Remember how I told you it’s very tough to have the booted contestants from this show come do interviews because ABC won’t release them to me? Well thank God for Wes Hayden. Very much a breath of fresh air in this very revealing, inside look at what really went down with his “character” this season on the “Bachelorette”. Let’s just say Wes is pretty pissed off with how things shook down, and all he’s here to do is tell his side of the story. At that point, then feel free to make your decision about what you saw on TV vs. the real Wes Hayden. Yes, I’m continuing my one man crusade to expose the show for the fraud it is. Wes Hayden most certainly helps with that and paints a pretty clear picture of what this show does to get the results it wants.
Let me say that I understand a lot of you already have formed your opinion, you hate the guy, and probably nothing he says will change your mind. Kind of head scratching. What I’m assuming is that you formed your opinion of him based on what you’ve seen on television for the last 8 weeks. If he never came out to defend his actions that so many of you are bothered by, then I think you would say, “What a jerk for how he acted and what he said on TV.” Now that he is letting it known how he was edited by giving specific examples, you are saying, “Well, he’s just doing damage control.” Seems a little unfair, no? Apparently he can’t win in your eyes because your mind is made up. Well, let this interview just be a chance for him to tell you what really happened, and then, if you can honestly say that you don’t believe a word of what the guy is saying, you hear no sincerity in his voice, and is completely going out of his way to make this all up, then that’s your decision. I tend to believe the guy and think he got the worst edit in show history, and that’s why I wanted to talk to him. Hey remember, I was the guy who called him a douchenozzle back in week 1 or 2 of this column, so it is possible to do a 180. I just want to lay this out there for all of you to hear for yourself and if you think this guy is really the guy you saw on TV for eight weeks. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Some of the topics covered in this 1 hour and 25 minute interview (I suggest you stick around for all 85 minutes. I understand it’s long, but he’s got a lot to say and we essentially cover EVERY question that most of you have about what you saw):
-Where did/does his relationship stand with Laurel? What’s been the fallout with her since the show has aired?
-Why and when did Wes go to the producers and tell them he wanted to leave and what was their response?
-What are his feelings towards everything Jake said about him during, and after, the show?
-Was the dinner date in Spain as painful as it came across on TV?
-What about the infamous limo ride and all the brilliant quotes he gave after being eliminated?
-Specifically, how did they edit things that he said, or didn’t say, to make him look like the villain?
-How have people treated him since watching him on the show?
-Is he going to appear at the “Men Tell All” taping this Saturday in LA?
-What did ABC do to his family that had both he and them pissed off?
All this and much, much more in this very revealing exclusive interview only heard here on RealitySteve.com. I appreciate the fact that Wes decided to come to me and spend this much time explaining why and how things went down the way they did. Hey, if any other contestant wants to come and spill their guts about how unfair they thought their edit was to me, I’ll gladly put them on. I’d love to do this every week. But I think Wes’ is story is most important considering he is public enemy #1 right amongst most female fans of this show. All I wanted was for him to tell his side of the story, and then let you decide where you stand. I don’t really see how you can side with ABC, or even say the truth lies “somewhere in the middle”, but hey, that’s just me. I know what this show does to people, and I know how sneaky they are. Wes Hayden was truly a victim of ABC’s manipulation and now its his turn to tell you why and how. Hope you enjoy the interview:
One thing I forgot to ask about while we were recording was the, “Hey, that bird’s only got one foot” comment he made to Jillian after she asked him “How would you make it work if I pick you in the end?” Wes admits he did say that line, but not right after Jillian asked that question. It was right in the beginning of the date when they sat down is when he saw the bird, yet they edited it to make it seem like that’s how he answered her question. Not surprising.
Any questions, comments, emails, praises, criticisms, feedback, feel free to email me at steve@realitysteve.com.
I am going to say this before I listen to Wes’s side….I understand the edit but he had to have said the things to get the edit…maybe I won’t dislike him as much but will probably still dislike him….may have to come back and do another comment and eat my words too….we will see
I am an editor for a small internet company and I know all about editing. I could totally see how they take what he has said and splice it together with something else he had said to make it what you want or even omit parts of sentences. I’ve done it before (not in a negative way), it can be done.
How can Wes divulge all of this information to you without getting sued?? I’ve not listened to it yet because I can’t get it to load, but I’ll try again later.
I was wondering the same thing as Sarah, how can he devulge so much without getting sued? Steve has always said that ABC has these ‘iron clad’ contracts?
Ok, seriously already! STEVE – COME ON! I listened to the interview (actually, am listening to it right now) Yes, Wes does seem sincere and maybe he was EDITED or SPLICED. WHO GIVES A CRAP?!?!?!?!?! This show is NOT REAL – he was on a REALITY TV SHOW – what the hell do you think? You are now defending someone who acts like they didn’t know this was going to happen, when you YOURSELF are the one who continuously promotes how stupid these people are if they think they are going to be portrayed accurately. YOU ARE KILLING ME!!!! I don’t care if they edited Wes! I can’t believe I am listening to this!
I do believe Wes is sincere – but, here is the deal – WE DON’T CARE! Your TRUE / OLD SCHOOL followers DON’T CARE! Now, you have picked up all these new people because of last season adn you are forgetting about the people who actually used to follow you for the fun!
You mentioned why so many people are saying “Go back to writing your column” and you are still writing them – YES, you are – but you are NOT LISTENING – go back to writing them based on the cheesy show on TV – not what goes on behind the scenes.
I have read this column FOREVER and now I am enjoying a column on EW way better – it was how you USED to be!
I see Sarah and LoriLee just asked what I was thinking about mentioning. How is Wes allowed to talk about this stuff? I haven’t listened yet (I’m at work), but it would appear to me to be a breach of contract based on the questions shown. Unless it is all a ploy by ABC to get more attention for the show, I don’t see how he can talk about this so freely. What is going on here???
I suspect Wes is just tired from all the drama this has created. His friends and family have received threatening phone calls. He receives hate mail. All because a TV show wants to have drama and get ratings.
Some people realize this is just a TV show, but it is actually scary how many people DO think this is real and are acting as though Wes has personally come into their homes to rape and pillage and destroy their lives.
I am still listening and again – don’t give a crap about the editing – but Wes is saying he isn’t watching the show or hasn’t watched an episode – but, seems to have an immediate come back for every single line you throw at him. Give me a break Steve!
Wow, Steve. This was a very interesting interview and I’m so glad I listened to it. I have totally changed my opinion of Wes and I actually feel sorry for him. I gave you a hard time for sucking up to Wes, but I take it back 100%. I realize he may not be telling the entire truth either, but clearly there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. Thanks for putting up with the criticism and pursuing this.
I’m super glad that I listened to that interview!
Thanks for sharing that! I have turned a complete 180 on my opinion of him.
Wow, Steve. This was a very interesting interview. I am so glad I listened to it. I gave you a hard time for sucking up to Wes, but I take it back 100%. I realize Wes may not be telling the whole truth either, but clearly there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. I actually feel sorry for Wes. I hope he doesn’t get his ass sued off for doing this. He obviously needed to tell his side of the story. Thanks for putting up with the criticism to pursue this interview. I knew that “reality tv” was not exactly how it seems, but I didn’t realize the extent of how deceiving it can be.
Well can we at least agree that Wes looks super hot in that picture?
Stephlk74b,
Of course Wes has a comeback for everything thrown at him. He LIVED it. Of course he has an answer. Seriously, stop being so nasty. How can you not “give a crap about editing” when the editing is the entire reason why you dont like Wes? Seems rather shallow of you, huh?
the interview with Wes was great. I loved every minute.
And I dont blame Wes for one second if he decides not to show up at the MTA. They will edit that show, too. Wes will be honest if Chris puts him in the hotseat, yet ABC wont have the nuts to show what Wes REALLY says.
I don’t know what contracts for shows like this really look like, and I understand people sign up and choose to do these shows so essentially it’s their fault how it all comes out when they say things while the camera is rolling. But I do not believe anyone signs up to have their words taken out of context, to have lines spliced together, to have words removed to completely change the meaning of what they say. We all know reality shows are edited, but I really don’t think people know the extent of how far the editing goes. I am an editor as well, not for a reality tv show, but I do understand how editing works and how it can be done. And it can be done, take Steve’s word for it. And well, Wes likely does have an answer for everything Steve asked him because he was there and is simply answering the questions that Steve wanted answers to; how is he not supposed to have an answer to questions that pertain to his experience there?
People don’t have to change their opinion from listening to this interview, but just know editing to make a person look really horrible can be done, and is clearly something The Bachelor/Bachelorette make an effort of doing each season. And for everyone who wants the old Steve back, it’s the funny recaps you want and not these interviews or insider information, this is what he chooses to do now with his blog and I guess if you don’t like how he puts his column together anymore then perhaps EW or whatever blog out there that does do witty recaps is the place you need to go. The constant complaints are getting old, he doesn’t seem to want to change the way he does his column now and go back to only doing the recaps, so it’s just a waste of time to continue to complain.
Lila…exactly! If you dont like this place, LEAVE. but quit coming on here griping! It’s so old and all of the complaints are just a knee jerk reaction.
Children, Grow up already and realize that if you dont like what this sandbox offers, take your toys and go someplace else.
I couldn’t listen to the whole interview cuz I was creeped out by Steve’s heavy breathing. LOL.
STEVE! How could you! I don’t believe this creep for a second. We all saw how he manipulated and lied to Jillian during the show and now he’s doing that to you – sucker. I know you hate the show and will support anything negative against it and yes I do believe editing went on to make him look worse. Assholes always come out of these shows, feel the backlash and then blame the show for “editing”. Editing aside, Wes STILL made those comments – the show didn’t put those words in his mouth. How anyone can fall for his “aw shucks, I’m a good ol’ guy” game just blows my mind. What a creepy, no-talent, insincere, loser!
I have to say I was one of those who thought was a jerk off, however I listen to the whole interview and listened to everything that was said. I have changed what I had thought. I did a 180, I don’t think that was is a jerk off any more…
I haven`t listened to the interview yet. To be fair to RS and Wes (more to RS because of all the flack he`s getting for defending Wes) I intend to try listening with an open mind. As it stands I think that the truth lies somewhere in between (sorry RS) and I can`t imagine there is anything Wes might say that will convince me he went on this show to find lurve! I might change my mind once I`ve heard the interview,here goes.
Hi, Wes,
I am appalled that ABC assassinated your character. This network has done substantial damage to your reputation and called into question your integrity as a man. This smear will follow you the rest of your life. This board should give you and indication. Even though people know the truth, they still prefer to believe the smear and the lie. you can have no awareness of how this will affect you, cause people to boycott your show, harass and stalk your family and friends, demand radio stations not play your music. People out there are crazy and ABC has made the mob think you are the devil incarnate.
I think I would use this opportunity to take a stand and defend your chartacter and challenge what ABC has done. The timing couldn’t be better. Sadly Michael Jackson has died. Google Martin Bashir and look at the hatched job the network did on that man, making him out to be a pedophile, child abuser, and delinquent parent — all for ratings. Bashir later retracted his statements and represented the opposite sentiments in conversations with Jackson, which were caught by Jackson’s camera man.
Remind the public of what ABC’s own news team did to Jackson and then get an attorney to demands all video of you so that you can post on a web site exactly what you said and what happened and then contrast that with what ABC portrayed.
I doubt ABC’s contract stipulated that you cannot sue them. Anyone can sue anyone for anything. You can sue them for SOMETHING or even enter into settlement — and as part of discovery process, get copies of those tapes.
You deserve a right to defend yourself and character.
All people should be very disturbed by what happened to Wes as it could and does happen to other people all the time in the news and media. And frankly, it could happen to any of you…who appear on the news, in reality shows, etc. Don’t you care about being fed lies when the network holds public trust responsibilities and is shaping public perception which leads to very real consequences.
