Ok, so I’m a little late. Sorry. Just needed to find the time and motivation to sit down and hash this thing out. First things first, if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you saw me mention last week that I got dressed up for Halloween for the first time in probably 20 years this past weekend. Good times. Happy Hour lasted till the wee hours of the morning. No, I didn’t go as Jake. I thought it was rather obvious who I went as, but I’d say 75% of the people who came up to me asked, “Are you Octodad?” Huh? Who the hell is Octodad? Once I pointed out the Bluetooth, the earrings (which you can’t see in the pics), the Ed Hardy shirt, the eight kids, and the lovely inscription on the back, they seemed to guess correctly.

More “Bachelor” News

So I’ve gotten this bit of info regarding a girl who was cast to be on this season with Jake. I emphasize “was”. This particular girl was flown out to LA to be one of the 25 bachelorettes. The afternoon of the meet-and-greets, she was upstairs getting ready, then came down to film her ITM (in the moment). When she sat down, her handler gave her a piece of paper with lines to memorize. She was told to memorize those lines and say them when they started filming. What was she supposed to say to the camera? “When I first saw Jake, I fell in love. I can’t wait to fly away with him someday.” The girl basically told her handler, “No, I’m not saying this. I haven’t even met the guy yet.” The handler told her she had to, and that they’d just run it after she met him. The girl said no. Back and forth they went, until the girl just decided she didn’t want to do the show anymore and walked out, got her stuff, and left the show.

Now, obviously no one will ever see this when the season starts. This girl will never be on camera since she’s not one of the 25 bachelorettes. She left before the filming started. When the show flys all the girls out for the beginning of filming, they bring in more than 25 girls just in case something like this happens. Wasn’t the first time it happened, and it certainly won’t be the last. But just know it happened this season. Kinda funny that now they are actually telling people exact lines to say instead of just putting them together and saying, “Here, talk about this.” Look, we’ve always known the show wasn’t real and I think a lot of people have come to accept that. But my problem has always been that they constantly are trying to tell us it is. That they just “throw 25 women in a house, roll the cameras, and drama ensues.” Uhhhh, not quite. “Here, read these lines about how much you love Jake even though you haven’t met him yet” is a bit much, don’t you think? So when you’re watching the first episode this season, and you hear girls falling all over Jake talking about how great he is and they are so in love, just know that those were filmed before they even met him, and that the girls saying that were basically ones who just agreed to do whatever the producers told them to. As opposed to the other girl I just told you about who basically stood up for herself and realized how ridiculous the whole thing was.

Had a great night last Wednesday night at the Dallas Stars hockey game with Jeremy, Tanner, and Kiptyn. Tanner has basically turned into a rock star from his appearance on the show. I think more women were interested in talking to him than watching the game. My first chance to ever meet or talk to Kiptyn. Glad to see that he got to witness his first hockey game. No need to go into details about what was talked about and all the shenanigans that transpired that night. Some things are better left unsaid. All good guys, we had a great time, and I’m guessing in the near future, we’ll be dropping more drinks and catching falling drunk women back there in no time. I will say this on Tanner’s behalf: I think he and I watch the same exact shows. After going through his recorded shows on his DVR, I could’ve sworn it looked like an exact replica of mine. The city of Dallas belongs to Tanner Pope. We’re just all lucky he lets us live in it. Daddy is a rock star, no doubt.

So did you see this article last week in “People” magazine regarding Ed and Jillian? Interesting to say the least. Why some reporter decided to ask them about Jillian’s lingerie collection is beyond me. Of course Ed, being a man who has such a way with words (“I want to molest you when I get home”, “Bring the beer and condoms”), had this to say when asked what’s the sexiest thing a woman could wear. “No panties.” Ok, first off, he didn’t even answer the question. The question asked the sexiest thing a woman could wear, and he responded with something that she SHOULDN’T wear. Secondly Ed, it’s perfectly normal for you like it when your girlfriend goes panty-less. Especially when they don’t tell you about it beforehand. I just tend to think that’s not the answer you want to give to a magazine read by millions of people. Showing some tact would be nice, but I guess then consider the source and everything we’ve read and heard about the guy. Maybe that’s just who he is. But c’mon buddy. Probably not the answer you needed to give in that situation. By all means you can think it, but personally, I just wouldn’t have expressed it to “People” magazine. To each their own.

