DeMario Jackson apparently hasn't ruled out a Bachelor in Paradise return entirely, despite recent reports claiming otherwise.
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A source said producers are reportedly hoping DeMario would at least be up for a one-off, sit-down interview to tell his side of the story regarding his hookup with Corinne Olympios in Paradise and the fallout of such a drunken public display.
DeMario recently conducted an interview with E! News reporter Melanie Bromley about his experience, and she told Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti on their Almost Famous podcast that DeMario is still considering the open invitation from Paradise producers to return.
"He's had two instances where he's looked like the bad guy and in both instances he says he's innocent," Melanie explained on Almost Famous, referencing when DeMario was eliminated on Rachel Lindsay's season of The Bachelorette after a woman named Lexi confronted him during a group date filmed in Los Angeles, claiming to be his jilted girlfriend back home.
"He went on Bachelor in Paradise to redeem himself. He now feels like that has been an unfair chance and wants to redeem himself again."
DeMario said in a June 14 statement his character has been "assassinated with false claims and malicious allegations," several hours after Corinne publicly called herself "a victim" and said she's been dealing with "physical and emotional trauma" stemming from the incident.
While a complaint was filed with Warner Bros. in fear Corinne was too intoxicated to consent to sexual activity with DeMario in Paradise, an investigation determined last week there is no evidence of misconduct. However, DeMario already lost his job as an executive recruiter, and his family has been dealing with horrible rape accusations.
"He very much wants to tell his side and explain to people who he is," Melanie told Ben and Ashley on their podcast.
Over the weekend, producers on the ABC reality dating series began plotting how the show will address the controversy when Paradise airs later this summer, sources told The Reporter.
Cameras reportedly rolled from June 4-7 before production came to a halt because of a producer's complaint. In addition to the sexual encounter between DeMario and Corinne -- which was caught on tape -- several cast members enjoyed one-on-one dates, so a source told The Reporter there is enough footage for at least one episode.
However, Warner Bros. chose not to release footage of DeMario and Corinne's sexual activity out of respect for the individuals involved, so it's unlikely Bachelor in Paradise will air any of it.
Bachelor in Paradise's fourth season was initially set to premiere on August 8, and producers reportedly have every incentive to hit that date or debut the show as close as possible. The filming schedule will conclude July 5.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
