Entertainment

Corinne Olympios Explains Why She Felt Victimized

by Mathew Jedeikin
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Former Bachelor contestant Corrine Olympios released a new statement on Thursday regarding her lawyer's investigation into the suspension of production on Bachelor in Paradise Season 4. In the statement Olympios explains why the situation made her feel victimized:

In light of the overwhelming amount of misinformation that has been spread in the media, I want to clarify a few things. My intent over the past few weeks has been to learn and understand what happened on June 4. While I never filed complaints or accusations against anyone associated with Bachelor in Paradise, my team and I felt it was very important to be thorough in getting to the bottom of what had occurred. I felt victimized by the fact that others were judging me through conflicting and unsubstantiated reports, while I myself had no recollection of the events that transpired.

Following the production shutdown, Olympios began her first official statement by saying that she was "a victim". That statement read,

“I am a victim and have spent the last week trying to make sense of what happened on June 4. Although I have little memory of that night, something bad obviously took place, which I understand is why production on the show has now been suspended and a producer on the show has filed a complaint against the production. As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality.”

At the time, it was unclear what exactly Olympios felt she was a victim of, but her newest statement sheds light on the fact that she felt victimized by the judgement of others. Specifically, judgement that stemmed from misinformation.

It had been reported that the production shutdown was centered around an alleged sexual encounter between Olympios and fellow contestant DeMario Jackson that allegedly may not have been consensual. Like Olympios, Jackson has hired a lawyer, and he said in a statement that his character has been "assassinated." Jackson also spoke out in an interview with E! News in which he denied any wrongdoing.

In addition to explaining why she felt victimized, in her new statement, Olympios also explains her decision not to return to the show:

My team’s investigation into this matter has now been completed to my satisfaction. I am also happy about the changes that have been made to the production of Bachelor In Paradise. While I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have been a participant on The Bachelor, and while I was invited to return to Bachelor In Paradise when production resumed, I respectfully made the decision not to return.

Olympios goes on to express appreciation for fans, and notes that she intends to keep any further thoughts she has on the experience private:

I understand the media’s interest in this story, and I greatly appreciate my fans’ concerns for my well-being, but I think it is best if I keep any further thoughts private for now.

Filming has resumed on Bachelor in Paradise Season 4. The show is set to premiere this summer.