Lets get this out of the way first since you won’t hear much more on this until next January. Some people that have contacted me about next year’s party already know this, but I can now make it public. Next year’s 6th Annual Reality Steve Fan Appreciation Party will be Friday, June 5th, 2020 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. One thing I can tell you is that there will be a maximum number of people I set next year, and it’ll be lower than this years. This is first come, first serve. Anyone can come. I won’t have the hotel discount code until next January probably. I don’t even know if airlines are offering flights now for June of next year, but anyone who books a flight and shows me their itinerary is confirmed for the party, as long as it’s not already full. If you’re local and driving, a hotel booking is all I need. And if you’re a Vegas local, I understand that emergencies can happen, but I ask that you please stick to your RSVP. So anyone who’s interested let me know. Flight itineraries are automatic confirmation, and I will set aside “x” amount of spots for Vegas locals. Once those fill up, all others will have to be on a waiting list. If you’re interested in going, just know this is going to fill up fast, especially since I’m taking less than I did this past year.
The talk of the last week continues to be Haley Stevens and her making the interview rounds on her relationship with Jed pre-show. She first gave an exclusive to People.com last Tuesday, about 4 hours after my column came out. Then there was an interview with E! Online. Then she did a Skype interview with Lauren Zima, which was quite interesting since the day before, Lauren was on Juliet Litman’s “Bachelor Party” podcast and didn’t seem to jazzed about Haley’s story. Then yesterday, Haley gave an interview to US Weekly. I know that people will jump all over her for speaking to 4 different outlets, and while I don’t think it’s a great look, it doesn’t mean what she’s saying isn’t true. One could look at it as she feels she was played, so she wants as many people to hear about it as possible. I personally wouldn’t have taken the route she did (meaning how many outlets she spoke to), but that’s neither here nor there. It’s her story, she wants it out there, and plenty of people are giving her an outlet for it.
She’s getting skewered by plenty of people online calling her an opportunist, and she’s just as bad as Jed, and…just stop. If you think she’s just as bad as Jed, you have every right to think that. But Haley isn’t the one on the show. Haley isn’t the one with Hannah. The focus after her story came out should still be on Jed. You all want the tea, and when you don’t get it, you’re pissed. And then if you get the tea but there’s no receipts, then the person must be lying. Here’s a woman that gave you tea AND provided texts messages and a card Jed sent her right before leaving – and she’s STILL getting a ton of heat. And you wonder why women are afraid to come forward against men in any situation. Yes, Jed has his side to come (probably at the ATFR), but we pretty much already know what he’s gonna say. He will downplay his relationship with her, or he’ll say he fell for Hannah more during filming and didn’t know what to say to Haley after he got back. Not good enough. Jed deserves whatever heat he’s getting. While Haley may have been complicit by allowing him to go on the show as his girlfriend, that’s not what we’re arguing. This is about Jed’s role as a contestant on the “Bachelorette.” Haley’s is separate. Just because you don’t agree with her allowing Jed to go on as her “boyfriend” doesn’t mean her story isn’t true. That’s where I see people have a hard time separating the two. You should. We’re talking about two separate things.
Hell if Jed and Haley planned this giant diabolical scheme from the beginning, and it’s playing out exactly how they wanted it to play out, it still doesn’t change the fact of where we’re at right now. The guy was seriously involved with someone before filming and now he’s with Hannah. People don’t see anything wrong with that? Haley’s the bad one in all of this and Jed is Mr. Innocent? I don’t see it. The crazy thing about this is, when looking at it from a distance, why is this even a story if Jed isn’t with Hannah? If Jed was single, he would’ve come back from filming and picked up where he left off with Haley, just like most guys (and women) do from this franchise when they get back. You’re single. You can do what you want. You just can’t be public about it until you’re eliminated from the show. But from the second Jed got back, he ghosted Haley, never called, didn’t return texts, finally called after two weeks, then they ran into each other at CMA Fest. It certainly isn’t adding up to a guy who was single coming back from the show. But for anyone trying to read into that last sentence, no, that’s not why I changed the spoiler last week. There’s other reasons and sources I’ve spoken with.
One thing that’s also come up a lot is people asking me how this has happened with so many guys in recent seasons and if there’s something they will/can do about their vetting process of contestants. I don’t think this is a vetting issue at all. Every man and woman that goes through the interview process on this show is grilled about everything. If stuff was coming up about legal issues in the past that criminals were getting cast, yeah, that’s a vetting issue. Do you think any man or woman applying to be on this show, when questioned by producers during the application process and then in final casting weekend in LA, is sitting there saying, “Yeah, I really think you can find love on this show. Granted, I already have a girlfriend/boyfriend at home, but trust me, I’ll dump them if I fall for the lead.” Of course not. No one’s admitting to someone back home. And honestly, how’s the show supposed to know who this person is sleeping with before they come on? It’s just not realistic to know every single thing about every one of their contestants personal/dating lives. Yes, they know a lot. But they couldn’t possibly know if you were texting someone a week before filming and/or sleeping with them.
Recap begins on Page 2…
adelina
June 25, 2019 at 9:52 AM
I sure hope Pilot Pete doesn’t get the Bach gig. I don’t see the attraction with him at all. Yes he seems like a nice enough guy, but he also looks like he’s 12 years old with a pre-pubescent mustache to match. Tyler, while mighty fine looking, is a bit too much. What were those pants last night…dress pants, sweats, leggings? A combo of both? He’s hot. He knows he’s hot. I don’t trust him.
I like Hannah well enough but her handling of crazy eyes Luke is making me question her maturity and readiness for marriage. If you don’t see all the red flags sprouting from every orifice on this guy, how can you possibly make a well thought out decision on marriage or engagement?
justsaying
June 25, 2019 at 10:25 AM
I agree Adelina. Unfortunately, Peter is dorky and Tyler is one-dimensional. There are angles of Tyler where he’s not hot ??
My favorite remains to be Mike, he’s tall, charismatic, hot and has a job. It’s a no-brainer who SHOULD be the bachelor, to me. Unfortunately, that’s not how this franchise works and in addition, Steve’s smearing Mike. Sucks!
The worst thing Hannah can do, as a woman ( Hannah’s very own famous words), during the AFTR show, is to dismiss or downplay Haley’s concrete story. We expect it from loser-Jed but if Hannah justify his behavior, that’ll be vomit-inducing.
crushonspivey
June 25, 2019 at 10:37 AM
HEY EVERYBODY!! HANHAH’S BERMUDA TRIANGLE WAS NOT HARMED OR PROBED OR TOUCHED IN THE MAKING OF THAT EPISODE!!!! Because that is something none of us ever really wanted to discuss about this show.
THE depths this show will go to for attention. Like an immature teenager. Oh, and Hannah too. She has the emotional maturity of a 14 year old girl, and the communication skills to go with it. Maybe she’s up to 16 now. Progress!
As to the Bachelor, just scrap this group and pull from elsewhere. I’m guessing that is why Bukowski is on Paradise. They know they have slim pickings and are grabbing retreads.
Susan
June 25, 2019 at 10:38 AM
This is awful to watch. I really was excited about Hannah and thought she was a breath of fresh air, but yikes keeping Luke around is a really bad look. I’ve only got to hope there are really nice scenes of him that they’re not showing since it doesn’t push their story line, but this is awful. I also question her maturity on this one, or if the producers are making her keep him for drama, which I wouldn’t put past them. It’s got to be horrible for the other guys on the show to have this constant Luke show going on, I know it’s hard to watch. I would love to know where her head is at for keeping him around, but I’m sure we won’t ever get it. I do hope she finds someone great, because I do think she’s a sweet person, just awful taste in men.
dbla31
June 25, 2019 at 11:10 AM
A few thoughts… I’m half Latvian and had to look this bungee place up. It does exist and pre-dated the show. I don’t think they are saying this is a big “thing” in Latvia, just this one group doing it. How excited must the Bachelorette producers have been to find this crazy activity? It is perfect for them. A “pirts” is a real thing. Just another name for a sauna. There is even a Latvian Wikipedia entry on it.
As far as the guys, I agree with the above posters on Peter. So boring. And it sounds like his one that got away for no discernable reason was totally the one he dumped to be on tv. Tyler has been my fave since his intro video. I could deal with him as Bachelor.
Have never liked Jed, even before the big ex-gf story. I am so curious about how Hannah will play this, because let’s be honest, Jed did EXACTLY what the guy did who was outed by Demi the first night — came on with a girlfriend. By those standards he should be kicked to the curb too. If only she has the strength to do that at ATFR. That might make this whole season worthwhile!
jeanann
June 25, 2019 at 12:55 PM
I can’t be the only person who thinks Luke is entirely a production-assisted problem for Hannah. Last week they had a conversation during which she could hardly stand to look at him, and seemed to back away or lean away when he got close to her. I don’t really think she likes him at all, and she’s been acting like she does to liven up the story line. As for Luke, I have a feeling in the pit of my stomach that he’s sociopathic, trying to “express his feelings” by parroting back to Hannah what she’s asking him to say, and maybe even beyond that to psychopathic. His professed love is creepy. Although he could be a skillful paid actor, you never know. We’ll probably see him in Paradise.
dogmomma
June 25, 2019 at 1:04 PM
If Tyler gets the Bachelor gig, would someone PLEASE get the guy pants that fit. What he wore last night looked like something he borrowed from Hannah.
