-Costa Rica is the setting for our next location and the women reacted much better than when they were told Cleveland, Ohio was gonna be part of their travel book. They’re staying at the Springs Resort and Spa, and in case you didn’t know, “this is the perfect place to fall in love.” You know, kinda like every other location the show has ever been to ever in the history of mankind. But I tell ya’, this place REALLY is the place where the magic happens. Fo’ sho. I know this because they just told me it was. And this show would never flat out lie like that to their audience. So when they say love happens at the Springs Resort and Spa, you best believe love happens at the Springs Resort and Spa. And oh yeah, so does women hating on other women and accusing them of pill popping. That happens there too in case you didn’t know.
-This is also the place where Peter turned into Klutzy McKlutzerstein and bumped his head into a golf cart then a second later smashed a glass into his head. We all saw the Zapruder like film of it from hotel security cameras, and I’m sorry, but that was funny. The fact the women were even remotely believing any of his story he was selling at first about coming face-to-face with a puma was even more funny. A puma? Ummm, ladies a puma would devour Peter quicker than you can say “I’m falling in love at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa with Peter.” And a puma is basically another name for a cougar. Now, I’m sure Peter has taken down a few cougars in his life, for sure. And after this show is over and inevitably he doesn’t marry whoever he’s with and he’s single again, it might just be the cougar life for him. Rawr.
-Sydney gets the first 1-on-1 in Costa Rica, and boy did this spark some debate on Twitter last night. There’s a lot here. When she was on her date with Peter as they sat at a picnic, she told him about having a white mother and African American father, she was bullied badly in high school, called her an oreo, vandalized her car, attacked her mother, she never went to dances, and specifically said she ate lunch in the bathroom every day of her senior year. This prompted someone who went to HS with her to post this on Twitter after seeing that last night:
“Ate lunch in the bathroom everyday of highschool” #bachelornation I’m selling my yearbooks for $200 a pop, who wants the tea??????? pic.twitter.com/Kjz9LuMEru
— jc me rollin (@jc_me_rollin_) February 4, 2020
Sydney then saw that going around and responded with this:
Feels ridiculous I even have to address this.But correct I did win a beauty pageant my senior year of highschool.That was voted for by 5 judges.Not by my peers.Winning a pageant based off of outer beauty does not take away the racial bullying,and isolation I’ve been through.
— Sydney Hightower (@sydhightower) February 4, 2020
I was also on the cheer team in middle school and in many clubs in highschool. You’ll do anything you can to fit in, and I tried. I won pageants because of my “looks” and I was in clubs because I wanted a scholarship to get into college . Not because I was accepted by my peers.
— Sydney Hightower (@sydhightower) February 4, 2020
Any one from my highschool want to pull out the videos of girls stuffing my locker with Oreo cookies , vandalizing my home, shoving me in the hall ways? Teachers literally referring to me as a halfbreed? Calling my mother the worst names I’ve ever heard in my life? I doubt that.
— Sydney Hightower (@sydhightower) February 4, 2020
Look, here’s the issue. We can’t say whether Sydney is lying or not. Some seem to think she is, she’s saying she’s not. I’m sure she was bullied being of mixed race at an Alabama high school. It’s not far fetched to think that at all. However, when you see those things in the HS yearbook (and there are other pics floating around that she did go to homecoming), the optics don’t look great. Really? EVERY DAY of your senior year you ate lunch in the bathroom yet people still voted for you and that guy in the yearbook? I’m not gonna deny she was bullied in HS. I don’t know obviously since I wasn’t there. That’s her story, or her “truth” as she likes to say. Unfortunately though, Sydney is now seeing the ugly side of being on this show.
And now by Sydney basically jumping up and down telling everyone to believe her and all the things she went through, I feel like she’s trying too hard. Let your story be. The more you say, “No, I was bullied! This is what I went through!”, the more I think it’s going to turn people off. Will Sydney listen to me? Of course not. She’s basically posting all the nasty things people are sending her now. It’s disgusting. Does anyone deserve this? Of course not. There are some sick, sick people in this world:
I’m sorry this is happening to her. Unfortunately though, this is one of the possibilities you sign up for the second you go on this show. Why do you think I tell anyone who ever asks me if they should go on this show “no.” Will they ever listen? Of course not. They see the perks, they see the friendships, they see the $ signs, etc. This is the side they don’t want to, or refuse to see. Then when it surfaces, they lash out at it. What she’s doing now is only ENCOURAGING more people to bully her now. No, she doesn’t deserve it. Nobody does. But this is what the show is now. This is what social media is now. It just goes to show that for as many perks that come from being on this show, you will never, ever, ever, ever, ever go through this franchise unscathed and it is NOT for everyone. And when you make bold claims like that on national TV like she did last night, you better be prepared for people to break out the HS yearbooks or come at you with stories refuting what you said. Sydney, not everyone is going to 100% believe you just because you keep telling them this happened to you. It doesn’t work that way. In fact, it’s probably having the opposite effect. Shut off your social media, and enjoy Paradise. And if this reoccurs when Paradise is airing, don’t say you weren’t warned. This is the risk you take by going on this show, and unfortunately, she’s getting the worst of it now. People are lunatics and the person that sent that DM to her should be banned from all social media. Will it happen? Probably not. And that’s the major downside of social media. Anyone can say anything with pretty much zero repercussions.
tracywh
February 4, 2020 at 9:16 AM
How about ask Hannah B about Sydney, since they graduated together in 2013 from TCHS.
crushonspivey
February 4, 2020 at 9:38 AM
I think it is now painfully obvious that Peter has zero backbone, and is the producers gimp. Literally. They owned him so hard this season. And made him look awful as a result because they have zero scruples, and care more about drama than getting a believable result, and he just wasn’t smart enough to figure it out that his repeated gaffes made him look awful as a lead.
Proof again being Peter acting surprised by the visit by crazy Kelsey, then conveniently having a rose in his room ready to give to her after the chat. Really? I mean really? So spontaneous. NOT.
And then so many liars this season. The thing with Tammy was that she absolutely stepped in it, but she was also being truthful and got ganged up as a result of it. The girls didn’t want her telling Peter the truth because it made then all look bad. Pretty funny actually. Let’s do a recap.
Kelsey looks bad because she is just a hot mess. Ironically, a hot pink mess last night. Sydney lied herself and likes to play the victim. Victoria P got caught in another lie last night then acted like some innocent for being dragged into it. She started the pill popper thing, admitted it, then got mad at Tammy for bringing her into it. Uh, you brought yourself into it. 2nd time caught in a lie, 2nd time not owning it. And not sure why Natasha and Lexi needed to go in on Tammy. She was being truthful. I agree she didn’t need to be the one to do it, but she wasn’t lying either was she.
This is truly train wreck TV. And it is now The Office level painful and cringeworthy to watch. Except on that show, it was scripted. Here, the women are bringing the cringe themselves, helped along by Peter’s awful choices and TPTB pushing their gimp along.
I hope Peter ends up with no one. He honestly needs to. Ther just isn;t any real connection being shown at all. Too much drama, not any good stuff this season. It’s a dumpster fire.
nycgal9
February 4, 2020 at 9:54 AM
I’ve been a long time watcher of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, and I generally enjoy the show, the speculation, talking with co-workers etc., but this season is just painful. What happened to having adults on the show? Where are the mature men and women who have careers and lives, but just don’t have the time or luck in finding someone special? There is no shortage of beautiful girls and handsome guys, and ABC sure knows how to find them, but where are the single, successful, attractive 30-somethings that used to grace this show? Was there not enough drama? This whole season has been one big crying jag – I really can’t imagine what the Kleenex bill must be! If I was Peter I’d walk away now – none of these girls are ready for marriage.
If any of the powers that be at ABC are paying attention, please don’t pick your next Bachelorette from the leftovers this season. Please conduct a new search for accomplished, attractive, mature women who are seriously looking to find a partner. Please find men who are mature and established – someone you’d be proud to take home to your mother. Please establish an age limit – 28 and above – because anything else is just a bunch of crying, whining babies who can’t handle anything.
dbla31
February 4, 2020 at 10:04 AM
A couple comments:
Most of the people who watch this show (particularly the ones who don’t read your column) are so in their own fantasy worlds, it doesn’t matter that you spell out the sports seasons and that they won’t work with Bachelor filming. These are people who STILL think Hanna B is showing up.
Why shouldn’t SNL put their skit on repeat with different performers? That’s what the show does?
Even I (and I have a lot of tolerance for this mind-numbing tv) almost turned off my set when he sent Alayah home within the first five minutes. I mean, he just asked her to stay 10 minutes ago (in terms of when one show ended and the other began.)
Thanks for the scoop on Sydney’s HS years. I was super curious about that last night but too tired/bored to bother looking into it. Knowing she and Hannah were in HS together makes me wish I’d paid more attention to her reactions when Hannah was on. I DO think they may bring Hannah back for AFTR or Women Tell All, given that she was part of the season. AND it would give them the opportunity to include her in promos and continue to fool the masses. It would be great if they were asked how much they knew each other in HS. Regardless, the people saying horrible things to Sydney online is unacceptable and they should go to online purgatory forever.
thecuriousgeorgette
February 4, 2020 at 10:37 AM
I wouldn’t put it past Sydney to be creating accounts sending herself those “hate” messages to feel validated and bullied, they look super fake and too on the nose. Sorry, I just don’t believe her. Especially since her HS account is total BS.
justsaying
February 4, 2020 at 11:39 AM
I’m the only one on this but I am on Tammy’s side. She saw someone who’s drinking away and sooo distraught and emotional since day 1. This sounds like a pattern Tammy picked up on Kelsey that’s repeating over and over and Tammy found this not normal. Therefore, Tammy’s gut told her something’s not right. She didn’t want to turn a blind eye and be complicit and by episode 5, she thought she couldn’t keep this quiet anymore. She should say something.
What the hell is wrong with that?? Maybe Tammy had a friend or family who’s abused alcohol and knows the signs?? Even if she didn’t have any experience, her gut told her it’s should be brought up and not just let it slide.
I see Tammy coming forward as brave and courageous. She’s not calling out some gossip of someone’s voice goes up when the camera comes on, Tammy’s seeing alcoholic tendencies. She didn’t call Kelsey an alcoholic but Tammy saw something alarming enough to bring it up. GOOD for Tammy!!
kabuki
February 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
Tammy always struck me as someone who was so completely different than the others that she just didn’t fit in (like Sharleen Joynt in Juan Pablo’s season). She seems like a straight shooter and seems rational and pretty darn normal, but she made the terrible mistake of getting involved in someone else’s crazy. Yes, it is pretty obvious that Kelsey is 100% emotionally damaged goods, but it really wasn’t Tammy’s place to report her train wreck behavior to Peter. I was surprised that Peter gave her a rose, but she’s probably a plant by the producers to keep the drama going. Now that the other women have ganged up against her, her days are numbered. The lesson to be learned from all of this is to keep your mouth shut and just worry about yourself.
joanne
February 4, 2020 at 12:33 PM
It only took me about 45 minutes to watch the show as I fadt forwarded through most of it. The only women I like are Madison, Hannah Ann and Kelly, and as Steve said Madi and Hannah Ann have barely been seen the last couple of episodes.
None of the women seem ready for marriage, and the same goes for Peter. No matter who he eventually picks I can’t see it lasting long at all.
justsaying
February 4, 2020 at 12:40 PM
Surely an issue like alcoholism or even suspected alcoholism is bigger than scoring with Peter. Why not poor Tammy? Everyone else couldn’t be bothered.
Not everyone wants to live in a complicit culture. It’s hard being the whistleblower.
ganny2jax
February 4, 2020 at 2:02 PM
Sydney…I’ll start with her. I don’t for a minute feel sorry for her. She comes off as extremely arrogant and selfish. I’m kind of with another commenter that I think Sydney made those comments up herself. Honestly I can’t stand listening to her talk. Peter deems her “best kisser.” Awww would you say that again? Can’t wait to tell the girls that!
Kelsey. There’s someone like her every season. Don’t like her at all.
Victoria P. How does Peter keep her knowing she lied about being close friends with Aaliyah? She’s a shady character for sure. Does anyone think she’s looks like the redhead sent home last night?
Victoria F. I’m not mad Cosmo isn’t airing her “cover shot.” She’s another one who is arrogant and full of herself. One would think after watching the Chris Rice debacle that VF was almost engaged to the dude. Thanks for clearing that up, RS!