So the biggest news in the last week regarding this show was the engagement in New Zealand of Jason and Molly. Before I give my comments, I actually found this amusing, which is odd, since I didn’t think Regis Philbin has done anything funny in 20 years. But the re-enactment of the Jason/Melissa break up gave me a good chuckle. Here it is:

Lets first off talk about the engagement itself. Congrats to those two. If it works for them, then so be it. Personally would I have done the engagement back in New Zealand and immediately had the tabloids reporting it? No. I thought they wanted this all to go away? I understand most Jason & Molly fans are thinking more like, “Awwww, he proposed where they had their first date. So romantic.” But for as much as those two got criticized for everything that happened, and I was front and center leading that charge, I guess I would’ve just laid a little low and not made such a presentation out of it. The proposal back in New Zealand, pictures ready immediately, cover of “US Weekly” saying you’re not the “villain”, etc. Look, I get that he wanted to do it back where he says he should’ve done it in the first place. I just wouldn’t of if I’m trying to distance myself from everything that happened. Their words say they are, but the actions don’t.

With that said, I’m going to share something with everyone that very few people know. When Jillian’s season ended, I actually got in touch with Jason and we finally had a man-to-man talk about everything that went down. He shared his side, and I shared mine. Do we agree on everything? No. He was very persuasive in what he said, and I told him how I felt about how everything played out. Til the end of time, we will both agree to disagree on the events that happened while he was on the show. I feel my sources had no reason to lie to me, and he says that’s not how it went down. I’m fine with that. I don’t hate the guy. Never did. I just expressed to him I think he could’ve handled the whole situation completely different. But that’s yesterday’s news. It happened almost a year ago. He’s moved on, he’s happy, he’s engaged, Melissa’s moved on, she’s engaged, so who am I to harp on it anymore? It’s put to rest. We both said what we needed to say to each other, and I think both of us came out with a better understanding. I emailed him after I heard about the engagement congratulating him and Molly, and he responded with a thank you. I’ll admit, I was rather harsh on the guy for a good two months. Sure he deserved some of it, but probably not as much as I gave.

I don’t think Jason and I will ever be golfing buddies, and I’m certainly not expecting any sort of invite to the wedding, but for those that think I’m out to ruin peoples lives and constantly make fun of them, well, I just don’t think you understand the site and how I write. That’s ok. It’s not for everyone. I’m glad Jason and I hashed things out for the most part. Who am I rain on he and Molly’s parade? Hey, at least they got engaged as opposed to most of these couples who don’t even get that far. Personally, I just wish he’d stop going to the “I’m not a villain” card and just let everything that happened on the show go. No matter what he says or does, people are still going to hate him regardless. It’s almost like he’s trying to please everyone and that’s just impossible. He’s got his fans, and he should just enjoy them. The haters will be there no matter what he says. But telling people again his side of what happened just isn’t what needs to be done now.

I will say that what he told “US Weekly” about having to confront Molly on TV rather than lose her to the “Bachelorette” was exactly what he told me a couple months ago, so, I at least give him some credit for keeping his stories straight. We can debate that until the end of time (and I think I did on the phone), but regardless, it’s over and done with. They’re engaged, Molly’s moved to Seattle, she found a job, and they’re happy. In the end, I guess that’s all that matters, right? No need to bring them up anymore until their wedding or if there’s some nasty breakup. So good luck to the two of them. Been a pretty crazy year, but it seems like they’re happy and moving on. Good. Now I can too.

Yes, in case you haven’t heard the news, both Holly and DeAnna are dating the Stagliano brothers. Holly of course is still dating Michael from Jillian’s season, and DeAnna has been dating Stephen Stagliano for a good month. I really have no idea what to make of all this. Good luck to the four of them. I’m sure the world will be a better place with Holly Durst and DeAnna Pappas as sister-in-laws someday. Oh my. Somewhere Jesse Csincsak is gathering former contestants for another reunion, making sure video cameras are rolling, and shaking his head.

As far as the “Bachelor/ette” reunion cruise from LA to Mexico last weekend, I don’t think it’s going to be its own show. Probably just like the Vegas reunion, I’m sure there’ll be footage popping up somewhere on a “Men Tell All” episode. When I saw Kiptyn last Wednesday, he mentioned that he was going on it. As were Wes, Jesse Kovacs, Jesse Csincsak, Robby D, and a few others. That’s about all I know. Pictures are already all over facebook if you want to go look for them.

One final note on the “Bachelor”, it was announced yesterday that this season is going to be the first one in HD. Outstanding. So are we actually going to get to see the implant scars this season? Or the botox injections? I cannot wait. Jake is already claiming that his wife is one of the 25 women cast for the show. And now that we’ll get all their physical defects in HD, can this season possibly get any better? I highly doubt it. To see him get down on one knee and propose to some goody two-shoes, church going, southern belle might be the highlight of my 2010. Then to watch them celebrate by letting off a bunch of white doves and going crazy with the milk and cookies, can that possibly be topped? “The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” beginning January 4th. Get your barf bags ready, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

I wanted to cover more this week, but I’m tired, I have a long day ahead of me, and I still need some catching up to do on some shows. So next week we’ll return with “Reality Roundup” as I cover “Survivor”, “Dancing with the Stars”, the new “Celebrity Apprentice” cast, “Sex Rehab”, the “Ruins”, plus some other tidbits. Also, the interview with former “Survivor: Micronesia” and “Fans vs Favorites” Eliza Orlins will be happening soon as well, so stay tuned for that. To follow me on Twitter or become a friend on Facebook, scroll down the right hand column and find the corresponding link under “My Stuff”. Any questions, comments, emails, praises, criticisms, or opinions, feel free to email me at steve@realitysteve.com. Until next week…

So plenty of you have been asking where I’ve been and why I haven’t weighed in since the “US Weekly” and other tabloid stories broke about Ed’s ex’s, Lindsey Johnson and Bethany Steffen. Last time I posted was two days before that article came out and I gave you all my thoughts. In a nutshell, I said that Ed had a lot of explaining to do, and if he chose not to explain himself and ignore all the accusations (which he has), then plenty of people will be questioning their relationship. And they are. Since all this stuff broke, Ed and Jillian have stood firm by saying their relationship is strong, Jillian believes Ed’s side (whatever that is), and that they are moving past all these allegations. Fine. I’ve got no problem with that whatsoever. But it doesn’t mean I won’t talk about it some more.

Both Ed and Jillian have categorized Lindsey and Bethany’s allegations as “ridiculous”, “nonsense”, and “totally untrue”. Which is fine. But what part is untrue? That these women even exist? Because we know that’s not the case. That the emails they provided were completely made up? Never specified that. Based on everything I’ve read from both Ed and Jillian, they’re just standing by the “none of its true, Ed’s told me about both women, I trust him, and that’s all you need to know”. Ok, fine. But I’m guessing if Ed told her about both women, he told her his side of things. Do I honestly think that Ed sat Jillian down and said, “Ok, look. Three weeks before I went on the show, I told Bethany in an email I didn’t want to do the show and wasn’t attracted to you. Then during the first few weeks of filming, I was in contact with Lindsey telling her I wanted to come home, I missed her, and that I really wasn’t into you.” Probably not. As I said in my last post, they can address the allegations by the “it’s not true” card, but when both women were being very specific about emails, texts, and conversations, that’s really not good enough.

I have reached out to both Ed and Jillian personally, and they both have gotten back to me. Very nice couple, seem to be very happy with each other, and are laughing at everything that’s gone on since the show ended. Weird, but whatever. It’s what they’re choosing to do. Like I said, it’s their prerogative to handle it this way and let it eventually die down. Both of them politely declined my request to speak with them, which I can respect. But even with the decline, they had only one request, and that was that they would like RealitySteve.com merchandise. I sh** you not. Ed wants a hat, and Jillian wants a shirt. I’m still scratching my head as to why, but hey, they must be GIANT fans of mine, so I’ve obliged. Now, I only have one request to the two of them. Be sure to wear it during any publicity photos. That’d be wonderful. Anyway, that’s where I stood with both Ed and Jillian up until this past weekend. I figured everything that had played out in the media was all you needed to know, Lindsey and Bethany feel jilted by what happened, but they’ve both since moved on, so there wasn’t much else to talk about.

Lo and behold, guess what shows up in my email inbox over the weekend? That’s right, the full email exchange between Ed and Lindsey right before he left during the middle of the show. Yes, we saw some of the quotes in “US Weekly”, which I’m guessing a lot of you doubted the validity of. Well, you probably shouldn’t anymore. Sure, I’m guessing a lot of JED’s fans will say these are made up, but honestly, when you read this exchange, do you really think two people went through all the trouble to make this all up? C’mon people. I know you like living in fantasy land when it comes to this show, but please, the emails are pretty self explanatory. Lindsey contacts him while he’s still on the show (supposedly something that isn’t allowed to happen), Ed contacts her back (yet another thing that’s supposedly not allowed to happen), and they are planning to do things when he gets back home. Remember, this exchange happens right before he leaves when he tells us that work wants him to come back, and he feels obligated. And if people question how I got the emails, just remember last season, I had the Jason/Melissa email exchange that happened after they taped the ATFR 1, which Melissa confirmed on “Ellen” was legit.

So why would I not run Jason & Melissa’s email exchange but am running Ed’s emails to Lindsey and Bethany? Well, one main reason. Those girls weren’t on the show. A lot of you dislike them and think they’re making everything up anyway, so why not? This, I would assume, is the basis for why both of them were so shocked at everything that went down. And also when I received this last one over the weekend, I didn’t feel conflicted whatsoever to run them because of the stance that Ed and Jillian have taken since Day 1 of this fiasco. They don’t seem to care about any allegations brought against him, Jillian is 100% behind him, and that’s that. I’ve reached out to both Lindsey and Bethany, and have not heard back from either one. I can’t imagine they’d be too upset since this is only giving evidence to support their story. Before now, all you saw were quotes in a tabloid magazine. Now you’re seeing the exact email exchange. Make your decision from there.

However, being the very gracious human being that I am, and since both Jillian and Ed are soon to be RealitySteve.com merchandise owners, I figured I would give Ed a head’s up and tell him I was going to run the emails. Any comments that he would like to make regarding them, I would gladly put in today’s column. Here was his response:

From: “Edward R. Swiderski III”
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:05:20 -0500
To: steve@realitysteve.com
Subject: RE: Where are our T’s???

Go with it Steve-o! After all, god put you here to report on reality TV and that’s certainly something to be proud of. It’s your duty!

p.s. where are our T’s?

ed

Sounded good enough for me. Don’t ask me why he wants a bunch of people to see this email exchange that doesn’t necessarily cast him in the greatest of light, but hey, “Go with it Steve-O!” You got it, Eddie. It’s my duty, right? Whether or not the guy was being sarcastic, the bottom line is I gave him an opportunity to tell me not to run them, and not only did he not choose to go that route, he seems rather excited about the whole thing. Still kinda scratching my head as to why, especially considering this is something he wrote DURING the course of filming the show within the first couple weeks, which fits exactly the time line he told Lindsey and Bethany about before he left to do the show. In case you didn’t read the stories they told, Ed allegedly told both of them he was gonna go do the show, but only for a couple weeks because that’s all his work would allow, and that it would be “for us”. And that’s exactly what he did. So hey, I guess he didn’t lie about that. Filming started March 24th or 25th, and these emails were sent to Lindsey between April 10th and April 12th. Now first up is the email exchange with Bethany, three weeks before leaving to do the show. She sends him an email laying out her feeling about the whole thing and then he gives his response. Tell me if you think this girl is just some random girl he’s dating on the side or if it’s a little more serious than that. Probably want to read from the bottom up.

