The Bachelor bachelorette Desiree Hartsock was eliminated from the ABC reality dating show's seventeenth season when Sean Lowe narrowed his love search to three women during Monday night's broadcast.

ADVERTISEMENT

Desiree, a 26-year-old bridal stylist from Los Angeles, CA, was ousted during the eighth episode's Rose Ceremony after Sean had a bad experience meeting her brother Nathan during her hometown date and then realized there were some areas in their relationship that were lacking compared to what he had going on with his remaining bachelorettes. As a devastated Desiree departed the show, she insisted Sean was 100% making a mistake he'd come to regret.

AshLee Frazier, Lindsay Yenter and Catherine Giudici are still in the running for Sean's heart.

During a conference call with reporters on Thursday, Desiree talked to Reality TV World about her The Bachelor experience and relationship with Sean. To read what she had to say, click here. Below is the remaining portion of Desiree's call. 

Also click here and here to read our exclusive separate interview with Desiree's fellow ousted bachelorette Lesley Murphy.

So, I was wondering, in the special that aired this week.  Sean said that your brother really didn't have anything to do with his decision to let you go.  Do you agree with that?

Desiree Hartsock: I don't think that my brother helped my chances.  I think that it did have some to do with Sean's decision, but ultimately, you know, he made the best decision that he could.  And maybe there will be a better explanation at Women Tell All.

And then when he did let you go, you kept saying that you felt like he had made a terrible mistake.  But after you've had some time to think about it and look back on it, do you still think it was a mistake to let you go when he did?

Desiree Hartsock: In the moment, I felt that I had -- that we had the best connection that I, you know, embodied all the qualities that he wanted in a wife.  So, in that moment, I did feel it was a terrible mistake.  And we didn't have enough time.  However, looking back, you know, he did have great relationships with the other girls and all things happen for a reason.  So, I, I don't think it was a mistake.

The other night after you were sent home, Ali Fedotowsky tweeted that the next Bachelorette just went home.  And so, I was just wondering, do you have any comments on that?  Is that something you'd be interested in?

Desiree Hartsock: You know, this being on The Bachelor was a very emotionally draining experience to go through.  And, I mean, if I were offered the opportunity to be the next Bachelorette, I would definitely have to think about it and give it some thought and make sure I'm prepared to get back onto that emotional rollercoaster. 

But I do believe in the experience and I know that the feelings firsthand of what I experienced are real, and I do believe that it can work out for the best.  So, I'd probably say yes to the opportunity.

Who do you think is the best fit for Sean out of the remaining three bachelorettes?

Desiree Hartsock: I really don't have a biased opinion on that.  All of the remaining girls, they have very unique and different qualities from each other that I know Sean would be attracted to.  So, you know, I really don't have an opinion on who he should choose.  I just know that he'll end up making the right decision.

Are you still in contact with Sean and/or any of the other girls from the show?

Desiree Hartsock: No, I am definitely not in contact with Sean.  I do speak to a few of the girls that are really close friends.

Can you elaborate on who you're so close to?

Desiree Hartsock: Yeah, and from the house, you know, I became friends with pretty much everyone.  But I connected most and became greater friends with [Jackie Parr], [Lindsay Yenter], and [Daniella McBride].

What did you think about how Sean defended himself with your brother during your hometown date?

Desiree Hartsock: I actually think he did really well. I actually think Sean handled himself very, very well. Because I know my brother, the way he presents himself, he can be pretty intense.  And I think Sean is -- I honestly think Sean handled it really, really well and I know it really made him upset.  And he still held back.  And, you know, still stood up for himself.  So, I think he did well.

Do you still think Sean is the farthest thing from a "playboy" after watching the show?

Desiree Hartsock: (Laughs) I think any -- you know, being The Bachelor, you do have to kind of -- you date like 25 women at one time.  So, I don't consider that a "playboy."  I think that's just the circumstances.  So, I still think he's far away from being a "playboy" as anyone could be. 

Did you first realize you had very strong feelings for Sean in the teepee? And did you think it was love then?

Desiree Hartsock: I think we definitely connected on different levels.  And I think, you know, that started really early on.  But yes, in Canada, I did.  I exposed more of my life and I did feel vulnerable, and he took it very well.  And I think the more that you show someone, the more you do fall in love.  So, I was going that direction and following it up with him.

Obviously everyone is so curious about what went down with your brother and it was such like a random turn of events. Some people are saying he just wanted to get recognized on TV for the publicity, and others are wondering if he's on drugs. Is that normal behavior for your brother?

Desiree Hartsock: No.  Those statements are so far from the truth.  I mean, my brother actually said those things because he doesn't agree with TV and he doesn't believe in reality TV. So, that's so far from what he really is about.  And he's actually, you know, he wants to pursue ministry.  And like he is a missionary, so he definitely doesn't do drugs or any of that.

But, you know, he does have a different perspective and he is very intense with the way he thinks. It is completely far off from the way I think, and you know, I'm not very close with my brother.  I've been away from home since I was 18, so you know, I see them maybe once a year.  So, I think that's also where there's a disconnect from what was shown and really what our lives are like as a family.

So you didn't really take what your brother said to heart then right? Did you trust his opinion at the time? 

Desiree Hartsock: No, no. I did not agree one bit with what my brother told Sean -- not at all, not for one second. And you know, my brother's opinion would never influence my decision for any reason.  I love my brother and I do value his opinion, but that would never steer me one way or the other.

What was your best experience being on the show?

Desiree Hartsock: My best experience, there's so many to choose from I can't even begin.  Just to have some relationships with such amazing girls was really a surprising gift from the show. 

Man, I don't even know.  Maybe also being able to be in a relationship and see how it evolves.  I think that was really interesting too and it opened my eyes to other things that I could, you know, have in relationships or bring to relationships. 

Were you surprised about anything that they showed in the episodes, like their editing or anything like that looking back now?

Desiree Hartsock: No, I'm actually not surprised by any of the editing.  I really, everything that was shown did happen.

Are you still devastated over Sean because I know it's been awhile or are you over it now?

Desiree Hartsock: No, after being let go, I did feel strongly that it didn't feel right for him letting me go, and I was really upset.  But, I'm also such a positive person that, you know, I knew that he was doing what he needed to and I've moved on. I'm completely over it.  And I just, I hope him the best, and I know that I'll eventually find my Prince Charming.

Have you been dating anybody at all?

Desiree Hartsock: No, I haven't.  I haven't even thought about dating to be honest. (Laughs)

Has anyone been trying to set you up on blind dates or anything like that since you've been kind of getting probably more attention from the show now?

Desiree Hartsock: (Laughs) I mean, I get random people who want to set me up because they feel that they know me and they know the best guys that are out there for me.  But, no, I haven't gone on any dates or been dating. I'm just focusing on myself and getting it together. 

Above is the remaining portion of Desiree's Thursday conference call with reporters. To read what she had to say to Reality TV World specifically, click here. Also click here and here to read our exclusive separate interview with Desiree's fellow ousted bachelorette Lesley Murphy.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON GOOGLE NEWS