What Scandal? Get Those Cameras Rolling

22 Jun, 2017

ABC’s “Bachelor in Paradise” reality series will resume production after an investigation by producers found no misconduct by cast members during the shooting of the show’s fourth season earlier this month. That decision was quickly blasted by an attorney for cast member Corinne Olympios, who said that new witnesses were coming forward in a separate investigation that is ongoing.

“As we previously stated, we recently became aware of allegations regarding an incident on the set of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ in Mexico,” Warner Bros. said in a statement. “We take all such allegations seriously. The safety, security and well-being of the cast and crew is our number one concern, and we suspended filming so that the allegations could be investigated immediately and thoroughly. Our internal investigation, conducted with the assistance of an outside law firm, has now been completed.”

Warner Bros., whose Warner Horizon Television banner is home to the “Bachelor” franchise and its spinoffs, said new procedures would be implemented to strengthen the rules about conduct among cast members, who are sent off to a resort in Mexico for production of the dating show. Production was shut down earlier this month amid allegations that Olympios and fellow cast member Demario Jackson had a sexual encounter that was complicated by heavy drinking.

“Out of respect for the privacy interests of those involved, we do not intend to release the videotape of the incident,” Warner Bros.’ statement continued. “We can say, however, that the tape does not support any charge of misconduct by a cast member. Nor does the tape show, contrary to many press reports, that the safety of any cast member was ever in jeopardy. Production on this season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ will be resuming, and we plan to implement certain changes to the show’s policies and procedures to enhance and further ensure the safety and security of all participants.”

Martin Singer, attorney for Olympios, said the misconduct allegations surrounding the show were broader than those involving Olympios.

“It needs to be made crystal-clear that production of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ was shut down because of multiple complaints received from ‘BIP’ producers and crew members on the set. It was not shut down due to any complaint filed by Corinne against anyone,” Singer said in a statement. “It comes as no surprise that Warner Bros., as a result of its own internal investigation, would state that no wrongdoing had occurred. Our own investigation will continue based on multiple new witnesses coming forward revealing what they saw and heard.”

We appreciate the swift and complete investigation by Warner Bros. into allegations of misconduct on the set of ‘Bachelor in Paradise,’” an ABC spokesperson said. “Given their results, the series will resume production, and will air this summer on ABC.”

Production on Season 4 of the ABC reality series was shut down due to the alleged misconduct. Contestants Jackson and Olympios were allegedly involved in a highly sexual situation under the influence of alcohol while “Bachelor in Paradise” cameras were still rolling. TMZ reported that Olympios did not consent to sexual contact with Jackson.

Both Jackson and Olympios retained attorneys following the incident. Olympios released a statement last week saying, “As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality. As I pursue the details and facts surrounding that night and the immediate days after, I have retained a group of professionals to ensure that what happened on June 4 comes to light and I can continue my life, including hiring an attorney to obtain justice and seeking therapy to begin dealing with the physical and emotional trauma stemming from that evening.”

Jackson also released a statement last week. “It’s unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations. I will be taking swift and appropriate legal action until my name is cleared and, per the advice of legal counsel, will be seeking all available remedies entitled to me under the laws,” he said.

Variety

Image Rolling Stone Twitter

Mentioned In This Post: