Robby Hayes denies threatening ex-girlfriend Hope Higginbotham, Chad Johnson's accusations

Robby Hayes has responded to weeks of rumors regarding his ex-girlfriend Hope Higginbotham, whom he allegedly broke up with to film JoJo Fletcher's season of The Bachelorette.


Season 12 villain Chad Johnson slammed Hayes on The Men Tell All on Tuesday night, telling Fletcher that the former pro swimmer dumped Higginbotham, his girlfriend of nearly four years, "days" before The Bachelorette began filming. Fans, however, had already been gossiping about this rumor for months.

Johnson then made an even more alarming accusation on national television, saying Hayes "threatened" Higginbotham not to comment on their relationship or conduct any media interviews. Johnson supposedly learned such information while hanging out with -- and seemingly hooking up with -- Higginbotham.

"I have not spoken with Hope since the day we broke up nor have I spoken to Chad since his exit from the show. That goes for my entire family as well," Hayes told Bustle in a statement.

During Hayes' hometown date with Fletcher in St. Augustine, Florida, Hayes' mother warned the suitor that Higginbotham's roommate was allegedly spreading lies about how he went on The Bachelorette for the wrong reasons and dumped his long-term ex-girlfriend to seek fame. Hayes' mother said she knew the allegations were false.


"Hope's roommate reached out to me to apologize and sent a long, genuine text message in which I responded by calling her to thank her. I spoke to her on the phone last Tuesday (three days after the Men Tell All filming)," Hayes continued in the statement.

"During that conversation, I explained to her that it has been exhausting dealing with [Hope and Chad's] antics on social media and in other various outlets. From the rumors of me leaving her for the show to her posting pictures with Chad calling me out with false accusation. And her latest Instagram post that she actually directly tagged me in, I have remained quiet, respectful, and honest!"

Johnson posted a collage of photos featuring himself and Higginbotham spending time together in late June. Two of the images showed the couple kissing each other on separate occasions.

"I had always been taught by my parents to take the high road and not stoop to that level and since this all kicked off, that is exactly what I have done!" Hayes continued.

"That same day, I was told Hope was writing a letter to Reality Steve and asked him to end this negative talk and put it in both of our past. Although I was happy she said she wants all of this in the past (because that's exactly what we are to each other, the past) I was not okay with the fact that she had insinuated that I threatened her."


Hayes added, "Isn't it ironic that Chad filmed Men Tell All on Saturday (July 16th) and said I threatened Hope before my talk with her roommate and her letter to Reality Steve? With that being said, it is likely another publicity stunt like their photo together and it is not worth my emotions. Joelle on the other hand, is worth my emotions :)"

Hayes' Reality Steve comment appears to be a reference to an email Higginbotham allegedly sent the blogger -- and he subsequently published with her permission:

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to follow through with the interview you requested. It has been brought to my attention by the opposing party that any further actions on my part, will result in negative consequences. Many people (including myself) have been deeply hurt by the situation, and I do not want to add to, or prolong the negativity. I never signed up for my previous relationship to be advertised to the world, nor did I sign up to have America judging my past as well as my future. With that being said, only Robby and I know the words spoken and events, leading up to our break up toward the end of January. I do apologize for the inconvenience. I hope that you can respect my wishes to move on, and leave that part of my past where it should be... in the past. Best wishes & thanks again."

Hayes told Fletcher on The Bachelorette he broke up with Higginbotham in late December although their relationship was pretty much over nine months prior. However, fans began speculating Hayes was lying because photos of the couple exist on Instagram from Christmas 2015 and New Year's Eve 2016, as well as the pair vacationing in Italy in late 2015.

Hayes also wrote in his statement to Bustle, "Hope is now very far in my past (as is Chad), although it seems that she is trying to keep it present. We all know Chad is using these women to gather more attention, and it's sad to see the women's emotions played with."


"As I've mentioned earlier I have kept to myself, stayed quiet, and taken the high road every time one of them takes a shot at me. Hoping to move past this part of my past, just like JoJo and I did during my hometown episode."

Fletcher will choose between Hayes and Jordan Rodgers, a former pro quarterback, when The Bachelorette's Season 12 finale airs August 1 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC. 






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski