-Pretty crazy last few days I’d say. I know you all have been wondering why I haven’t been writing or commenting on this situation. Well, here I am to explain exactly what I knew, when I knew it, and what my thoughts are. And for once, I’m going to be objective here giving both sides the benefit of the doubt. Why? Because I’m a great guy, that’s why. Ha ha. Could I have run with this last week and beaten the tabloids to the story? Yes. Why didn’t I? I felt like I didn’t need to. Plus, I have not spoken to either woman, Lindsey or Bethany. In my last posted column (last Wednesday), I ended it by alluding to the fact that “this story has legs.” I said that because I knew both Lindsey and Bethany were going to tell their stories to national magazines. Then I twittered a few times over the weekend about how the “sh** is gonna hit the fan, and just be ready for what’s coming.” Of course, a lot of you jumped on that thinking I was the one breaking the news even though I wrote the words, “This has nothing to do with me. I’m not breaking any news.” Don’t really know how I could’ve been any clearer than that, but whatever. This never had anything to do with me. This was their story, I was going to let them tell it. If they wanted to come to me first, fine. But they didn’t, I knew they wouldn’t, and so they went to the tabloids for a bigger audience. Totally understandable. I did not care that I didn’t break this story since I knew it was coming out in a few days anyway and I would just comment then.
-Obviously, I think most of you are of the opinion right now of, “Ed’s a jerk! I can’t believe she’s standing by him! What’s she thinking! I knew it was too good to be true! How can he do this!” Which is fine. You’re entitled to that. Before I jump on that bandwagon, I just want lay all the information out on the table first. Lets be clear here: This is NOT stuff that I discovered, came up with, am making up, stating as rumor, etc. This is all stuff being alleged by both women here, that being Lindsey Johnson and Bethany Steffen, women who claim to have been in a “relationship” with Ed before he left to do the show AND who are claiming he continued with them during and AFTER filming. However, lets immediately get a few things out of the way for those who haven’t read what’s going on or seen Jillian and Ed appearing on “Good Morning America” yesterday. First, here is the nuts and bolts of what is being alleged, straight from “US Weekly”:
“Bachelorette Betrayed!” – US Weekly
So yesterday, “Good Morning America” did a piece on that exact story knowing it was going to break, and here’s what they aired:
-So here’s what I thought of the “GMA” appearance. I didn’t like it for Jillian and Ed. At all. Here’s why: They spoke in generalizations. Lindsey and Bethany, in their stories, are citing specific dates, specific emails, specific texts, and are quite detail oriented with their timeline and what transpired between them and Ed before, during, and after the show. For Jillian and Ed to go to the “People are just trying to bring us down”, “This is high schoolish” card, that’s fine. But just know that most people are going to hate that answer and you will be criticized for it. Ed saying “not true at all”, “false allegations”, etc is completely evading the specific instances these women are citing. I have no problem with Jillian and Ed giving the easiest and safest response they could to all this, but if you’re gonna do that, expect more questions to be fired at you since you didn’t address ANYTHING other than the overall story. JED (that’s short for Jillian and Ed since I don’t feel like typing both names all the time) fans of course will say, “She believes him, and that’s all that matters.” If she does, great. But it doesn’t mean they won’t get crucified by fans that have more questions about this. It’s part of being on the show. And with the weird dynamic of Ed leaving then coming back, then being the final choice, already people were questioning what the hell happened. Now Lindsey and Bethany throw a monkey wrench into everything to make it ten times worse.
-Jillian is standing by Ed saying that he’s been nothing but honest with her about everything, she knows about both women, and “any text or email to them since the show has ended has been strictly platonic.” Well, that’s not what Lindsey and Bethany are saying. Especially with that “Bring the beer and condoms” crack he allegedly laid on Bethany after coming back from Hawaii. Nice one. Such the romantic. Hell, even if it isn’t true it’s still one of my all-time favorite lines ever. But the generalizations that JED went to in that interview were not good. I want to know, “Ed, did you sent that text message? If you didn’t, why is she saying you did?” “Ed, did you say you weren’t into Jillian? If you didn’t, why is there an email confirming you did?” Well, that part I know is true because I’ve seen that email. He sent it to Bethany three weeks before leaving for the show and told her that he already told the director that if he did the show, he’d be doing it for the wrong reasons because “I am not, in any way, attracted to the chick.” Something Bethany already told the magazines so I’m not breaking any news here. I’m just saying I’ve seen the email. Ed needs to answer specific questions. If he chooses not to, fine. But JED has to understand that they are the final couple on a reality dating show that was watched by 10 million people. When allegations come up, if you’re gonna dismiss them as nothing when these women are giving specific details, you can’t cry “Why don’t they just leave us alone?” Sorry. Doesn’t work that way.
-With that said, how credible are Lindsey and Bethany at this point? Tough to say, but it’s awfully hard to dispute some of the things they’re saying. Why? Go back up and look at the “GMA” piece. In the part where they are showing a shot of Lindsey’s computer, you can see the email exchange between her and Ed. It took place on Friday, April 10th (a time where Ed was in filming), and goes like this:
Lindsey to Ed: “Are you done??? Will it be this weekend? I’m dying 
”
Ed to Lindsey: “I don’t know. I’ll call you when I get my phone back.”
Lindsey to Ed: “Ah yes!!! When u coming home????????”
That is a major red flag if you ask me. First off, we’ve always been led to believe that contestants are to have no contact with the outside world when on this show. Mike Fleiss has stated it, Chris Harrison has stated, and numerous past contestants have stated it. Now we have proof that one of the guys (who just so happened to be the final one in the end), was allowed to use his computer during filming. Based on the email I’ve seen, my guess is Ed agreed to come on the show (because he was very reluctant to three weeks before filming), and negotiated something to where he’d do the show if they let him use his computer for work. I don’t think that’s too far fetched to think based on what I’ve seen. Three weeks before filming the guy didn’t want to be there, admitted as much, told directors he’d be doing the show for the wrong reasons, and now he’s on the show with a computer in hand.
-Also, Lindsey says that while Ed was back home from the show for “business purposes”, they attended a wedding together (with picture included in the “US Weekly” piece), and said she stayed the last “3 or 4 nights with him before he said he was leaving for Texas.” In fact, both women in their story told the magazines he told them he was going to Texas. When in reality, that’s when he went back on the show to Spain, then Hawaii. Lindsey and Bethany are saying that neither of them knew about the other one until all this stuff came to be. Are they scorned? Sure. Do they feel hurt? Of course. But I think what’s interesting to note here is neither of them are crawling at Ed’s feet begging for him to take them back. Neither of them want anything to do with him at this point because they felt lied to, betrayed, and ultimately, embarrassed. If you want to question them running to the tabloids to tell their story, that’s fine. That’s definitely calling into question their credibility. However, if they wanted their story out there, what other way could they have gone about it?
-Do you think if they went to Ed and said, “Hey honey, can you put us in touch with Jillian? We think she should know what you did to us”, he would’ve obliged? Uhhhh, I doubt it. Could they have found Jillian on their own and emailed or asked to speak with her? Sure. But if they did, wouldn’t Jillian have had the same reaction? She’s going to stand by her fiancé whether these women tell their story to a tabloid or they contact her personally. Either way, she’ll dismiss them as scorned former lovers and believe what Ed tells her. And she should. She should stand by her man. But that doesn’t mean what these women say isn’t true. Ultimately it’s her decision on who to believe, and she’s choosing Ed right now. If you think she’s an idiot for it, I’m sure she can handle that. If you think she’s making the right decision, then she’ll accept that too. I don’t think public opinion is going to change whether or not Jillian and Ed stay together. It’ll ultimately come down to if Jillian hears enough information to think maybe Ed wasn’t telling her the whole truth about things. But who knows?
-Now, the email that I’ve read which has Ed stating 3 weeks before the show he’s not into Jillian and would be doing the show for the wrong reasons is something that is debatable. And when I say debatable, I mean that lets take Ed for his word in the email. But what if he got to the show, met Jillian, fell head over heels for her, and his opinion of her completely changed? Could that be possible? Sure it could. He probably wishes now he never wrote that email, but whatever. He can explain that off by telling Jillian he was stupid when he wrote that, he hadn’t met her yet, and that she completely blew him away and changed his mind. Ok. Lets say that’s what happened. The problem is both Lindsey and Bethany are claiming that the first time when he went home for “business purposes”, he spent time with both of them. In fact, Lindsey produced a picture of a wedding they attended and then said she slept with him that night. Ouch. Bethany also claims she saw him in that time period when he was home. So if we’re under the assumption that once Ed got on the show he immediately fell for Jillian, then why is he seeing/dating/being intimate with women during his time home? Remember, after he came back, the reason he said he came back which he told Jillian was because he felt like he made a mistake, and he couldn’t stop thinking of her. Wow. I mean, there’s absolutely two conflicting stories right there if I ever saw one. He needs to address that. He needs to tell people whether or not he attended a wedding with Lindsey while he was back the first time and if she stayed with him that night. I’m sorry, but IF that happened, I’m stressing “IF”, then anything he said on the show from that point on is meaningless and not believable.
-Moving on, lets say that none of that happened. Lets say when Ed was back in Chicago after coming home for “business reasons”, he never saw either woman. Basically just went to work, did what he needed to do, went out a few times, but never went on a date and was never intimate with anyone. So he goes back on the show to Spain and Hawaii, and now he becomes the final one. He leaves Hawaii and engaged man to Jillian and everything is great. Now both women are claiming texts, emails, and even one case of intimacy yet again after coming back from Hawaii. Even telling Lindsey “the show made me do it”, “I still love you”, and he never acknowledged whether he was engaged or not. This is where Lindsey claims she was intimate with him. She asked him questions about the show, he said he couldn’t answer until July 20th, but based on his answers, she felt she could stay with him. Her opinion was that, “Well, if the guy is engaged, he wouldn’t sleep with me. So I guess he’s not.” Lindsey claims he kept telling her to wait until July 20th because then “I can explain everything that’s going on”. Just an ugly, ugly story all around. And answers like, “These stories aren’t true at all” just isn’t gonna cut it in this situation. Lindsey gave specific dates, specific places, and specific emails. He needs to find a way to dispute those or he will be forever guilty in the public eye.
-At this point, I think I’ve said what I needed to say. Lindsey and Bethany have told their stories. You can read those in any magazine this week. I really don’t think they need to come do an interview with me because nothing they tell me they haven’t already told others. I don’t need to print any emails from anyone since the content of it has already been divulged. My one thing that I want in all of this situation is to hear from Ed. That’s it. I know this probably sounds like an easy “guilty” verdict towards him based on things everyone is hearing and the emails I’ve received, but honestly, I’m going to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. Whether he talks to me or talks publicly, whatever the case may be, Ed needs to attack these stories head on. That’s the only way anyone will really know how legitimate these claims are. As of right now, there is so much evidence stacked against him, that its very hard to believe NONE of this is true. Maybe certain parts are embellished, but the facts seem to state that Ed had contact with one, if not both of them, both during and after filming. There are emails to prove it. And if he did, then how are we supposed to believe anything he said to Jillian on the show?
-Both Jillian and Ed say they are happy right now. She says he has not lied to her, he’s been open with her, she knows about both women, and she trusts him. I guess time will tell. Honestly, it’s a sad story really. It’s pathetic. I don’t hate Jillian and Ed. I never hated Jason and Molly. I don’t hate anybody. If these couples end up making it, I will gladly eat crow and congratulate them. But until I see them walk down the aisle, I will always have my doubts. How can I not at this point considering what this show has produced? All I’ve ever wanted in anything was the truth. I’d love to hear Ed’s side of everything in all this. Until then, all I wanted to do today was lay out the stories that are being presented right now, and have all of you make up your own mind on who you want to believe. Is Ed telling the truth? If he’s not, does that mean Jillian should just ditch the guy tomorrow? Is this something they could possibly work through if he did lie about the contact he had with Lindsey and Bethany? This is going to be interesting watching how it’ll play out. I, for one, am going to stand by and observe for the time being.
-I’ve sat on this information for a whole week, and honestly, I’m not any more clear today on how I feel than I was a week ago. Usually when this mountain of evidence comes piling up towards one side, I’m the first guy to beat my chest and scream “Guilty!” And maybe I should in this case. Especially considering how weird I felt this season went with how everything played out. But this is Ed and Jillian’s deal, not mine. Sure, I can give my opinion, which I have numerous times. And my opinion right now is Ed has A LOT to answer to. If he chooses to continue to answer in generalizations, then I know how I’ll feel about the situation and if I had any pull, I’d suggest to Jillian to get out while she can. You know, as badly as I criticized Jason and Molly, they weathered the storm and seem to be happy. Hey, whatever works. Although I think what Jillian is dealing with is far worse than what Molly had to deal with. Everything Molly dealt with was rumors about the show being fake and what not. Jillian is dealing with infidelity issues and accusations against her fiancé that are being supported by evidence. I don’t even think its close. Jason and Molly have it easy compared to what Jillian and Ed have coming up. Lets see how this all plays out and if any new information arises. It will no doubt be interesting to see.
And oh yeah, good riddance Paula Abdul. $20 million? Are you kidding me? So you can babble incoherently and never criticize anyone? You are absolutely nuts and I’m glad you’re gone from the show. Long live Kara! Woo hoo!
Any questions, comments, emails, criticisms, praises, email me at steve@realitysteve.com.
i’ve never commented on a blog before and have read yours a few times, but i like your analysis here. my addition would be, even if some of these things are true and Ed did string along someone, but then it actually turned in love with Jillian so we should give him the benefit of the doubt…if that’s true. then the one thing that should still be concerning is if he did that to two women at once. because it didn’t sound like he was just dating these two the entire time, the exchanges make it seem like there was some sort of relationship. and that is something i think he would have to address more than anything. okay, one girl doing this, fine. but two girls, with somewhat similar stories and can’t just make up their background or that they have photos with him, i mean they have friends right who could then say they’ve never heard of him. but these are longtime ex girlfriends, whatever. i like the way that Jillian is treating it though. f*it. why waste your time believing it, maybe she’ll get burned but i’m sure in her head which is maybe actually rational, then maybe she does. why waste her time and get caught up in all of this, yeah, maybe she should listen to these girls. but the spectacle its caused, how would it not be feeding into the situation to comment or keep talking. i’ll be interested to see how this works out.
Oddly, it seems as if the show was edited to accommodate what has happened. They showed Ed looking nervous during the “girlfriend” episode, Jillian having the stand by your man conversation with Kip’s mom, her line about how Ed shouldn’t disappoint her, etc. There always seemed to be another shoe waiting to drop. I think the delay in saying whether she was engaged or had picked someone was related to these issues. In her interviews since the show ended, she sounds like someone over-hyping and selling something, which is probably their fake relationship they’ll maintain to further both of their careers. She apparently is in talks to do a tv show. Unfortunately, it looks like she had to make lemonade out of the lemon of a season.
It sounds like there is more to come. Any hints Steve??
No wonder ABC and Chris Harrison made Wes out to be the creep. They had a creep on their hands alright but it sure wasn’t Wes. ABC had no clue what to do with this mess so they played out the story but used Wes in place of Ed. Jillian can laugh all she wants about this situation but the bottom line is, she owes Wes an apology.
Any chance that both Jillian and Ed are following the script of creating a ‘happy ending’ and are just waiting out their short contract before they break up (in exchange for some money)? Almost everyone I know who watched the show (and also those who only saw interviews with the happy couple after the finale aired) have stated that Ed looks like he is definitely not into Jillian. He has seemed like he’s acting for a long time (and not very well). Maybe she didn’t find ‘the one’ and was encouraged to pick Ed so that we didn’t end up with another Brad Womack season. I really do like Jillian, so I’ll keep an open mind to the 1% chance that they’re really in love and are going to weather this storm.
@palm
I’m thinking the same thing. The show seemed like it set up this entire thing. Right down to her comment about Ed right after Reid left – “Ed better not ** with me” or something like that. I think it’s fake – I think Jillian and Ed are playing it all out for some financial benefit. Talk show? Just watch, it’ll end up on ABC…(Melissa – DWTS, GMA.)
I’m with Palm on this one. Steve, I think you might have it wrong, not because ABC isn’t suspect, but because I think the whole thing is playing out exactly how they (and Ed and Jill)want it to. Look, a couple of weeks ago we were all squawking because Eddie supposedly couldn’t meet Jilly’s needs during the fantasy suite date. Ha. Ha. Turns out our Eddie boy can not only meet Jilly’s needs, but some other gals as well! No doubt Eddie was pissed to the max when ABC alluded that he couldn’t perform in the bedroom. Many, many, many posters on every B’ette board commented how embarrassing it must be for him, how he must be getting total hell from his buddies, how he would be forever humiliated in his dating life because women would laugh at him. My how the times have changed. No one’s questioning Ed’s sexual prowess now are they? My point is that I think this is tit for tat. ABC, Jill and Ed are all in agreement that this is how things would play out. Think about it, ABC films a bedroom scene far, far, far longer than any prior fantasy suite scene has been filmed in the past. After this scene Jill lets it be known, not once, but multiple times that things didn’t go quite well, “…if you know what I mean, wink, wink”. Chris Harrison confirms the bedroom failure in not one, but two interviews, then Ed is forced to admit on camera that things didn’t go as he had hoped, that he “…couldn’t show Jillian how much he cared for her”. So what do you think Ed and Jill’s reactions were to that episoe after filming concluded and the two of them had a chance to watch it together? The two of them agreed that they had to put an end to the issue once and for all. They contact B’ette producers and tell them that enough is enough, they went along with the ratings gig, but its time to correct their wrong and put a “Ed’s a stud” plan in action. What better way to do it than to have multiple women come out of the closet claiming that Ed is anything but lame in bed. The timing is right. (You got wind of these “ex girlfriends” a few weeks ago, before airing of the final episodes. That would have been after Jill had already chosen Ed, but before ATFR.) If I were you Steve I’d spend more time investigating the ultimate “edit” and “scheme” on ABC/B’ette producer’s part, not chasing after the “supposed” story of these two women. Truth is you’ve been off quite a bit this year and I fear ABC may have beat you on this go round?
Wow, Steve. There is a mature side to you after all. This was a nice, well thought out post. Bonus points for not being condescending like you usually are. I actually agree with just about everything you said. I’m not sure what to think either, though I can’t help but wonder what kind of moron is okay with her supposed boyfriend going on a reality dating show.
I think you’ve created a monster with the all the conspiracy stuff judging by some of the above comments. It’s amazing what people pull out of their asses these days regarding this show. I’m not saying there isn’t any “scripting” going on, but the level some people are taking it to is just ludicrous.
@sparkly
sparkly, Steve isn’t being mature—after weeks of BEGGING Lindsey to contact him, she went with GMA and US Weekly. No sense in gloating when the tabloids and ABC do their own exposing have the goods. All that’s left to salvage for Steve is the hope that one of Ed’s exes may model a reality steve tee in he near future, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Thanks Steve. I’ve been waiting for your take on this fiasco. So pleased you don’t have *tunnel vision* on this whole thing. I didn’t see the GMA appearance and I don’t know what the true story is. So many possible outcomes. Until I see proof positive, I’m keeping an open mind, even though I believe Jillian is ready to do just about anything to get married. But, she may be willing to do anything for a pay increase and career leap.
So sorry Wes was completely set-up. I hope he was well compensated for that charade.
One question ….. are you watching Fleiss’ new adventure on Fox ….. More to Love ?? Another train wreck. I made an attempt, but couldn’t stomach it !! What is wrong with this man ??
Again, thanks for posting. Also liked tennisany1′s comment.
I think palm has a great point. I was thinking the same thing. They edited this show taking this current situation into consideration knowing it was going to break. I mean come on, it seems almost timed to perfection, within such a short time frame after the AFTR. SDL on FORT has written extensively about this issue for weeks and how this was something the producers were aware of the entire time. He also suggests that this information was leaked by the show since they had the most to gain from it. Most certainly, Jill, Ed or his girlfriends don’t have much to gain from this at all except public humiliation/criticism.
Chris Harrison could have shared all of this with Jillian saving her from certain heartbreak when Reid came back (since according to SDL and his sources at the show, the people there were very aware of his ongoing relationships), but he led her right to Ed. All those comments Jillian constantly making about how ‘[i] am a smart girl’ and how all that matters is that she makes the ‘right’ choice in the end. I honestly feel sorry for Jillian, I think she may have got played big time, not only by the show but by ED, much more than Melissa….this is embarassing and makes her engagement to Ed appear like a complete sham. I understand that she is trying to save face for not only herself but for ED and I applaud her for trying to put on a brave face. Most of us women have been played at one time or the other in our lives by a guy, often when we were young and naive or (older and naive) and it is such a soul wrenching experience, you can’t imagine a human being doing that to another and destroying a person’s sense of trust so completely and utterly. SDL alludes to the fact that this was a very confusing season for Jillian and it was a disaster from beginning to end and they were struggling to make a love story out of it.
I think the smart thing for anyone to do in the situation is go to these ex-girlfriends privately and talk openly. If he did have a relationship as they allege after the engagement, she should dump him right away and salvage her dignity and stay far away from this show and its people.
Ed was never comfortable on the show, it even comes across on TV plain and simple, just like Kiptyn’s noninterest in her does too….the only guy who seemed to have any connection with her at all was Reid. According to SDL (he says this on FORT), Jill had a mad crush on a production guy too….who knows what is the truth and what is not. This show has played with all of our emotions, trying to sell us a story that never happened and was scripted. Someone on FORT actually said that they have seen a STORYBOARD for this show, with their very own eyes. It is a TV show, pure entertainment (as Jillian herself alluded to during an interview) and there is very little reality in it (if that).
Something happened between Jillian and this show, however, because I remember her being nervous in her interviews about whether people would still like her after the show. It showed that she was expecting to be thrown under the editorial bus (as she subsequently was). They really edited her to show her as insecure, interested in a proposal no matter whom it came from, having to ‘work for her own happiness’ as if she didn’t deserve it, kissing too many guys….on and on, she wasn’t given a good edit at all. This is just one more thing that have slung at her and shame on them for doing it so publicly, she was THE REASON they had any show to begin with and they got the viewership they had. I wouldn’t have tuned in if it wasn’t for Jillian. I didn’t care about any of the other characters to watch it. I am thoroughly disgusted with this show.
I was stopping here hoping RS would have something to say about this. It is a huge bummer. I for one do think it’s true, and I cannot see their relationship surviving these kinds of lies. For someone to juggle and play with people’s emotions like this is veeery immature – or corrupt. You decide. I now also think they (the producers) brought Reid back hoping Jillian might change her mind. You know to give her an out. What a sad and bizarre, and yet unsurprising end.
@tippytoe My comment about RS being mature was in reference to his thoughtful, let’s remain neutral until all the facts are in, post. Are you implying that he is only taking that stance b/c neither of the girls came to him first? While I tend to agree that it seems RS jumps on the bandwagon of whoever (whomever?) agrees to be interviewed by him first, it doesn’t change the fact that he still wrote a decent post. Actually, I figured it was more likely due to “man code” that he is giving Ed the benefit of the doubt. Heh.
I also want to add that I don’t think the leaving/returning of Ed and Reid’s return were entirely cooked up by the producers. Put yourself in Jillian’s shoes. She was obviously crushed when Ed left. If it turned out that he lied about having to leave and just agreed to do it for ratings, wouldn’t you be pissed to find out later that a) someone you were falling for agreed to lie to you to create drama and b) the producers decided to pull off this stunt, knowing full well how you felt about that person? Because if that’s what happened, she is going to find out about it, especially since she ended up picking the person who did just that. You don’t really hear any of the leads on the show complaining (as much as they can under contract) that they were manipulated by the producers, with the possible exception of Brad, and that one little nugget from Jason (in an email to Melissa). Brad wasn’t really manipulated by them, but they threw him under the bus when he didn’t do what they wanted. And the leads always appear eager to recommend someone to do the next show, but maybe that is part of their contract. In that case, I would publicly endorse someone, but privately tell them to run far, far away.
Of course, this is just my opinion, and I know the hardcore conspiracy theorists will just say that Jillian was in on it as well. What I find so amusing about the conspiracy nuts is that they think everyone is acting…but not quite good enough to fool THEM. Just the rest of us rubes. If the whole thing is scripted, why not hire some talented (yet undiscovered) actors? Jesus-freak Jake doesn’t count.
Hmm, I’m torn on this one. I think some of it is probably true and some isn’t. On the one hand I try to imagine what kind of self respecting women want to admit to the world they were still sleeping with a man who was on a reality dating show but the fact that these are 2 separate girls claiming the same thing and they both have photos and email evidence is pretty incriminating. Saying they both are just ex-girlfriends who are still in love with Ed just doesn’t cut it for me. Honestly, I never really saw it with Jillian and Ed (or Jillian and anyone, really). I feel kind of bad for Jillian. I definitely wouldn’t want to have to deal with these kinds of rumors a week and a half after I announced my engagement.
@palm
That’s true…I remember Ed looking really nervous on the “girlfriend” episode.
I feel bad for Jillian. What a terrible experience she has had.
once again Ed never looks at jilly for anymore than 2 seconds at a time when they talk. red flag #1
Ed did cheat, Fantasy suite…I am to tired..Red Flag #2
Interview why were they in 2 diff cities? red flag #3
Jake is married.
Wes is still a snake. music sucks
kiptyn is surfing
Reid is a selling real estate and will be the new Bachelor.
so the big question is how much were some of the people paid for the time?
I should sue the show for not allowing me the chance to win her heart. All the other guys lied on their application. Against the rules. But then again its pure entertainment.
Good post, Steve. It seems like it would be pretty easy to confirm whether or not the two women are being truthful. Whose wedding did Ed attend? If you know the date of the wedding & there are photos, and the wedding took place in the Chicago area, then it shouldn’t be too difficult to find out whose wedding it was. Make a few inquiries, and you’ll have your answer.
Regardless of whether the women’s stories are true, the fact that they’ve been out there for so long indicates to me that just how much this show is scripted.
Just want to point out one interesting thing…(if it’s all true) how hard can we be on Ed for having multiple relationships during the show, when that is exactly what Jillian was doing! Not that I’m an advocate of Ed, during the show he came off to me like a guy feeding a girl lines. Just couldn’t help but to point out the irony of it all
I heard Jillian in an interview excuse Ed’s behavior by saying that she also had mulitiple relationships during the show. I get that part of it, but it will be interesting to see how she excuses his alleged behavior after the engagement. Although…she stated on GMA that “this is the last time I am talking about this”.
@Shmily The premise of the show is completely upfront about the Bach/B’ette having “multiple relationships.” Everyone who chooses to be on the show knows that from the start. Ed (and probably some of the other guys) didn’t disclose the fact to Jillian that he was (allegedly) in “multiple relationships.” Nor did he disclose that fact to the multiple women he was (allegely) dating. BIG difference. Plus, there’s the episode where Jillian clearly asked if anyone was currently in a relationship. Noone admitted to being in a relationship. Ed, in fact, stated he was not. So how hard can we be on Ed? “THIS much…” to quote Reed.
Has anyone thought that maybe ABC paid these girls to stir up more dirt on ED? What better way to keep the BACHELOR franchise in the media? Screw ABC.
If a guy cheated on me, I would not want the whole world to know about it. They are doing this to protect Jillian. Right because they care deeply about a girl they have never met.
they could have very easily got Ed’s e-mail address and send those e-mails to them selves, and responded as if they were responding to him. he would have never known if he was on the show and had no acess to a computer.
You can also send text messages from the web typing in what # it is coming from.
I am not saying Ed is perfect but I don’t trust these chiks either.
JED??!! ROTFLMAO! That’s great, Steve. Thank you for the smiles & chuckles.
I think you have proven (AGAIN!) that this reality show and its counterpart are scripted and not real. The producers simply can’t let love take its course and let couples say, “I don’t like anyone you’ve provided.” Why? Because ratings would go down the drain. It’s extremely rare to find someone in this world to marry and to do so in such a short time period. It’s even harder when you are carrying on serveral simulataneous relationships. I don’t see how its possible to suck face with a half dozen people and have any clue what your real feelings are when in paradise. Its all a fantasy that ends when you are back in boring reality, which is the prime reason nobody lasts. As you point out, the series is 1 for 17 or whatever. Miserable odds of success.
I’d rather see a show where the Bach/Bachlette are given a smaller pool of people then dates them all on one show, cuts out half of those that they aren’t interested in and perhaps each following week adds a few more. Do this for say 4-5 episodes. This would be interesting as there’s always new blood and improves the chances of someone finding someone. I don’t understand the concept of bringing out 25-30 people and cutting out those that don’t even speak or meet the Bach/Bachrette! What’s the point in that? Maybe a change will keep them from having to come up with these awful B movie scripts. This season was a new low.
I agree with you: JED will only last until the contract deadline is up and the business opportunities dry out. It will be any day now that melaneyed is over. Tick! tock!
@palm
Excellent take. And Sunny1 – “Jill had a mad crush on a production guy too…” – if true why is that not surprising! Nothing screams horny desperation like Jillian…
Great blog Steve. I agree that the truth lies somewhere in the middle of the story. While I believe some of what Bethany & Lindsey are saying, part of me wonders why would you SELL it to a tabloid. If you truly wanted to ‘warn’ or ‘help’ Jillian, there were definatly other ways then selling out to a tabloid. In my opinion it puts not only a black mark on Ed, but on both of them as well, for selling their story. That said, the tabloid wants the juiciest details possible, so what is to say their stories weren’t embelished just a little…? Who knows.
Since this is all very public and Jillian chooses to put her head in the sand and not believe any of it, what method would you select for these girls to get Jillian’s attention for what a scoundrel ole Eddie is? Maybe they should have called her up and asked for a “beer summit?” Seriously Jillian does not want to think the worst of her chosen one. After all she had two perfectly squeaky clean and devoted men ready to actually be sincere and ask to marry her but she chose the bad guy. I have a hunch since the whole crew seemed to know about Ed that Jillian must have had some idea he was a huge risk. But she chose him anyways. So I do not think there was any other way for this story to come out than “very publicly.”
What Jillian does now, well it seems she is going to be stubborn and stick by her man. What a joke, even if they wed, which they might because they both seem to be very immature and have poor judgment and will do whatever now to show the world they are right and everyone else is wrong.
Certainly not a good foundation for lasting happiness.
It looks to me like Jillian is believing Ed right now. Since I don’t know what he told her, I don’t know how hard it would be to believe it. Maybe he told her the entire truth from his point of view (whatever that is), and she is o.k. with it. Looking at it from another point of view, somebody is not being truthful here. I agree that having two women come out with basically the same accusations makes it look really bad for Ed. One thing I don’t know is whether this was all engineered by the show, and the women were paid to do this, or whether they were both really duped by Ed, so the “women scorned” factor comes into play. I could see it being either one.
Starting to reach the end of my tolerance level for all of the drama and scandal-related stuff. The Bachelor/ette shows have taken a turn toward the tabloid side in recent cycles. This one seems the worst of all!
My cousin works in the studios. ( He’s a writer.) Look Ed and Jillian are under contract. They got cash from the show. Bottom line.
Great, great post! It was thoughtful, informational and unbiased which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Even if Ed can’t speak for himself, I’d like to see someone other than Jillian come to his defense and that is the odd part—its like crickets…
When logically thought about, I could understand a lot of what I read and saw about what he did, said, during and before the show. Even if he did attend a wedding with Lindsey while he was gone–I can understand that(given it was not scripted for him to leave and come back). Say the guy actually did leave the show to save his job–wouldn’t he have a life outside of just going back to work? He very likely did not expect he was coming back to the show after he left so he would have went back to well–life… And possibly going back, spending time with other girls(yes, even ex-girlfriends), etc. made him realize he did care more for Jillian than he originally thought? And he did leave to go to Texas–that’s where they were (right?) for the hometown rose ceremony(I can’t remember though–or were they in Canada–wasn’t it hometown when he came back?) Regardless, considering she was in Texas at some point–he very well could have flown there first not knowing where they were going to tell him to go next…plus the email exhange when Lindsey asks when he is coming back–his response is a little dismissive to her–she’s super excited–misses him, can’t wait to see him and he’s just like don’t know I’ll call you which sounds like he is trying to drop her…
Regardless, if he did anything with any of these women after the engagement, that part is unforgiveable and unexplainable. I do think he may be the type of man who moves quickly from one lady to the next–so I will be surprised if they actually will make it.
Okay–I’m done trying to analyze these people—thank goodness my own relationship is not under so much public scrutiny–another reason never to go on a reality show.
Oh I’m sorry…it is sketchy they had to speak to tabloids–obviously they likely got paid and there is the “15 minute fame thrill” of seeing your picture in a celebrity magazine–though this is not necessarily positive fame–I don’t think I would want to put all that out there to the world to read….just sayin…
There is another motivation for these gals to come forward – the one that I personally consider the mostly likely. Revenge. If you were seriously dogged by a guy like this (or a gal), wouldn’t you be tempted to out him nationally, if you could? They are probably feeling a lot of satisfaction. Also, not minding the paycheck.
First and foremost – I LOVE YOU – the best part of reality TV is your commentary the next day.
Now that’s out of the way – maybe, just maybe, Ed was unsure of being the final dude and when he went home – wanted to hedge his bets – went back…love you love you too…blah blah….final rose…yada yada…and the girls at home feel stupid. Personally, think all three women are kinda idiots – I mean really…all this fuss about ED …now Wes I kinda understood but Ed’s the guy you get stuck with when you draw the short straw at the bar with your girlfriends…and they like his friend. C’mon now – has anyone EVER seen anything as awkward as GIANT Ed bending over tiny Jillian and sloppily planting one on her?!?! Ewww…yuck….
So really, who cares – I just like reading Steve so I’ll keep watching season after season for the comments alone!
First Wes, now Ed. Next we will learn that Chris Harrison was cheating on Jillian with another Bachelorette!
If there is one thing we all should have learned by now about Reality TV it is this…there is nothing REAL about it!
The producers are trying to do one thing—sell advertising space on their show. They accomplish that by attracting viewers. And they attract viewers by using very means possible, including Reality Steve, to create buzz about their show.
Is Steve an accomplice in all of this? Not a willing one, but he and other bloggers help keep the show alive even when it is over, and this is always music to the ears of the Producers and ABC.
So we can complain about how scripted the show is but let’s face it, real life dating is pretty boring compared to the drama that we see on REALITY TV.
Hi RS….I’ve moved on to other things now. Kinda getting bored with the whole show you know? Life goes on…I have a big food shopping to do tonight for a BBQ on Saturday – thats what interests me right now.
So glad my life is not under such scrutiny. P.S. That being said….I’m really enjoying MORE TO LOVE although Mr. Fleiss has these babes crying for every little corner of their exposed lives. You keep writing, I’ll keep reading.
one of my friends is friends with one of the women. during the show, before ed went home, she had commented on facebook how strange it was to see someone she knows on the show. then another friend commented on her status saying “i know someone else who probably thinks it’s even stranger….”
i immediately read that “someone else” as being a girlfriend. so i just assumed HE was the one with the supposed girlfriend.
i just think the whole show was so strange! first you know someone for 2 weeks and didn’t like her that much, decided to go home. THEN after just a month after that you want to marry her? (my dates are probably inaccurate by you get the idea) so set up! everything is about money these days…that’s my guess as to why he’d ruin his relationship(s) at home and make himself look like a dog to the entire country.
That’s what I thought, Jillian was making out or ‘whatever’ with Kiptyn just hours before the FRC. I really don’t know guy in real life who would propose to a woman who had just made out with like 30 guys in a few days. Especially the over night dates. :O
Nice blog RS. Couple of comments you didn’t either mention, or catch. On the interview, Ed’s eyes were blinking several times in succession, which most body language experts will say is a form of lying.
Secondly, in the picture of Lindsey allegedly taken at a wedding when Ed was home, her hair is a little bit past shoulder length. In the GMA clip the back of her hair is much, much longer. No way did it grow that much in a few short months. Just an observation because she could easily have been wearing extensions.
Also, just like the Bachelorette can fake a show, emails are real easy to fake as well. I can go to yahoo and be anyone I want to be…so to me the emails aren’t proof one way or the other.
But do we really care? I really don’t care if they live happily ever after or break up tomorrow. Ed’s looks make me want to throw up and Jillian’s neediness is just sad. Nuff said.
remember the whole scenario when ed brought his parents to meet jillian & his dad said “what the H-E-double hockey sticks is going on here?” i think his dad was probably confused b/c he knew ed was dating someone at home & now ABC is flying them out to meet a new girl that he is in “love” with????!!! I think that’s a huge clue there. Ed’s just strange & his body language doesn’t say that he & Jill connect at all. He looks like he’s always trying to look away to hide something… that’s what i’ve thought all along & now maybe I know why I felt this way. hmmmm…..
RS Thanks for all the entertaining updates.
Off the subject:
A photo of Jake’s Ex at http://www.astrochicks.com
Just my opinion, but I believe this whole “Ed has girlfriends” shtick is just more scripting. Why was Ed the only contestant who was allowed contact with the outside world? Others have had to leave due to deaths/illnesses in the family and weren’t allowed to come back. I think Fleiss realized that attention, even bad attention, paid between seasons was better than nothing at all. IF the earlier commenter is correct, and Jillian was interested in someone on the production crew, how hard would it be to convince her to “choose” a cad? How hard would it be to get Ed to “secretly” email an ex (or two) and go home to see her/them? Why did the producers air Jillian saying, “Ed better not f–ing disappoint me,” if that wasn’t the plan all along? Maybe I am wearing a tinfoil hat, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the tabloids are all screaming, “Ed cheated on me!” about three weeks before the next season of the Bachelor–with Reid or Kiptyn in the starring role. Then you can bet the farm Jillian will come crawling back, begging for a second chance, only to be unceremoniously kicked to the curb. It’s classic soap opera–right up Fleiss’s alley. I didn’t watch this season, I only read your recaps, but it seems like each season gets more like a soap opera. There is NOTHING real about “reality” TV.
Random Thought.
Ed better not ***** disappoint me. translates to Ed better have a few chicks come forward pretty fast and get me out of this mess!!!! He gets publicity and $$, ditto for me and I can bow out because he is a dog. I can hear Jill calling, here Wes.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t think I would be telling the world that my “boyfriend, lover, etc.” called and told me to pick up some beer and condoms and come on over. I think that would kind of indicate that maybe he thought of me as some kind of “ho”. That’s just my antiquated thought processes but I do believe that I would keep that information to myself. Do I believe that you can fall in love that soon; well yes, in fact I met my husband on 8/23, was engaged to him by 9/15 and married to him on January 11th. We stayed together for 42 years and two kids before he died. Do I recommend it; well no. No one knows another person that well in that short period of time but it worked for us and we were younger than most of these couples. Would I do it again – again, a big fat NO.
I hope that this situation works to both Jillian and Ed’s benefit but it is going to take a whole lotta understanding, love and confidence in that love.
I agree that these reality shows are going too far and playing with perhaps some slightly unstable minds. But as so many of you have pointed out, these contestants sign on for this and after so many seasons of failures, they should know what they are getting into.
Steve, love the blog. Keep up the good work. I only discovered this blog last season and can hardly wait each week for your take on things.
Steve please start blogging on “More to Love”. It is hilarious…not because the girls are all a little on the ahem “portly side” but becasue their neediness makes Jillian look like the rock of Gilbraltor.
Last night at least three of the girls declared their undying love for the hero, which makes a lot of sense because they have known him for 5 whole days and spent at least 12 minutes with him!
But the best part of the show is when the girls start trashing on each other. It just shows that cats with claws come in all shapes and sizes.
This show almost looks like a spoof of the Bachelor, but it realy takes itself seriously….at least I think it does?
I have to admit, I was thinking the same thing. They played up DeAnna’s return on Jason’s season to make it look like she was asking him to reconsider, when that isn’t why she was there at all. (It was a choppy edit and they did their best to make it seem that way, but it was a bust.) Now they have a chance to talk Jillian into showing up for Kip/Reid and actually beg for a 2nd chance. bwahaha. Oh Jilly. Dump scummy Ed, but don’t fall for TPTB’s offer. Or if you’re in on it and know it’s all scripted for maximum drama, make sure you’re paid well for the humiliation factor.
If these girls really wanted to protect Jillian, why didn’t they come out at the beginning when they knew Ed was there supposedly for the wrong reasons? Do theses women have something to gain by doing this? Well YEAH! Do they have a previous relationship with Ed that was broken – in otherwords – do they have a motive for doing this?? Absolutely! The truth is that this case would never hold water in a Court of Law, because they have a relationship with the defendant that would lead the jury to believe that they are doing this out of spite or revenge. The other thing is they took money for all these interviews, that also makes them less credible. As someone whose been employed in the legal field FYI – Emails are usedDefense exhibits but because they are easily altered, any attorney worth his salt can tear them apart in 2 seconds.
We.Cannot.Be.Surprised.About.This.
I mean look. As faithful readers of Reality Steve’s blog, as many of us are, we have been schooled in how fake this show is. The only thing I am sure of when watching this show is that those are humans on the “set.” Period.
Ed faked the funk. He ACTED people. I’m giving this “stage couple” four weeks tops. I am following the story. I will continue to read this blog of course. I will be watching The Bachelorette, and The Bachelor (and More to Love might I add. Steve, when are you going to start a column on that show? Please, Please?) because is hellified entertainment. Entertainment.
Might I add, anyone care to count how many times Jillian painfully and with discomfort swallowed that lump in her through. I’m not inhumane. I felt badly for her. Ed seemed to relish in it in my personal opinion.
Might I add, anyone care to count how many times Jillian painfully and with discomfort swallowed that lump in her throat? I’m not inhumane. I felt badly for her. Ed seemed to relish in it in my personal opinion.
Reality Steve – send me one of your shirts – I can pull a few strings to get you a picture of an ex girlfriend in it for your site!