These women (and I use the term loosely) have figured out they can lead Peter around like a puppy dog. And while he’s the cutest puppy dog I’ve ever seen, it’s not a good look for him. He’s trying to please too many people
Anybody, like, got a count, like, on how many times, like, the word “like” has been used, like, this season???
jillmarie
February 4, 2020 at 4:15 PM
My takeaway from this episode is that Peter kisses way too many girls in front of the other girls. My favorite contestant by far is Kelley- I would love for her to become our next Bachelorette. She handles herself with grace and class. I also think Peter and Sydney’s makeout was very much like him and Hannah B. They were laying on rocks, that did not look comfortable! Victoria F. just annoys me- I hate that she embellished her relationship with Chase Rice. I fully hope Chase does Steve’s podcast- I did a shoutout on Twitter! 🙂
irisvioletgrey4
February 4, 2020 at 5:18 PM
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned MyKenna and her weird tongue action. WTH? Seriously, girl, develop some self-awareness. In an episode that managed to make about two-thirds of the women all look like unstable freaks, her ongoing tongue acrobatics were one of the more disgusting examples of unflattering behavior. I have found myself increasingly relieved when Kelly, Hannah Ann, Madison and Lexi have been on the screen because they aren’t acting like bratty 12-year-olds. There were a few others who seemed to have their heads on straight, but of course they got almost no screen time and are all gone now. Even Victoria F. (during the last couple episodes) has actually seemed normal and likeable. Unfortunately, Tammy got taken down in this one and she was my favorite, although I knew there was no way she was ever going to be a contender. She just seemed like someone I’d like to be friends with. I’m glad a few people stuck up for her here in these comments. I agree she may have some experienced radar about Kelsey’s addictive tendencies, and may have had good intentions, but probably went about it wrong. ANYHOO, as much as I understand what actually goes on behind the scenes at this chronic crap trap that gets worse every season — and yet remains mysteriously addictive — this season is trying my patience even more than Hannah B’s. I was going to stop watching after that season, and only lasted as long as I did because I wanted to see Luke P. finally get his comeuppance — except I really liked Peter, so I had to watch. But then when I realized early on that Peter has no idea how to read women and was given very little to choose from as well, I was too curious about how things would develop, hoping that somehow the season would improve. You’d think I’d have learned by now … And speaking of, producers please don’t bring back The Beast for Round 2. Essentially, I think she’s likeable, but enough is enough. She has already saturated the market. It reminds me of having to suffer through an entire year of Colton. Again, he seemed nice enough, too, but if I never have to see him on my screen again, I’d be okay with that. You can’t convince me the producers have so little imagination that they can’t come up with better alternatives than repeating a has-been plot from before (yet again).
shellylite
February 5, 2020 at 1:51 AM
It’s so hard for me to believe Peter is a pilot. Why would a smart guy with such a great job do something like meet women on this show? This show makes him actually seem kinda dumb.
Anyway, it’s hard to believe anything Sydney said about her high school days . . . she was beautiful and involved in so many things. She won awards! Come on, people in the South aren’t calling “mixed race” people “Oreos”. That’s just dumb. I live in Georgia and about 40% of the people here #1 are “mixed race” and #2 we all live and work and get along with each other. It’s totally common in the South to be “mixed race”. NO one gets bullied for it. I’m guessing Sydney was an overly sensitive girl and too defensive and that’s why she was bullied if she was. The racism towards “mixed race” people is in the northern states. I have lived there too.
rob22
February 5, 2020 at 7:02 AM
OK, look. It could be true that Sydney was a homecoming queen & was popular with a lot of students. It could also be true that others bullied her and used racial slurs. If we all look back at High School, we probably all had really great moments AND moments where we were being picked on. That’s kind of what HS is. Do we remember the negatives even more strongly than the positives? Yeah. That’s kind of what we do. I give Sydney a pass on this.
As for Victoria P, her lies about her friendship with Alayah color everything. She’s a blatant liar and really not a nice person.
Then we have the house train wreck and the house tattletale. They never win.
So, I often feel early on that none of the girls is into the lead and that the show is really going nowhere. I think that’s how everyone feels this season. After tonight, we’ll be down to the last 6. So, maybe the show will work overtime to try and make a couple of them look better. But, to me, this is headed for a Juan Pablo type ending where you really have to struggle to find women that are really into the lead. Granted, Juan Pablo was a jack-a**, and Peter is not. But Peter is wholly unattractive for a completely different reason. He’s a complete wimp who has no ability to handle his own business. If he wanted to keep Alayah around the first time, he could have done so. And he could have told the women to back off about it. We’ve seen many leads, in the past, do something similar with unpopular contestants. But when he let her go and then had her back, he created drama that didn’t need to be there. Then honestly, he sent Alayah home, who despite her flaws, was the most interesting woman in the house. And that’s not a compliment either. The bar is very low this year for the women. We’ll see if one of them manages to stretch themselves over that low bar and win. But I’m starting to think this is headed for a Brad Womack ending, of sorts. How in the hell is Peter going to propose to one of these women?