Bachelor in Paradise has shut down production on its upcoming fourth season due to alleged "misconduct," with conflicting reports having surfaced regarding a sexual encounter between franchise villains DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios.
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"We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico," Warner Bros. said in a media statement obtained by People.
"We have suspended production and we are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action."
The incident reportedly involved DeMario, who competed on Rachel Lindsay's season of The Bachelorette but was given the boot after his girlfriend back home, Lexi, accused him of betrayal and lies.
Two sources told People that DeMario engaged in sexual activity with a female contestant who may have been too drunk to consent.
"It's an incredibly difficult and complicated situation, primarily involving two contestants. 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 source close to the show told the magazine.
"There are still a lot of unanswered questions, and a lot of people who need a chance to tell their stories fully, and the producers and the authorities will make sure they are given every opportunity to do so. Most of all, everyone wants to ensure the safety and well-being, both mentally and physically, of all parties involved."
One contestant on Bachelor in Paradise's latest season claims to have witnessed the sexual event in question, revealing that the cast is upset crew members didn't take action sooner. The contestant also apparently places the blame on DeMario for "taking advantage" of the woman.
"People are pissed, and not just at DeMario. We're pissed that this whole thing happened," the contestant told People.
"They could have seen that she was drinking too much and that he was taking advantage. They could have stopped this before it got this far. But they decided to let it go, and let it happen, and see what happened? So, I'm angry at the show, and everyone else is too."
An insider told Entertainment Tonight that once the cast members arrived in Mexico last Sunday, they were "drinking all day," adding that Bachelor in Paradise may never film a future season due to the severity of the situation being investigated.
The woman allegedly involved in the "extremely sexual" pool encounter with DeMario was Corinne from Nick Viall's edition of The Bachelor, according to TMZ.
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Sources connected with DeMario provided the website with his side of the story when it comes to the events that allegedly transpired.
DeMario sources claim that on the first day of production at a Mexican resort when alcohol was flowing, DeMario and Corinne hit it off at the bar and then she jumped on his lap and began making out with him. Kissing reportedly escalated to "intense rubbing," and then the action reportedly moved to the pool, where cameras were rolling.
The sources told TMZ that DeMario and Corinne took off their clothes and were kissing, which led to "rubbing, touching and fingering." Corinne then allegedly put her genitals in DeMario's face and he began licking.
DeMario, however, was unable to have sex with Corinne due to the amount of alcohol consumed, according to the sources.
DeMario also reportedly claimed that everything was fine between Corinne and himself on the second day of filming, Tuesday, June 6.
However, TMZ reported that DeMario and Corinne were soon confronted by Bachelor in Paradise's executive producer, who allegedly explained one of the show's producers had seen the footage of the sex act and felt "uncomfortable" with it.
The offended producer allegedly filed a complaint with Warner Bros., which then immediately suspended production and launched an investigation. DeMario and Corinne were reportedly released from Paradise afterward, followed by the rest of the cast a couple of days later.
A large portion of the Bachelor in Paradise Season 4 cast was spotted at the airport on Sunday, June 11, looking to fly out of Puerto Vallarta, where filming was taking place. A fan posted an Instagram photo of the cast members, who appeared to be all smiles at the time.
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Prior to this picture being taken, Bachelor in Paradise fans speculated there was an issue with production given many bachelors and bachelorettes were posting on social media, which they are not allowed to do during filming. The fact these cast members were active online also suggested producers must have given the reality TV stars' phones back.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski