is "doing great" despite the circumstances and is "in high spirits."
"Nobody truly enjoys having their character questioned, but he is certainly classier than how he is being portrayed," the source continued. "There are three sides to every story -- his, hers and the truth. He is [remaining] positive because he knows without a doubt he didn't do what he's being accused of."
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When paparazzi caught up with DeMario that same day, Entertainment Tonight obtained footage of the bachelor saying he had "no comment" on the situation or investigation other than the following: "I have nothing to say. You know, Corinne's an awesome girl and that's all I have to say. Love you all, thank you for the support."
Production on Bachelor in Paradise's fourth season was indefinitely suspended and the cast was sent home from Mexico after a producer filed a complaint with Warner Bros. over alleged sexual activity that made her "uncomfortable" between DeMario and Corinne, according to prior reports.
An investigation was launched because the producer was allegedly concerned DeMario was taking advantage of Corinne since she appeared too drunk to consent to their aggressive PDA. (However, sources recently told E! News that the producer never actually witnessed the sexual encounter, nor did she view recorded footage of the events that transpired prior to filing her complaint).
"The show absolutely values the primacy of consent, and this instance it appears as though conduct allegedly occurred without the proper consent having been given," a Bachelor in Paradise source told People earlier this week, adding that the situation is "incredibly difficult and complicated."
However, sources close to DeMario had told TMZ that Corinne actually initiated kissing and foreplay with DeMario on Bachelor in Paradise during that first day of filming, which ultimately led to oral sex in the pool.
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Another insider told Us that producers also attempted to sober up Corinne after the incident due to her wild behavior.
"The next day producers told Corinne she could not drink and took alcohol away from her," the insider alleged, claiming that Corinne was upset she wasn't allowed to drink anymore.
Warner Bros. said in its media statement that once the investigation is complete, "appropriate responsive action" will be taken.
The franchise's longtime host, Chris Harrison, insisted on Good Morning America that "safety and care of the cast and crew" is of the utmost importance and he will keep fans informed and updated in regards to the future of the season -- and the show in general -- to the best of his ability.
"It is my sincere hope that we can come to a quick resolution on this and get back to work very soon," Chris said in his June 13 statement.
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DeMario joined Bachelor in Paradise after getting kicked off Rachel Lindsay's currently-airing season of The Bachelorette for having a girlfriend back home at the time of filming. DeMario apologized to Rachel for the drama and asked for a second chance, but she sent him packing due to his dishonesty.
Corinne initially fought for Nick Viall's heart on The Bachelor's 21st season, which wrapped earlier this year. She was portrayed as a villain on the season and went down as one of the most provocative bachelorettes of all time. TMZ even reported that Corinne had a boyfriend back home while taping Season 4 of Paradise.
Bachelor in Paradise's fourth edition had been scheduled to premiere Tuesday, August 8, on ABC.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski