Rachael Kirkconnell, Jade Roper Slam Jesse Palmer’s Age Gap Comment

Jesse Palmer is facing some backlash. 

Following the host of “Bachelor in Paradise” expressing his desire for an age-gap relationship to appear on the upcoming season, former contestants Rachael Kirkconnell and Jade Roper voiced their opposition to this concept within the Bachelor Nation community.

Regarding Rachael, she felt that the producers of the upcoming 10th installment, which brings together stars from the Golden Bachelor, Golden Bachelorette, as well as regular Bachelor and Bachelorette cast members, shouldn’t deliberately aim to create romantic relationships between individuals with significant age gaps.

Responding to a June 5 Instagram post, the winner of ‘The Bachelor’ season 25 expressed his viewpoint: “I’m not sure it’s appropriate to endorse relationships with a fifty-year age difference.

Regarding Jade, a former contestant on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, she made it clear that she found something unpleasant by saying just one word, “Yuck” or “Ugh”.

2 days ago, Jesse voiced his expectations for a romance involving an age difference on “Bachelor in Paradise”, stating that such a scenario could result in an intriguing romantic dynamic.

Jesse shared with Us Weekly in an interview published on June 3 that he’s eager to witness the insights the older cast members, or the ‘Golden’ group as he calls them, will share with our younger cast, offering guidance on life and love. He believes there is a great deal of worth in their experiences.

In addition, Bachelor in Paradise’s bartender Wells Adams agreed, using the relationship between Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson – who have a significant age difference of 48 years – as an illustration.

Wells explained to Us Weekly, “Such events occur frequently in reality.” He pointed out Bill Belichick as a current example, emphasizing that this situation is unfolding before our eyes.

Although the TV personality expressed some doubts about whether a romantic connection between an alumnus of “Golden” and a younger celebrity might unfold on the upcoming reality show airing July 7 on ABC, he remained eager to witness the cast members forming close relationships instead.

Wells shared that what he adores about “The Golden Bachelor” is the depth of life experiences they’ve accumulated, making their advice, discussions, and personal risks significantly greater. He believes this richness will be beneficial as they guide younger generations.

As a devoted fan following the journey of Bachelor Nation’s romantic tales, don’t forget to keep turning the pages for updates!

Status: Engaged

 

On his first night at the Bachelor mansion, Grant Ellis might have encountered 25 potential romantic prospects, but it was Juliana Pasquarosa who eventually received his final rose. As they look towards their upcoming marriage, the soon-to-be bride shared her top priority for their wedding day.

 

In an interview with TopMob News back in March 2025, I shared my heartfelt thoughts: Above everything else, whether it’s the setting or its appearance, it’s essential that it’s bathed in love and filled with our cherished family members. After all, as long as we’re together, every moment will be a blast, no matter what activities we engage in!

As a lifestyle expert looking back on a remarkable journey, let me share my heartfelt story. Following my stint on the inaugural season of ‘The Golden Bachelor’ where I prematurely departed Gerry Turner’s season, I stepped into the limelight once more as the leading lady in the debut season of ‘The Golden Bachelorette’. It was during this enchanting experience that I crossed paths with my now-fiancé, Chock Chapple.

Fast forward to November 2024, on the grand finale of ‘The Golden Bachelorette’, I stood before the world and shared a message of hope, no matter one’s age: “We are living proof that life can still surprise us with love, even at this stage.” And as if it were scripted for a fairytale, Chock seized the opportunity in the stunning backdrop of Bora Bora to profess his heartfelt feelings: “I waited until this magical moment in this breathtaking location to tell you that I love you. I want to spend every tomorrow with you and share countless kisses goodnight.

Status: Split

 

In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” (season 21), it seemed like former “Bachelor” contestant Jenn Tran was finding her perfect match in her final pick, Devin Strader. However, during a special episode called “After the Final Rose”, which was broadcast in September, Jenn, aged 26, confessed that Devin, who is 28 years old, turned cold towards her as soon as the filming ended.

 

During a conversation with Jesse Palmer on September 3rd, Jenn expressed that her partner was expressing deep feelings of love one day, only to act as if they never existed the next. She added that the affectionate gestures and promises he made towards her seemed to have vanished.

 

In my commitment to openness, I took to Instagram and shared a 13-minute video, detailing my perspective on the situation. Beyond accepting responsibility, I also delved deeper into the reasons behind my decision to terminate our relationship during a 15-minute conversation over the phone.

 

Instead of Jenn claiming he ended their conversation abruptly in August, he asserted that Jenn asked him why things weren’t right and he was trying to figure out how to tell her in person that he wanted to end the relationship.

 

He said, “I wasn’t sure about what other action to take,” admitting he had been planning to discuss it with her face-to-face. “Her actions essentially left me no choice.

 

Ever since that time, Jenn made her way towards “Dancing with the Stars” and perhaps into the affections of her dance partner, Sasha Farber. The two have been fueling romance speculations ever since their elimination on October 29th.

Status: Split

In November 2022, Greg Grippo, who was among Katie Thurston’s suitors on The Bachelorette the previous year, appeared alongside Victoria Fuller in the season eight finale of Bachelor in Paradise. There, they publicly declared their relationship. However, in April 2024, he disclosed that their relationship had ended.

Initially, Victoria Fuller and Johnny DePhillipo were engaged, but before they confirmed their relationship publicly during the finale of Bachelor in Paradise‘s eighth season, they had parted ways.

Status: Divorced

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist got engaged in November 2023, during the final episode of the first season of “Golden Bachelor”, and they officially married in a live television wedding ceremony in January 2024.

However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.

During their interview on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, Gerry explained, “Through many deep discussions and careful examination of our circumstances, including our living situation, we’ve both reached an agreement. It seems that it might be best for us to end our marriage amicably.

They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.

In April 2025, Gerry disclosed on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that he had a new partner and things were progressing positively.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, allow me to share an exciting personal milestone: After navigating through the journey with 32 remarkable women, tennis aficionado Joey Graziadei found his soulmate in project manager Kelsey Anderson. “I’ve been eagerly waiting for this moment to express my heartfelt feelings,” I shared with my final rose recipient during the March 2024 finale. “There is something about you that leaves me beaming from ear to ear. It’s a sensation I’ve never experienced before.”

Envisioning our future together, I added, “I had an idea of what a beautiful life could look like, but I never truly grasped its full potential until I met you, Kelsey.

Despite not initially connecting until halfway through season nine of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, John Henry Spurlock (one of Charity Lawson’s suitors) and Kat Izzo (a contestant vying for Zach Shallcross’ heart) decided to take a chance. As he presented an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, he expressed his unique approach, “Today, I’m following my heart. My heart tells me you are fantastic, you are everything I’ve been searching for.” However, just days after the season finale, they announced that their paths were diverging due to conflicting career aspirations. In a joint Instagram post, they thanked their loved ones and ‘Bachelor Nation’ for their support, stating, “Unfortunately, our futures are heading in different directions because of our career goals not aligning.

In the final episode, despite her apprehensions about the proposal in Paradise, Eliza Isichei (one of Clayton Echard’s former partners) graciously agreed to Aaron Bryant’s seaside proposal. Moved by Aaron’s gesture of contacting her mother for her blessing, she exclaimed, “I could not predict what words would leave my lips.”

The post-credits scene hinted at some difficulties Eliza and her partner faced after their trip to Mexico, and a few days later, they confirmed that they had called off their engagement. On Instagram in December 2023, Charity shared his feelings about the situation, stating, “Navigating these complex emotions has been challenging. We are parting ways with only kindness and admiration for each other.

Status: Separated

Despite postpartum nurse Kylee Russell expressing disappointment over boyfriend Aven Jones’ reluctance to propose—an action he reportedly intended to perform while courting Bachelorette Rachel Recchia—she eventually agreed to Aven’s proposal from ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ to “escape and make it work.”

This decision meant her pre-planned engagement dress remained unworn, as she stated, “I had to do what I felt was correct. Love involves taking risks.”

Two days following their December 2023 finale, she shared on her Instagram Stories that the relationship had ended due to repeated infidelities. Aven later apologized to Kylee through a post, admitting, “I have made significant errors in our relationship and caused harm to someone dear to me.

Status: In a Relationship

Charity Lawson playfully remarked to TopMob News about her upcoming finale in August 2023, which was quite an understatement. Integrative medicine specialist Dotun Olubeko then knelt down and declared their love as “perfect,” asking the child and family therapist, “Will you make this fairytale come true by becoming my wife?”

Though their future wedding remains uncertain—with possible dates in 2025 or 2026—the Georgian native has a different milestone ahead: competing on Dancing With the Stars. On The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose, Dotun excitedly informed Charity, “I know you love to dance and have fun. We’ve discussed this wonderful opportunity. And I’m thrilled to tell you that you will be on Dancing With the Stars! Let’s do this!

 

Zach Shallcross is set for a happy ending

Zach Shallcross, who appeared on season 27 in March 2023, proposed to travel nurse Kaity Biggar after overcoming some Fantasy Suite-related mishaps. With tears in his eyes, he declared, “I am deeply in love with you. You are my universe. The affection I have for you surpasses anything I could have ever imagined.”

In July 2023, Kaity announced on Instagram that they were now living together as roommates. They’re currently busy planning their wedding, which is set for October 2025.

Their relationship status: Separated

Originally, it appeared as if Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio were destined to be a beloved couple within Bachelor Nation. Despite parting ways during season seven of BIP without Neil Lane diamonds, they seemed poised for a lasting romance. Danielle had suffered the loss of her fiancé due to a drug overdose prior to competing on Nick Viall’s season, while Michael was a devoted single father to 7-year-old James, whom he shared with his late wife. However, about a year after Danielle moved from Nashville to Ohio to be with Michael, they announced their separation. Michael opened up about the breakup during an episode of Jason Tartick’s Trading Secrets podcast in September 2023, stating: “We put a lot into this relationship, and it’s heartbreaking when things don’t work out. When relationships don’t succeed, when you realize that love is there but compatibility isn’t, you grieve the loss, not just of the person and the friend in your life, but also the future you had envisioned.

Brandon Jones declared his undying love for Serene Russell during their proposal on season seven of Paradise. However, just five months later, they announced their separation in a joint Instagram statement. They had struggled to maintain their relationship in the public eye, and the breakup was difficult for both parties. They asked for understanding and requested no hate.

Status: The relationship between pilot Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco faced issues, as he was seen kissing another woman during their 2022 season, which was still being broadcasted. “I absolutely regret my actions,” he stated on The Viall Files. “It was inappropriate and unfair to Rachel. It’s something I deeply regret and it continues to trouble me daily. I am ashamed of what I did and if given the chance, I would do it differently a million times over.

The status is indeed intriguing. In the 2022 finale, Susie Evans initially turned down Clayton Echard’s proposals, but later reunited with him off-camera. However, their relationship didn’t last long as they split six months later. Susie, a videographer based in L.A., clarifies that their separation was due to valid reasons. She expressed on her blog “Susie Was Like” that the people close to her noticed her energy had diminished, and she wasn’t flourishing as she should. Despite sharing many happy moments, Susie admitted that deep down, she was grappling with difficulties and feeling out of sync with her best self.

After dating Justin Glaze, a participant from Bachelor Nation, Susie later confirmed that they had parted ways as well, announcing their separation in August 2024.

Current Situation: Separated

Teacher Michelle from Minnesota accepted a Neil Lane sparkler from sales executive Nayte Olukoya based in Texas, as well as a $200,000 check for their future home from the show’s producers. However, after six months following their season finale in December 2021, they announced their breakup.

On “The Viall Files,” Nayte admitted that their relationship had numerous highs and lows, including frequent arguments and disagreements. Despite this, he felt that not having a face-to-face conversation to officially end things was “immature.”

