Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Emma Chance | Celebrity | January 2, 2024
Kaitlyn Bristowe is one of those love them or hate them people. Season 11 Bachelorette, DWTS season 29 winner, and all-around messy internet person, she has a complicated relationship with her fanbase and with Bachelor Nation at large. While she did not end up marrying her Bachelorette pick, Shawn Booth, she dated another Bachelorette alum, Jason Tartick, for a few years before getting engaged, but they ended their engagement and announced their split in August of this year.
Now, single and very, very open about her struggles, Bristowe is causing mischief again. She threw what looked like a rager at her house in Nashville this weekend for New Year’s Eve, and all manner of Bachelor and other reality stars were in attendance, including Katie Maloney of Vanderpump Rules (another case of love her or hate her), and Zac Clark.
Zac Clark is one of those boring Bachelor white guys, but I actually like him. He shared his story of addiction recovery on his season of Bachelorette, so at least he’s contributing something to the world other than brand partnerships, and got engaged to Tayshia Adams on the show, but they didn’t last. (Adams has since been linked to Luke Gulbranson of Summer House.)
So, we’ve got two single reality stars on NYE. What could go wrong? Well, when video surfaced of the two holding onto each other during the ball drop—footage that suspiciously ended right before what might have been a New Year’s kiss could happen—Bachelor Nation went up in flames.
Comments of “messy” and “how’s she going to date someone sober” and “she’s been the problem all along” were bandied about until Bristowe herself jumped in to comment on the fan account that posted the footage:
“Hi! Here to say that there was never an ounce of cheating happening and I will not stand for this rumor. Y’all are NASTY in here. Anywho. Swear on my dogs lives. No cheating went on. So we can just put that to rest. Thank you!! Happy new year everyone. Go donate some blood or somethin!”
Nice. She also went on a bit of a rampage on her own account. She posted these statements on her stories:
Then she posted this carousel with the comments turned off:
And then this one, also with the comments turned off:
I guess that violin is supposed to be…the world’s smallest violin? Like, why do people care? Maybe?
Listen, I definitely don’t care what Kaitlyn Bristowe does. I am questioning the choices I’ve made in my life that have led me to writing this article. I think two single people should be able to date without millions of strangers having feelings about it.
What strikes me about all of this, and what has always concerned me about Bristowe, is that it doesn’t look healthy. Let’s note that nowhere in her statements did she deny being involved with Clark. In fact, she seemed to be trying to not deny that, which tells me that they probably are involved. And, again, who cares?
What I care about is what looks like a woman headed for a breakdown. On the one hand, maybe someone like Clark is exactly what she needs. But I also think, and have always thought, that this is a person who is not cut out for the public eye. I just hope she doesn’t bring a long-time sober guy down with her.