This season has gotten me so inside my head…. are we headed for Hannah to do the ol’ switcheroo at the end and choose Tyler after she dumps Jed on the live ATFR…. Was this planned all along for something different by production… is Reality Steve really working for ABC and he helped set this up….does Hannah secretly end up with Luke after Jed is exposed and Tyler goes on to be the bachelor…..My head is about to explode. I need answers.
ctrealitygirl
June 25, 2019 at 1:49 PM
Haha dogmomma! Thanks for commenting on Tyler’s pants! I think he’s darn hot but when they filmed him walking away with those awful fitting white pants I cringed! I’d be livid if I watched a back view of myself looking that bad! I love all your scenarios. I think i read recently that when the first limo pulled up at the engagement site (aka, the rejection limo)…Hannah had a sudden change of heart and kept the rejection guy and sent home her original pick. Curious to see if that’s what happens. Certainly is a sh$@*tstorm of a season!
Stephanie
June 25, 2019 at 2:40 PM
I am so disappointed that this woman backed out of her interview. Shame on everyone who gave Haley such a difficult time. Women should be supporting each other and looking for the positive we see in each other. How about commending her for her bravery? How will things ever change if we continue to cut each other down? Womens rights have come a long way but don’t compare to other minority groups and we need to look at why. It makes me sick. We can’t stick together to make a difference because we are too busy looking at each other as threats. Haley was lied to and manipulated so a man could further his career. I’m proud of her for standing up for herself. He went on a TV show and put himself in the public eye so it’s only fair we know the whole truth.
Peter’s ex, if you happen to read this, I hope you change your mind. Men will continue to go on this and other dating shows with girls like you on the side so long as they think you’ll keep their filthy secrets. Peter could end up as the bachelor while women leave their lives behind to fall in love with a good man. If Peter isn’t worthy of that position then we need to know that. Don’t let fear keep you from doing the right thing. Report the truth.
dogmomma
June 25, 2019 at 4:15 PM
ctrealitygirl, so if she goes with the first person to get out of the limo, then that would be something new for the show since the first person usually goes home with a broken heart. So was this all an evil plan from the beginning??? The show is always looking for a new angle to make it different. I’m not sure I can handle all this craziness. And with all the conspiracy theories, it’s just torture. I spent a good 20 minutes with my Bachelorette-watching friend discussing all the possible scenarios and how much of it was planned early on and who is getting paid extra to be crazy…Unfortunately we didn’t solve the mystery. How I long for the simpler days of mindless love stories unfolding…
dogmomma
June 25, 2019 at 4:43 PM
jeanann… I agree with a lot of what you said. It just seems so odd that Hannah would keep Luke around when she clearly is annoyed with him most of the time. The only thing that makes sense is that she was told to keep him until the final 4, unless she is just really unstable and immature. But every season they seem to have that one person that viewers hate but they stay around way too long. And the things he says…. I find it hard to believe that he is saying those things unless he’s getting paid or is a really good actor, or is a total psycho. So many of the Bachelorettes have found love on the show, but I don’t see how Hannah is going to be able to do that given her choices and all the drama with guys and ex-girlfriends and not being there for “the right reason”.
LM111
June 25, 2019 at 6:26 PM
I really don’t see the big deal with Jed having a girlfriend before he left. So what? She wasn’t a wife or fiancee. Jed is a single man and he dated before the show. Perfectly normal. What’s not normal is his ex-girlfriend displaying the dirty laundry to anyone that will listen. Geez lady, where’s your discretion? The classy thing to do would’ve been to have a private conversation with Jed when he got back. She looks immature and vindictive. Display some dignity, girl.
Now, about Hannah. I’m sorry. What I’m about to say is truly horrible, but it’s the reason that I’ve only watched one episode this season. Hannah’s mouth! That GIANT mouth. That GIANT mouth that she opens as WIDE as possible. I can’t look at it. It’s so off-putting to me. And, to make it worse, it’s like she’s trying to exaggerate it.
Sorry, but true. Come at me, haters.
basicallyacatlady
June 25, 2019 at 8:51 PM
Hi Steve,
I enjoy your spoilers and point of view. Just FYI on a spelling mistake – geysers are exploding hot springs (e.g. old faithful, Yellowstone), and I think you meant geezers.
Cheers!
jenscho
June 25, 2019 at 9:01 PM
I think maybe Garrett meant to say “I’m falling for you” unless he’s trying to be different by adding his own twist making it- “I’m falling in love for you”.
justsaying
June 26, 2019 at 7:07 AM
LM111 or rather Jed-apologist,
Who the heck have you been dating?? Have some standards.