Wes, I am truly sorry for what happened to you. Please use this opportunity to achieve something good. I don’t see how the network will be able to defend themselves. What they did to you
Hi Steve! I’m glad I listened to that interview. I always knew this show was fake and edited like crazy, but I didn’t realize the extent that it was until now. I take back completely what I said about Wes. I’m glad the real candid truth is coming out about this show. I hope he doesn’t get sued over it. I wish him luck! Thanks again.
People who think that this show is real and are actually taking their time to make threats against Wes and his family need their heads examined. I mean c’mon people, it’s just a TV show. How can anyone let a TV show make their opinion on a person is beyond me. I don’t judge you unless I know you in person. Let him live his life. If you don’t like Wes stay away from him I guess. P.s. I thought the ‘having lots of sex at home’ comment was actually funny. I wouldn’t date someone like Wes (no offense) but he probably is a great friend.
….is appalling and should be challenged. Viewers of this show should all get behind Wes, whether they personally like him or not.
Let ABC know that what they did is unacceptable and will not be tolerated to their constituents — their audience.
Wow! Bravo to Wes for having the guts to reveal some of the crap that goes on with the producers on this show. Steve, GREAT questions! I am sure ABC and Fleiss aren’t thrilled, but a lawsuit would just expose how fake this show is; so I doubt they will really take any action beyond threatening him.
Wow. Thanks for doing this interview, Steve, it was great. I know there are plenty of narrow-minded people out there who are still going to insist Wes is a jerk and a liar but listening to the interview, he really does sound like a nice, sincere guy who really got thrown under the bus. And I HATED Wes when the season started. Loathed him. But then the more I watched, the more I realized, the reason I’m hating this person is because he’s a CHARACTER who’s been created with for the purpose of viewers hating him. I knew this show was edited but I had no idea it was to this extent. Anyway, I hope you ignore any of the inevitable criticism that will be thrown your way (just like when you exposed the Jason-Molly-Melissa situation) and know you’re doing the right thing.
BTW – it really surprised me that Trista Sutter jumped on the “I hate Wes” bandwagon. I mean, even if you believe what he said to call him the filth of the earth is just ridiculous.
Everyone just needs to relax a little. Anyone watching the show could see the hatchet job being done on Wes and with the amount of sound bytes and off screen interviews being done during the show, they can create anything they want which is exactly what they did.
Wes seems like a really cool guy and the type I would throw back a few cold ones with any day.
I am listening to Wes’ music on his myspace page right now and he is a very talented musician as well which has been sorely overlooked.
We definitely need some more testosterone on this board.
Reality Steve, how likely is it that Laurel could sue ABC. Even Wes, they went way way over the line. Your thoughts?
LOL
Thanks for doing this interview. It definitely changed my mind about Wes. If there is a lesson learned in this, it is NEVER DO A REALITY SHOW. Tell your friends as well. Unless of course, you are trying to make it in Hollywood, but even then they can edit you badly and ruin your chance at stardom. I have known this and most reality shows were staged for a long time, but this just proves it. I hope ABC doesn’t try to sue Wes, but even if they do, I think he has a valid defense….
I haven’t listened yet because I’m at work right now, but I’ve already cooled off on my “hate” for Wes. I don’t really care one way or the other anymore. I wanted him gone regardless of the edits as he seemed more invested in his music career anyway. No amount of editing in the world could hide the fact that his music was “numero uno” in his life. Why keep him? I know, I know, this isn’t real and the show is edited to make a storyline, blah, blah, blah…but he so clearly didn’t even like Jillian that it was painful to watch. I hope for his career’s sake that this dies down but I can say people are angry, nobody wants to give this guy a break. I wish people would realize that it’s only a television show, he’s gone now so what’s the use in hating a “character” on a show? Life’s too sweet and there’s always next week’s episode to salivate over…
seems like wes and his friends have signed up and are now commenting here!
