'Bachelor in Paradise's DeMario Jackson: My character 'has been assassinated'
Former Bachelorette contestant DeMario Jackson says he will be taking "swift and appropriate legal action" amid the fallout from allegations of misconduct that halted production on ABC's reality showBachelor in Paradise.
The 30-year-old is one of two contestants at the center of allegations over a sexual encounter, possibly without consent, that prompted a producer to file an internal complaint that led Warner Bros. to halt filming on the Bachelor spinoff. Multiple outlets have indicated that alcohol may have played a role.
"It's unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations," Jackson said in a statement via his publicist, Eve Sarkisyan-Nunn. "I will be taking swift and appropriate legal action until my name is cleared and, per the advice of legal counsel, will be seeking all available remedies entitled to me under the laws."
On Wednesday, Bachelor alum Corinne Olympios issued a statement claiming that she is "a victim" in the incident, and has spent the last week "trying to make sense of what happened on June 4," the night in question.
"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," she said. "As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality."
Though she provided few details, Olympios also said she has hired an attorney "to obtain justice," suggesting she plans a lawsuit against producers. Jackson followed her lead, indicating he may file a suit or countersuit.
News broke Sunday that filming on the summer series had been suspended with the studio promising an investigation and "appropriate responsive action."
The fourth season of the show, which brings together former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants in a tropical location where they might fall in love, had been underway in Mexico and was due to return for a fourth season in early August. Though the studio has yet to announce whether the show will push back the original air date, or cancel the season altogether, the deadline for resuming production in time to meet the Aug. 8 date is approaching.
Host Chris Harrison came to the show's defense Monday, urging fans to be patient as the allegations are being investigated.
Harrison said he felt the need to speak out "with all the rumors" and "competing details in the various press accounts of the incident. And there’s a lot of misinformation out there, too," he said. "We urge everyone to be patient until the investigation is complete."
More:
Corinne Olympios says she's a 'victim' in 'Bachelor in Paradise' misconduct
Host Chris Harrison speaks out on 'Bachelor in Paradise' controversy
'Bachelor in Paradise' filming suspended amid allegations of misconduct