———————–

From: Ed Swiderski
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 12:01 PM
To: Bethany Steffen
Subject: RE:

Babe: this is great email. And I appreciate it.

You worry too much! Let’s talk about it in person ok?

You know I never took this thing seriously. In addition, I’ve let the Director know that I would be doing the show for the wrong reasons as I am not, in any way, attracted to the chick.

It’s still about a 25% chance of me going, though it’s seriously the last thing I’m thinking about right now…

From: Bethany Steffen
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 11:31 AM
To: Ed Swiderski
Subject:

Ok..I’m no good at talking about my feelings, so here goes nothing…

Here’s how I see it:

a) This is obviously an amazing opportunity that will undoubtedly be once in a lifetime. What a great story you’ll have for the rest of your life and who knows what doors it may lead to.

b) But with every decision in life there are multiple ways it could go. A few I’ve thought of as my mind has been racing over the last couple days include: First way: you go on show, hang out for a few weeks, get your face on TV, enjoy a little limelight. Maybe you get noticed out and about in Chicago afterwards, get an article in the paper, but undoubtedly forgotten about by the end of summer. Second way: you go on show, get wrapped up in the excitement, “fall” for the girl, hit it off with her, lose at the final rose ceremony, and BAM…you’re the next bachelor. That would just be my luck.

c) I would obviously think that the first way is the most likely way it will go. My buddy Wagner in AZ had a friend Jenni, who was on the last Bachelor, and she was actually was in the final 2. That is pretty much the way it went for her afterwards. She had fun with it, got invited to bars and things like that but she wasn’t the same person. If you go on that show you will get attention. Men like attention and I’m sure girls will be all over you. Your ego may grow and it all comes down to how you will handle the attention. And of course what happens with us afterwards depends on how I handle that attention…

By the way you worded your text the other night it sounds as if you mean, “hey, I’m willing to not go on this stupid show b/c I like you a lot” (Side note: why wouldn’t you? I’m great.) I guess all I can do is be honest about my feelings towards you and obviously, I like you; a lot. I respect you, admire your worth ethic and your success and passion really turn me on. I love hanging out with you, we really get along and I know it’s early, but I think we could really be a power couple someday; taking over the Chicago technology scene J

Ed, this is a great opportunity, potentially life altering, and I’m not going to be the one to make the decision for you. I can’t really say that I’m going to support you either way you decide because I’ve watched the show and you could end up doing some things or saying some things on national TV that would not be kosher for someone who has someone back home that is waiting. If you go, in my mind, it says to me…”I’m doing this for me, I’m not going to worry how it effects you, I’ll worry about that later”. So, Ed, do what you think is best for you, but understand I will do what’s best for me at the same time. If you go, I’m very skeptical and doubtful that things will ever be the same with us.

In conclusion, you know if it were me and I was unattached, I’d go in a heartbeat; but right now, a little piece of my heart is attached to you.

That’s how I feel,

Bethany

————————

Now, here is the exchange between he and Lindsey while he was on the show (I’ve purposely “x”‘d out Lindsey’s email address in these so certain crazies out there don’t go all “Laurel” on her). Once again, tell me if you honestly think Ed is making all this up, or this was staged, or its completely fabricated.

——Original Message——
From: Ed Swiderski
To: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com
Subject: RE: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009
Sent: Apr 12, 2009 8:38 PM

Message

And honestly I have not had fun since I’ve been here…it really has nothing to do with her anyway. In fact we only have seen her a few times.

I think about you all the time and can’t wait to see you.

——Original Message——
From: Ed Swiderski
To: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com
Subject: RE: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009
Sent: Apr 12, 2009 8:35 PM

Message

You’re right and I miss you dearly. I love you.

I’m letting them know tonight. Hopefully they’ll get me home tomorrow.

From: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com [mailto:ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 11:21 PM
To: Ed Swiderski
Subject: Re: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

Why isn’t it that easy? If you don’t come home tomorrow are u bound there the entire 6 weeks? I can’t do this, ed. I’m sick to my stomach constantly. If you’re going to be there longer u HAVE to tell me asap. It’s not fair. You promised 2 weeks. Promised. She doesn’t deserve to have ur attention any longer. This isn’t right. You being there isn’t right. How r u pretending? Are u pretending? Come back to me. Please. Screw f’ing abc. If you want to come home to me it shouldn’t be that hard. Should it?

I’m just having a really tough time with this. I miss you.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

—————-

From: Ed Swiderski
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:43:37 -0700
To: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com
Subject: RE: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

Trying, though it’s not that easy. This is a complete mind f*ck!!!

From: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com [mailto:ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 4:36 PM
To: Ed Swiderski
Subject: Re: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

U have to!! Plz.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

—————-

From: Ed Swiderski
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:35:37 -0700
To: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com
Subject: RE: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

Trying to leave tomorrow…hopefully I can pull it off.

From: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com [mailto:ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com]
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 6:38 PM
To: Ed Swiderski
Subject: Re: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

Are u done?? Will it be this weekend? I’m dying:(
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

—————-

From: Ed Swiderski
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:36:57 -0700
To: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com
Subject: RE: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

I don’t know…I’ll call you as soon as I get my phone back.

From: ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com [mailto:ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com]
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 6:30 PM
To: Ed Swiderski
Subject: Re: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

Ah, yes!!! When u coming home???????
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

—————-

From: Ed Swiderski
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:28:11 -0700
To: Lindsey Johnson
Subject: RE: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

Yes.

I’m going to molest you when I get home. Can you pick me up?

From: Lindsey Johnson [mailto:ljohnson@xxxxxxx.com]
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 11:42 AM
To: Ed Swiderski
Subject: Muddy Buddy Race – August 2, 2009

Would you want to do this??? Let’s!!!!!!

http://www.muddybuddy.com/events.php?id=7

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Remember, this is the last email exchange we have from Ed to either Lindsey or Bethany. So with that said, let’s lay out the facts based on what we’ve seen in emails.

-Three weeks before leaving to do the show, March 5th, in an email to Bethany, he specifically states that he “would be doing the show for the wrong reasons as I am not, in any way, attracted to this chick.”

-He then leaves to do the show telling both women he’s only interested in doing it for 2 weeks because that’s all work will allow (per both Lindsey and Bethany to “US Weekly”).

-This is then corroborated by his email exchange with Lindsey in which he is pretty much at the 2 week point, says he’s not having any fun, says he wants to come home, says he misses Lindsey, practically begging to leave, wants her to pick him up, calls the show a mind f**k, and that he wants to molest her.

So that’s where we stand in terms of email and texting proof that’s come to light. So Ed goes home, both women at that point say they saw him, hung out with him, and slept with him (unbeknownst to each other) during the period in which he was back in Chicago. Lindsey says they went to a wedding together (which friends of theirs have corroborated), and she spent the last four or five days with him before he told her he was leaving again for a business trip to “Texas”, which in reality, ended up being Spain and Hawaii. Let’s just stop right here at this point.

As for Bethany’s email, I think it’s safe to say these were two people that were more than casually dating before he left for the show. She did say it was “early”, and by all accounts, I heard they started dating in January of this year, so they were a few months in when he left. Sounds about right. The thing I found interesting about their exchange is she laid everything out on the table for him about how she was feeling, and rather than dismiss her as some crazy b**ch where he could’ve gone, “Whoa! Back up there, honey. Didn’t see that coming”, he comforted her, told her not to worry, said he wasn’t even thinking about the show, on and on and on. His response to her says a hell of a lot more than what she wrote him. Kinda shows that its not like this chick was stalking him. They were both into each other in March and were definitely more than just friends before he left for the show. If I were her, I probably just would’ve taken out the “I can see us being a power couple in Chicago” part. Ha ha. That was funny.