Sally, I have never met Wes nor do I even know the man. I am standing up for what is right and it would behoove you to do the same.
If you had been butchered through a TV hatchet job and were facing attacks on your family and friends as a result of lies peddled for ratings at your expense, you bet I’d be on this board defending you….
This used to a Judeo-Christian country where values and integrity meant something. What happened? Why are so many people prepared to defend injustice?
Thank you Wes for doing this interview. At first when I was watching the show I believed you were only there for your music career. But as the weeks went on I couldn’t believe some of the things you said, especially because it didn’t make any sense if you were indeed there to promote your music.
I feel the producers wanted to portray you in a very negative light to take the ‘heat’ off of Jason (whom I still consider the most hated Bachelor in the history of the show). Also they needed to do something to spice up this season by using you and David as pawns in their ratings game.
I only watch the show for entertainment and not for romance. I originally stopped watching the show after Jesse’s season because of all the obvious BS they forced down our throats. I started watching it again on Andy’s season, but ever since Jason’s season I have been pretty jaded about this show.
Thanks for letting everyone know how scripted and edited this show really is.
Wes, have faith. This will blow over. I’m so sorry this happened to you. From the beginning it was obvious you were being edited. It’s such a shame people don’t have more sense to recognize that!!
Steve, I’m so over people complaining about how you’re interviewing Wes and showing examples of editing. As a journalist you need to get all sides! As a great blogger/writer/interviewer, people would slam you if you HADN’T interviewed him!! Ignore these idiots who keep complaining. They’re as ridiculous as the people who believe this show is real.
That said, I want more info on Ed haing a girlfriend.
I Been watching the show for couple years and this has got to be the worst season yet..with the editing so farfetched half of what you see dosnt even really make sence..Plus i just dont see any real chemistry between jillian and any of the remaining guys.You dont hear them talk anything real personal so real hard to see any of them really connecting with her..As for Wes- I feel very sorry for the guy.He seems to be a very stand up good guy and just got so completly abused!! He dosnt deserve what happened to him with being edited so cruelly..Hope his career takes off and skyrockets now because of it!!
Let’s see now— half of the stupid things Wes said were jokes and the other half were taken out of context. He takes no responsibilty for anything he says or does. And then he violates the terms of a contract he signed by doing this interview. A real class act!
Sorry pal, this inteveriew looks like nothing more than a case of damage control. Wes got a ton of publicity from all of this. He was a nobody before this show, he went on it to become a somebody, and now he blames everbody but himself for everything that happened. It is obvius that his agent told him to defend himself and RS is the perfect “yes man” to help him do it. Wes says that the publicity he got wasn’t worth the way he was portrayed…I’ve got one word for you Wes….OMAROSA! Like you she was a nobody until The Apprentice made her into somebody, and the same thing goes for you.
RS you gave Wes nothing but softball questions, never challenged him to take responsibility for his own words and actions. Steve, is your hatred for TB so strong that you would make a fool of yourself like this?
I can see a proposal coming from this Bachelorette show- Steve proposes to Wes! I hope the two of you live happily ever after.
Steve,
I enjoyed hearing Wes’s perspective. The truth lies somewhere in between. When you interview in the future, it would be more interesting to me if you took an objective stance, rather than an anti-program stance. Thanks -
Wes got a bad edit. No one can argue with that. The people that still believe he really said all those things need a reality check. You can tell by watching the show it is all chopped up and spliced together. They don’t even show Wes’s face half the time when he is talking. I don’t understand how people cannot see this. I am so glad he is speaking out about this. Maybe now people will understand what a joke this show is. It is one thing to show something someone said when they were drunk but to make things up is crimianl. I hope he sues them for slander. In his exit interview Michael said Wes got a bad edit and he was a great guy. Get real people this show is fake. Go Wes, keep talking about it!
P.S. If people don’t like what RS is writing in his blog don’t come to this website anymore. Go read Chris Harrisons blog full of lies.