To all Jed-apologists,
Aren’t you women’s worst enemy? Tearing women down while making lame excuses for men like Jed. Meanwhile, sleaze balls like Jed are rubbing their hands together, sitting back and laughing or making us listen to his crappy songs ?
Women should support women and real men be our allies. Haley doesn’t look immature or vindictive.
thecuriousgeorgette
June 26, 2019 at 9:40 AM
LM111,
I’m sorry, but how do you NOT see what Jed did as ethically questionable? He lied to his girlfriend, led her to believe him going on the show was just a publicity stunt for his music career, claimed it was all going to be fake and that he was coming back for her. This is a big deal because how can Hannah or ANY woman after this, for that matter, trust this dude!? He’s literally trying to fake it til he makes it by USING other people. And that’s messed up.
tinyred500
June 26, 2019 at 2:26 PM
@LM111. Ouch! Am I missing something here? Jed was going out with Hayley when he went for filming the Bachelorette, but Hannah didn’t know he had a girlfriend already? You think this is okay? How can that be in anyway okay and acceptable behaviour? No female should be okay with being treated like that, if not, they really ought to acquire some self-respect.
I don’t think Jed is the worst man around, but please let’s not make apologies on his behalf over this. I don’t blame Hayley for speaking out, my only issue is she’s talking to a lot of different media outlets, perhaps not a wise thing to do, it’s not a good look (I agree with Steve on this). The other concern I have (though I hope in every way it’s not true and I’m completely wrong ), is that’s she’s possibly in cahoots with Jed for publicity. Other than that, both Hayley and Hannah deserve far better.
By the way, why not state people can agree to disagree with you, the term ‘haters’, is so infantile. 🙁
tinyred500
June 26, 2019 at 2:34 PM
I agree with you.
cjscjs711
June 27, 2019 at 8:03 AM
I thought Producers had learned their lessons years ago. These performers pretending to be interested “for the right reasons” but really only seeking to promote their acting/singing/etc. careers. For a time it looked like Producers realized this is not what viewers like to waste their time seeing and were casting more ‘real people.’ So I was surprised to see Jed cast, AND allowed to take advantage of the show, given so much air time for his lousy singing. God bless his ex for exposing him. Totally deserved.
LM111
June 27, 2019 at 9:32 AM
Wow. Maybe I need to elaborate. The reason I don’t fault Jed is THIS: He told Haley ahead of time that he was going on The BACHELORETTE. And, that gave her a choice – break up with him, or stay in a relationship with a man that just told you straight out that’s going to date a beautiful woman (SIDENOTE: to the person that asked what kind of guys I date: .Guys that DIDN’T just tell me they’re about to go date another beautiful woman!). I mean, come on! I’m not a “Jed-apologist”, I’m not “putting women down”, I just expect a self respecting woman to say “no sir, if that’s what you want to do, do it. I’m living my life”. In other words, let go or be dragged. Don’t blame the guy for your lack of self-worth.
As for Jed – he went on the show for his career (and he told Hannah that). Of course, there’s always the (unlikely) possibility that he’ll develop real feelings for the lead. He knew that. And more importantly, Haley knew that.
And, “haters” just because I think it’s a funny expression. Lighten up, people!
justsaying
June 27, 2019 at 11:37 AM
LM111,
You put down Haley so many times in just a few sentences and make excuses for Jed’s have-my-cake-and-eat-it-too-policy. How is that not being a Jed-apologist or not putting women down??
No Jed DOES NOT get to manipulate Haley and say he might go on a dating-show and then to dangle-the-carrot by repeating ‘I love you’, ‘I love you’, ‘I love you’ throughout their courtship and how he’ll return to Haley once he hit top 5 only to not be bothered to return. Haley’s only sin was to falling for Jed fake, manipulative narrative.
Again, Grocery-Joe (thank you for being a women-ally) said it best. Jed should have signed up for American Idol, not a dating show.
upmyalley
June 29, 2019 at 7:50 PM
1) Jed is not good looking and has a funky head. 2) Jed has little to no talent and would be told no on any and every singing show.
3) Hannah is dumber than rocks if she believes Jed is there for her now or that he ever was.
4) Being engaged or even being with the Bachelorette will never jump start a career for Jed bc he just doesn’t have ‘it’.
5) Haley did the right thing by calling him out.
6) Jed actually put the nail in his own coffin.
7) Peter IS boring and a dork.
8) Hannah is (full in the blank) very confused naturally I think.
9) Luke is a prude.
10) Everyone having to do with that show is sick in some way or other.
11) I like watching sick people be stoopid.