Later in 2023, Michelle began dating Jack Leius, and they announced their engagement the following year.

Status: Parted ways

The viewers embraced the idea of a future with Sunday mornings sweetened by Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian. However, the BIP season seven pairing only had a handful of weekends together.

In a joint statement issued in January 2022, patient coordinator Maurissa (who was in a relationship with Peter Weber) and attorney Riley (one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors), announced their decision to split. They didn’t foresee this happening, but they’ve reached a point where they both need to focus on themselves separately.

Status: Split

On season six of “Bachelor in Paradise,” the first same-sex couple to appear on the show got engaged, yet they revealed their separation in October 2019, which coincided with Halloween.

In their shared post on Instagram, they expressed that love and concern for each other has always guided their relationship. They emphasized that their primary focus is ensuring their own well-being. With a heart filled with mutual love, they have made the difficult decision to step back from their relationship. They stated that their ultimate goal is to achieve what’s best for them in the long term, and at this moment, that means growing separately as individuals.

Current Status: Engaged
Translation: They’re Enthralled and Committed
Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer may not have found their forever in Mexico during the seventh season of BIP, but they discovered a love that would last an eternity. After residing in San Diego, the travel nurse (who courted Tayshia) and the financial manager (who received Matt James’ first impression rose) recently invested in a property in his hometown of Tulsa. Abigail expressed her joy on Instagram in July 2023, stating, “Preparing to enter the Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl bought her very first house!!!” She added, “Eager for our new beginning and all the cherished memories we’ll create here!!” The upcoming nuptials are just the start. Prior to their relocation, Noah proposed at a San Diego beachfront home in August 2023.

In informal language:

Status: Tied the Knot

Before their grand wedding in September 2023, Serena Pitt (a finalist on Matt James’ season) and Joe Amabile (the Chicago grocery store owner who gained fame after being sent home on night one by Becca Kufrin in 2018) decided to take a trial run. They got hitched at City Hall, which is close to their New York City residence, around a year after leaving the Paradise set as an engaged couple.

“JUST MARRIED!!”, Serena, now co-hosting the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast with her husband, wrote in an October 2022 video caption. “We are still having a wedding this September, but who doesn’t want to get married twice!

Status: Married

Kenny Braasch, the boy band manager, expressed his deep affection for Mari Pepin by saying, “I am absolutely smitten by you.” On the finale of Paradise in 2021, he placed a Neil Lane diamond ring on her finger. “My life feels incomplete without you,” he continued. After their romantic journey together, which included being eliminated by Tayshia Adams in week five, Mari moved to Kenny’s hometown, Chicago. In November 2023, they tied the knot in a small oceanfront ceremony in Puerto Rico, but before that, they made their love eternal with matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.

Status: Married

Previously on Bachelor in Paradise season seven in 2021, Becca (formerly of The Bachelorette) and Thomas Jacobs (a suitor from Katie Thurston’s season) started dating. They split up during the show, but rekindled their relationship after production ended. In May 2022, they announced their engagement, with Becca taking the initiative to propose. She expressed her hope that others would feel empowered to break traditional rules. In October of the same year, Thomas reciprocated by proposing as well.

In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. Becca shared on Instagram, “Our love for this tiny man is indescribable.” Interestingly, just weeks after bringing Benson home, the couple decided to get married in an impromptu ceremony held on October 13th.

Status: Split

In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie got engaged to Blake Moynes. They expressed their affection for each other during their overnight date that included a paintball adventure, a cowboy bath, and a heart-to-heart chat under the night sky.

Lowering himself onto a knee, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of the entire universe, and I’m thrilled to stand by your side and be there for you each and every day from now on.

Three months following the broadcast of our proposal, we shared the news of our separation. In unison, we expressed our gratitude for the cherished moments we experienced together and the incredible journey that unfolded throughout the past year. However, we acknowledged that as individuals, we are not meant to be life partners. It was a difficult decision, but one that demonstrated genuine care for each other, allowing us to move forward independently.