Wes is pretty good at dodging questions. I noticed this when Steve asked him if he had really told Jake that he had a girlfriend. Wes started trashing Jake instead of denying anything.
What’s also strange to me is that Wes never says why he went on the show to begin with. It’s not like he went on the show saying that he really wanted to meet a girl and settle down, or that he had seen Jillian on The Bach and thought she was a hot mama or anything. If he doesn’t watch TV or know what the show is, why did he go on? He didn’t seem into Jillian AT ALL. His total lack of affection in the Spain episode was clear, editing or not. Any guy who says something like “hey baby, it’s a two way street, you’re not coming onto me either” needs some lessons in chivalry! When it comes down to it–it’s a little bit him, a little bit editing and there you go. A lot more people know his name now, and I’m wasting time in my day to write this, so it’s not all bad for ol’ Wes!!!!
WES IS A SNAKE AND all the explanations in his blameless world cannot escape the FACT; he manipulated Jillian into thinking that he was interested in her!! She believed him! It was REAL for her; it was NOT real for him. We DO NOT CARE about his nutty “edit.” We all expect that. Jillian is edited as well. They cannot play it all, sentence for sentence, some things get pieced together. If you worry, then play as Kiptyn did, who deliberately gave them nothing.
How does Wes explain that SO MANY OTHERS called him out??! Pre-season, posters warned us about the charms and manipulations of this dude. That he would surely make it far, as he always does… We watched his family of enablers, we know about the GF who played along… Wes has BEEN EXPOSED, and of course, true to form, he has an answer for it all. I have listened and read every interview out there with him; he figured out what “sold” people, what made them think of him as a Victim (!!) He did not even have the presence of mind to speak well of Jillian when he had many chances. Kick him back to the curb.
Wes is no victim, ladies and gentleman. You have been had.
@Jordan
Jordan, I never said I did not like Wes. I actually said he seemed pretty sincere, but get over it if he was edited. He went on a reality tv show. I could give a crap about the editing is right -I don’t care – I just want to watch the cheesy show and read Steve’s cheesy comments. I see this site is not what it used to be and Steve – love you man – but, if your new goal in life is to out the fakeness of reality TV – you have a long career ahead of you – they are ALL FAKE!
RS ~ Enjoyed the interview with the “dreaded” Wes Hayden. He is no longer dreaded in my book. I hope when the MTA episode comes on TV he’s there and lets them have it with both barrels but alas, MF won’t let that happen and it will be the usual boring B.S. What a sham this show is. What a shame that somebody’s reputation has to suffer. I hope he comes out smelling like a rose!!!
and I hope Jillian LISTENS TO THIS TOO!
lol..Steve, why didn’t you post a warning! I clicked on my RS Reality link and promptly threw up all ove myself when I saw the slimeball’s pictures..ewwwwwwwwww
I am confused that after going through all the weeks on the show he has to ask RS if Jillian was on Jason’s season. How could he have spent all that time there and not known that? I do not buy it.
I am confused that after going through all the weeks on the show he has to ask RS if Jillian was on Jason’s season. How could he have spent all that time there and not known that? I do not buy it.
Well, now we know why Steve was enamored and defending Wes, the pond scum, who can’t sing at all. Too bad, Steve has lost his objectiveness and this is just another kiss ass site like all the others. It was Steve’s sarcasim that made me come back after Jason’s/Molly/Melissa season. Why in the world does RS think it’s great to be a friend of this Wes? puke
are u happy now?that you cleared the Air for Wes and made Jake the bad guy. what if he was there for being the next bachelor.what is wrong with that? that was so lame. I don’t have anything against Wes but he did the same as supposedly Jake did to him.
doesn’t Greg Brady, I mean Ed, have a supposed girlfriend too? Reality Steve, you need to follow up on this please.
Poor Jillian–even if she is in on everything/getting paid, etc. I want to smack her upside the head and tell her to stop being so idealistic about marriage and children. Her life and career sound more interesting than poopie diapers and boring evenings at home watching The Bach.
Wes is an ass…Jake is pure class!!!