So here’s a guy that three weeks before leaving for the show, wanted no part of it. Admittedly wasn’t into the chick they cast, obviously was seeing someone back home that he was very much involved with (two people actually), but for whatever reason, was convinced to come on. My question is, why was ABC insisting on casting a guy who 3 weeks before filming, didn’t want to be there? If he’s telling ABC, “Oh, I can’t wait to do it”, but then on the flip side saying what he said to Bethany in the email, well then he’s a two-faced liar. We don’t know what he was saying to ABC, we only have his response to Bethany’s email. And that email was about as clear as day. He didn’t want to do it and told the director as such. Yet, three weeks later, he leaves to do the show. You tell me: What made the guy change his mind? The incentive of being able to use his computer and/or phone? Seems to be at least one incentive if you ask me.

I just can’t wrap my head around why a guy who clearly didn’t want to be on the show was cast anyway? Was ABC that desperate because guys were dropping like flies? Did they have a plan for him all along? Just doesn’t make much sense. Unless of course he was telling ABC how excited he was to do it, then telling Bethany the complete opposite. Wouldn’t be that far fetched. However, if we are to take him at his word for what he said to Bethany in his email, then there’s a reason he was cast on the show. I guess only he and a few others know what that reason is. All we can do is speculate. I know I will. Kind of an inquisitive person in case you couldn’t tell.

Let’s discuss Lindsey and Bethany for a minute. Not knowing either of them, I find it hard to believe they would throw this stuff out there if it wasn’t true. Of course, Chris Harrison will tell you that it’s because they were paid to tell their story. Yeah. And? Because they were paid to tell their story that all the sudden makes it not true? So anyone who’s ever been paid to tell their story either in a book, or in a magazine, is now a liar? Not saying everything they say is the gospel, but to automatically dismiss their story because money was exchanged is just ignorant. In fact, “US Weekly” was going to run the story whether or not Lindsey or Bethany spoke to them, that’s all but been confirmed. All the girls did was apparently fill them in on the details. What would you have rather seen: An “US Weekly” story with no proof of emails, texts, phone calls, etc and just a bunch of “sources say”, “a friend close to the situation”, and “an insider confirms”, or, them telling their stories and citing specific dates, locations, and conversations? I much prefer the latter, thank you.

Both women said what they said to “US Weekly” and I’m sure a lot of you questioned it, but these two emails were essentially what they were referring to. Seems to me Ed completely had both girls believing that the other one didn’t even exist, started doing the show for fun, and two weeks in STILL didn’t want to be there and wanted to come home to “molest” Lindsey. Nice. How romantic of him. At this point, I’m trying to figure out where Ed gets off thinking that nobody would find out about this. In one interview I read, Lindsey even told him, “Look, the magazines are calling me and want my story. I’m going to tell them what happened”, and just as Ed said to me, he gave her the go-ahead. Told her to tell her side rather than letting the tabloids make up their own story. And you thought the Jason/Molly/Melissa fiasco was weird. I’m telling you, I don’t think it could’ve gotten more bizarre than that, but this season I think takes the cake. I have no idea what the hell is going on here. What I do know is something isn’t right. And I think a lot of you can see that as well.

You’ve heard Lindsey and Bethany’s story from the time he left to go back on the show to where we are now. He kept in contact with each of them, but not nearly as much. He said he was going to Texas, when he really didn’t. He gets back from filming in Hawaii, an engaged man mind you, yet according to Lindsey, on June 4th, they slept together after she confronted him with, “Are you the final one?” When the guy answered with, “What do you think?”, she took that as a “no”, and they slept together. Obviously, if she’s over at his apartment after being invited, why would she have any reason to believe the guy was engaged and the final guy? Told you this story was bizarre.

