This season, theBachelor in Paradisedrama is unfolding onandoff-screen.
After the first two episodes revealeda messy love trianglebetweenBlake Horstmann,Caelynn Miller-KeyesandKristina Schulman, Horstmann posted a lengthy statement on Instagram apologizing for his actions — specifically, the fact that heslept with the women on back-to-back nightsat the Stagecoach music festival in April. But he also released text messages allegedly exchanged between him and Miller-Keyes in an attempt to clear his name after sheaccused him of trying to “silence” heron the show.
“I NEVER ghosted Caelynn, I NEVER called her a mistake and I absolutely NEVER EVER EVER silenced Caelynn,” he insisted. “This is the last thing I wanted to do, but my name and my character are being attacked.”
In the texts, Horstmann, 30, tries to dissuade Miller-Keyes, 24, from coming over, telling her “we can cuddle but no sex,” to which she allegedly responds, “If I come over it’s strictly for sex. Nothing more nothing less.”
Then, in an exchange Horstmann says occurred one week before the two were flying to Mexico to film this season, they appear to be deliberating whether to go public with the fact that they slept together, which seemingly contradicts Miller-Keyes’ narrative on the show. (Miller-Keyes did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.)
ABC/Craig Sjodin (2)
“Speak your truth,” she commented. “No one can take that away from you.”
Kristina Schulman.Bob D’Amico/ABC
BiPalumnaAstrid Lochwrote, “Glad you got to tell your side of the story. If nothing else, I hope you learned from this and it helps you grow into the man I know you are. Always here for you.”
Kevin Wendt, Loch’s boyfriend andBiPcostar, revealed that he had advised Horstmann against exposing the texts.
“I know I told you last week posting these might not be the best idea, but as a friend I just want YOU to be happy and I know your anxiety was about to erupt,” he wrote. “So I get it. And I’ll support you regardless because I know you’re a good friend and a good-hearted human. Chin up amigo.”
“Through the good, bad and ugly you’ve always been a loyal friend to me, and I will always be a loyal friend to you,” commentedJason Tartick. “These are the trying times in which you’ll learn invaluable life lessons that will allow you to be in a better position in your life pursuit of love and happiness. A disappointed time, but know I’m here for you and I do believe there are two sides to every story.”
Added Tartick’s girlfriend, former BacheloretteKaitlyn Bristowe,” Thank you for being vulnerable and honest.”
Blake Horstmann/Instagram
One notable franchise star, however, jumped to Miller-Keyes’ defense:Dean Unglert.
“A ‘public figure’ sharing private text messages in an attempt to salvage whatever is left of their fragile ego…” he tweeted. “Calling it childish would be disrespectful to children everywhere.”
Dean Unglert; Caelynn-Miller Keyes.Michael Tran/FilmMagic; Neilson Barnard/Getty
Multiple sources recently told PEOPLE and Miller-Keyes and Unglert, 28,are datingafter hitting it off in Mexico this season.
“They both went toParadiseand really hit it off there, but then Dean got cold feet and left,” one source said. “He got home and realized he really had feelings for Caelynn, so went back toParadisefor a second chance.”
“Things have been going much better between them since they left Mexico together,” the source added.
Bachelor in Paradiseairs Mondays and Tuesdays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.
source: people.com
