The Bachelor season 28’s triumphant pair, Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson, have captured public interest for over a year. However, recent rumors of relationship troubles and backlash reveal that this couple may be grappling with significant hidden challenges. During the season of The Bachelor, Joey was excited to steer his journey after a tumultuous finale in The Bachelorette season 20, admitting that his greatest fear was ending up alone.
Fortunately, Joey quickly forged connections with several cast members, including Kelsey, a Louisiana native who bravely opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her mother to cancer. Their shared moments of vulnerability allowed them to develop a meaningful bond as the series unfolded. Despite other connections, it became evident to both Joey and the audience that Kelsey was his ideal match, leading Bachelor Nation to anticipate his proposal.
Once the cameras stopped rolling, Joey and Kelsey faced the real test of their relationship, enduring scrutiny from the show’s viewers. Throughout the season, Joey worked hard to defend Kelsey without calling her out directly, wishing to protect her from the negativity often targeted at couples from the show. While many viewers rejoiced at his choice of Kelsey, others expressed skepticism about the longevity of their relationship, especially after the couple faced backlash during their first public appearance at the After The Final Rose special.
In the early days of their public relationship, it seemed that they had established a routine, but the dynamic shifted when Joey was presented with a life-changing opportunity to compete on Dancing With The Stars season 33. His success, culminating in a mirrorball trophy, continued to cast doubt on his relationship with Kelsey, fueling persistent rumors that hinted at underlying issues.
8 Joey Has Been “Candid” About Their Strength In Interviews
He’s Not Actually Being Genuine
Despite Joey’s apparent openness to the media regarding his experiences, he surprisingly holds back when discussing his relationship with Kelsey. His reticence seems rooted in the intense scrutiny they face, and it becomes evident in his interviews. While he often presents himself as honest and forthright, his responses frequently feel rehearsed and lack depth.
During various interviews following his performances on Dancing With The Stars, Joey often found himself addressing questions about Kelsey rather than celebrating his own achievements. Frustrated by this focus, he responded with generic comments that, while seemingly candid, failed to offer real insight into their relationship dynamics.
7 Kelsey “Opens Up” In Curated Ways On TikTok
She’s Sharing What She Thinks Viewers Want To See
Similar to Joey, Kelsey has sought to present a carefully curated version of herself on social media. While she routinely engages with her audience, it’s apparent that she grapples with the immense backlash stemming from public scrutiny of her relationship. To navigate this attention, Kelsey uses her TikTok platform to project a more relatable image, hoping to connect authentically with her followers.
Her often humorous videos betray the underlying tension she experiences regarding public perception, revealing her discomfort with the frequent need for self-defense. This facade of humor often masks her genuine feelings about the relentless criticism directed at her relationship, highlighting how difficult it can be to maintain authenticity in the face of such intense scrutiny.
6 Joey’s Dancing With The Stars Schedule Kept Him Busy
He Wasn’t Available To Kelsey
As Joey devoted months to training for Dancing With The Stars, the strain on his relationship with Kelsey became increasingly evident. While his background as a tennis pro aided his performance, the rigorous rehearsal schedule left little time for Kelsey, causing a strain in their newly-formed relationship.
During this intense period, Kelsey attempted to support Joey by moving to Los Angeles, yet found herself increasingly isolated as Joey’s commitments overshadowed their time together. Despite managing her own professional obligations, the lack of quality time with Joey undoubtedly contributed to mounting frustrations within their relationship.
5 Kelsey Was Left Alone & On Her Own When Joey Was Rehearsing
She Wasn’t Being Loved Or Nurtured
Kelsey’s experience during Joey’s participation in the show highlighted her emotional struggles. While she actively supported his journey, the demanding rehearsals left her feeling increasingly neglected. Despite her best efforts, the emotional gap created by his lengthy absence became hard to bridge, leading to feelings of loneliness.
The constant absence of her fiancé forced Kelsey to navigate life in L.A. on her own, which was particularly challenging given the scrutiny surrounding their relationship. This growing isolation likely strained her sense of security within their partnership.
4 Joey Has Been Uncomfortable In Public Appearances With Kelsey
He’s Been Stiff And Overwhelmed
Recent public appearances suggest that both Joey and Kelsey have found themselves uncomfortable in the spotlight. Typically known for their affectionate demeanor, Joey’s body language, in particular, has communicated stiffness or unease during these moments, raising eyebrows among fans and media alike.
Given his previous comfort level with media interactions, Joey’s apparent discomfort could indicate deeper issues within the relationship. The couple’s limited appearances further suggest they might be consciously avoiding situations that could exacerbate these challenges.
3 Kelsey Has Taken Social Media Breaks From The Pressure
She’s Been Dealing With Too Much
Kelsey has openly discussed the pressures she faces as a reality TV personality, resulting in sporadic breaks from social media. These pauses provide her an essential mental escape from the overwhelming expectations of her online persona.
While Kelsey has addressed personal issues, such as the loss of a friend, it’s clear that the weight of public expectations regarding her relationship with Joey has significantly affected her emotional well-being. These social media interruptions highlight the ongoing challenges she navigates as she seeks to maintain a balance between authenticity and public perception.
2 Joey Has Been Quieter On Social Media
He’s Not Sharing As Often
While Joey has generally maintained a quieter social media presence compared to Kelsey, recent months have seen him withdraw even further. After a bustling stint on Dancing With The Stars, Joey has chosen to limit his updates, prompting speculation among fans about the state of his relationship.
This reduction in communication could be indicative of his desire to reflect after the whirlwind experience of DWTS, but it also leaves fans questioning whether he is stepping back deliberately in response to the relationship scrutiny they’ve faced. His dwindling online engagement could signal deeper issues needing attention.
1 Kelsey Has Floated Postponing Wedding Plans More Than Once
The Couple Could Be Spiraling
Despite their professional commitments, Kelsey has expressed hesitation regarding their wedding plans, emphasizing a need to slow down. While she assures fans that updates are forthcoming, it has become apparent that wedding preparations are not her priority.
Recurrent mentions of postponing their wedding plans hint at uncertainty about their future as a couple. The whirlwind pace since the finale of The Bachelor season 28 has likely caused them to reassess their relationship, leading to crucial decisions as they move into the new year.
Source: Kelsey Anderson/TikTok