I’m even fine if Ed and Jillian don’t want to speak with me on record. In fact, I even respect it. I’d throw the whole kitchen sink at them. They need to be asked specific questions like, “Ed, both women have email exchanges with you before and during filming. Can you explain them?” Not, “Hey, what is your reaction to these allegations?” Those are so easy to brush off without getting into specifics, as you can see by how they’ve answered everything thus far. Why can’t Ed answer, “Hey, did you send a text to Bethany that said, ‘Bring the beer and condoms’.” If you didn’t, why does she have one that says you did? How about, “Lindsey says you slept with her AFTER you got home from filming in Hawaii, on June 4th, at your apartment. If it didn’t happen the way she said it, explain how you think it happened.” Or how about to Jillian, “If you’re claiming that you’re not even reading these allegations from both women, then how can you say you know everything that happened? What exactly has Ed told you about both Lindsey and Bethany?” Because for my dollar, you can bet your ass whatever he told Jillian, he probably left out a few parts. Or ten. That’s all I’m asking is for someone to be held accountable and to answer the tougher questions.

Who I would be curious to hear from is ABC/Next Entertainment in all this. The fact that one individual from the show was allowed to make personal emails while filming should be a giant red flag. The show, and specifically Chris Harrison, prides themselves on saying these guys are isolated from the outside world and aren’t allowed to talk to anybody. So not only was the “final guy” contacting work, he was basically sending sexual emails to a woman he was seeing back home. How come no one from the network or Next Entertainment is commenting on this? It’s not like Lindsey and Bethany are just alleging Ed did this. They have the proof. They’ve shown the emails to the tabloids, and now for the first time, you are seeing them in email form. And if ABC/Next Entertainment actually were to say they had no idea who Ed was contacting, well, I find that hard to believe. This is the show that wants you to believe everything you’re seeing is real, and all they do is turn on the cameras, and you see a love story play out. Uh huh. It’d be nice if someone stepped up to the plate and copped to what really went on.

One thing Lindsey kept referencing in her “US Weekly” interview was that Ed kept telling her, “Wait until July 20th (essentially when the show was over), and I’ll be able to explain everything.” Actually Ed, the show’s finale aired the 27th, but whatever. Anyway, him constantly telling her to just be patient and wait til the show was over so he could explain himself makes things even MORE confusing in my eyes. Ummmm, you were engaged at that point. How would Lindsey (and Bethany for that matter) understand things better when they see the finale and the guy who’s been stringing them along, is not only the final guy, but he’s engaged? What exactly were you going to explain at that point? I would’ve respected the guy a hell of a lot more if after he got back from filming, he cut off ALL contact with both women, left them both high and dry, and if they tried to contact him, he would just say, “Sorry. Lose my number. I’ve moved on.” But still, even after getting back from Hawaii as an engaged man, he’s telling them he has an explanation for all this and just to wait until the finale airs? Too bad we never got to hear that explanation because I’m dying to know what the hell that would’ve been. Both women moved on and don’t speak to him anymore, or else I guess we would’ve heard this explanation. I have no idea what it could’ve been though.

So where we stand right now, as far as I know, Jillian is set to move in with Ed in about a week. Both Lindsey and Bethany have moved on and are over the whole situation. You probably even saw in this past week’s “US Weekly” that Lindsey is dating the former roommate of Andrew Firestone. Small world we live in. If I come across anything else, I will share it with you, but it seems like this will be the last straw on this topic. What else can be said? It’s basically come down to whose side do you believe? If Ed was so into Jillian and had to come back on the show because he couldn’t stop thinking of her and felt he made a mistake, why in the time that he was home did he sleep with both women and basically act like a single guy? Was he committed to Jillian at that point? No. Did he really do anything wrong when he was home other than enjoy himself with two girls he was seeing? I guess not really. However, from the time he showed up back on the show claiming he couldn’t stop thinking of Jillian, that’s where I think people can question his sincerity. Look at the emails. Look at the timeline of the emails. How does one go from the emotional state he was in before AND during the middle of filming to the emotional state he’s in now in regards to being engaged and about to move Jillian in? It’s a question that’s probably gonna go unanswered for a while. But it sure is fun to speculate about.

-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.