Sharleen Joynt On The ‘Wonky Universe’ Of Kaitlyn Bristowe’s ‘Bachelorette’
Kaitlyn Bristowe is taking heat on social media for letting a new suitor, Nick Viall, into the fold of men vying for her affections on The Bachelorette. Nick, a finalist on Andi Dorfman’s season, met up with Bristowe while she was on a group date in New York and asked if he could pursue her.
Former Bachelor contestant Sharleen Joynt defended Bristowe in her blog for Flare, noting that the kind of courtship pursued on The Bachelorette is a bit unlike real life.
“I honestly don’t see the fuss about Kaitlyn letting Nick join her posse of man meat. I don’t see it as disrespectful to the men at all. How is it less disrespectful than going on a group date and kissing several of the men in the same vicinity, the very same evening? Let’s be honest, these are not normal circumstances where normal rules can be applied. It’s a wonky universe where it’s totally acceptable for the lead to be ‘exploring her options’ while her suitors must remain loyal to only her.”
Teasers for Monday’s episode reveal that some of the men do not want to remain loyal to Kaitlyn. People published a clip of Kaitlyn’s conversation with Shawn Booth, who admits to being thrown off by Nick’s inclusion in the group. In another scene provided to E!, Ian Thomson confronts Bristowe and accuses her of being shallow.
Another former Bachelorette, Jillian Harris, expressed support for Kaitlyn’s decision to bring Nick on the show. Unlike Joynt, who had some cynicism about the authenticity of the Bachelorette experience, Harris argued love is at the heart of the matter.
“I know the guys felt it was unfair and I could SEE how it would be frustrating and confusing but imagine if Kaitlin didn’t let Nick back on, and then she picked someone else… she MIGHT always wonder ‘what if’ … whether she picks him or not, EVERYONE including her, the guys AND Nick, have to trust the process of LOVE and see what happens.”
On a side note, Harris made an interesting comment with regards to Shawn Booth’s performance during the rap group date.
“…if Kaitlin and Shawn end up making it I think I might just rap at their wedding as my gift.”
Bristowe made news Friday by posting a Snapchat video of herself in bed with a man who looked suspiciously like Shawn, leading to rumors she’d accidentally leaked the identity of her final choice.
The Bachelorette airs Mondays on ABC.
[Photo by Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images Entertainment]