Now, I am honored to announce my engagement to the talented comedian, Jeff Arcuri.

Current Status: Split (again)

Since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways during his 2021 season (following a brief split and subsequent reconciliation), they’ve faced numerous breakup speculations.

“Everyone should take a break from social media,” the former Bachelor confided to TopMob News at a July 18 Baskin-Robbins event. “Our lives are so heavily dependent on our phones that when someone steps away from being online 24/7, it sparks rumors of the end of the world.”

Despite this, Matt expressed in May 2022 that marriage was still their ultimate goal.

“I think the advantage of our relationship is we move at our own pace,” the author of First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations With a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness told TopMob News. “And you’ve seen with other couples—they rush into engagements and aren’t together anymore. So, I believe what we have is a successful formula, and we’ll get there.”

However, less than three years later, Matt announced their split on Instagram in January 2025.

“Father God, grant Rachael and me the strength to heal our broken hearts,” wrote the reality star alongside a nostalgic photo of them from The Bachelor. “Grant us peace about this decision to end our relationship that surpasses human understanding. Bestow kindness and love upon our friends and family to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord.

Status: Split

Following her entry to replace Clare Crawley during the 2020 season of “The Bachelorette”, Tayshia found herself falling in love with Zac Clark. Despite leaving her season as an engaged couple, it was later disclosed by Tayshia (former Bachelorette and current co-host) that their relationship encountered some highs and lows.

In a new relationship, it can be challenging to take a short break for a couple of weeks, and that’s the truth, she shared on The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous podcast in August 2021.

Following that incident, it seemed as though we needed to recall the reasons for our relationship. And indeed, I believe such a reflection is quite typical. However, in November 2021, TopMob News reported that they had decided to go their own ways.

Status: Split

During season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” Clare became deeply smitten with Dale Moss. So much so that they got engaged just four episodes in. However, the twists didn’t end there. Shortly after Tayshia took over as the lead, she too received a proposal. Later on, Dale announced via social media that his relationship with the hairdresser had ended.

Approximately a month later, whispers of reconciliation swirled when they were seen together once more. By July 2021, following multiple reunions, Clare and Dale had fully reconciled—with a ring on it. However, in September, they ended their relationship again. Currently, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins and they’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first daughter together.

Status: Split

Following a short courtship with winner Hannah Ann Sluss and later separation from runner-up Madison Prewett, fans had high hopes that third time would be a charm for Peter. Unfortunately, his affection for season 24’s standout Kelley Flanagan did not last, as the pilot announced on New Year’s Eve 2020 that their nine-month relationship had ended.

Pete shared on Instagram, “Though our bond was rich with numerous cherished moments, unfortunately, our connection didn’t last, but Kelley remains someone I hold a unique affection towards forever.

In 2022, they made another attempt at flying again, but later in May, they disclosed that their relationship had come to an end.

Status: Split

After the intense 2020 conclusion, the pair shared on Instagram that they wouldn’t continue their romantic involvement. Peter penned, “Madi and I have decided, after careful discussions, not to continue our relationship. It wasn’t an easy choice for either of us, but after heartfelt conversations, we both feel this is the best decision for us. The affection and admiration I hold for Madi will remain strong.

In her statement, Madi expressed, “I’ll forever cherish and honor him. I firmly believe that our lives were destined to intertwine, making us both the better for it.

Status: Split

During the 24th season of The Bachelor, Peter and Hannah Ann had a short-term engagement. Regrettably, just two episodes into the finale, it became clear that they were facing difficulties a month into their commitment. More precisely, Hannah Ann was taken aback by Peter’s ongoing affection for Madison.

She shared, “All I’ve desired is for someone to offer their complete affection as I do mine, and unfortunately, you ended my first engagement. You took it from me because I trusted you, a trust you asked me to maintain. ‘Stay patient with me, have faith in me.’

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2025-06-06 00:20