In an illuminating interview with People magazine on March 10, 2025, Grant Ellis, the lead of Season 29 of The Bachelor, opened up about the complexities surrounding his elimination choices. This discussion took place shortly after the revealing Women Tell All special, during which several contestants candidly expressed feelings of being “blindsided”by their unexpected exits from the show.
Ellis shed light on the difficult task of managing relationships while fulfilling his role as the Bachelor. He reflected on the authenticity he aimed to maintain, expressing a commitment to both emotional honesty and genuine connections throughout the season.
“If we’re dating, I’m going to reassure you, and I’m going to hold your hand. And if we’re dating and that’s where we’re at, then we are going to share a kiss or something like that,”he explained.
Contestants Voice Their Concerns About Elimination Surprises
During the Women Tell All segment, two contestants, Dina and Serafeina, voiced their astonishment at being sent home, especially after what they perceived to be successful dates. Carolina further addressed Ellis directly, questioning the inconsistency between his words and actions. In response, Ellis shared insights into his heartfelt approach to the process, stating that he entered the show with “all of his heart.”
Throughout the conversation, Ellis acknowledged the emotional weight carried by those eliminated, admitting,
“I feel bad that people feel blindsided; it’s not what I want. But I hope that we all learn from it because I learned from the ladies of what I want.”
Despite the emotional nature of the eliminations, he reaffirmed that his choices were guided by sincerity.
“I hope that they learn that they want somebody affectionate and that’s loving. I hope that they got that from me,”he said.
Ellis Reflects on His Journey as The Bachelor
Grant Ellis opened up about the unexpected difficulties associated with his role as The Bachelor. He candidly admitted that the experience was “a lot harder”than he initially anticipated. Juggling multiple emotional connections took a toll on him, revealing his nature as an empath that deeply affected his engagement with the women.
“I realized in real time and the weight of it. I strive to be the best at everything I do. I made really good decisions, I made some bad decisions, but I led with my heart,”he reflected.
As the season draws to a close, Ellis expressed the challenges he faces in keeping the finale under wraps amid swirling opinions and criticisms regarding his decisions.
“You’re the lead of the show, and you undergo a lot of different opinions and criticism on how people feel you should have handled things,”he acknowledged.
Nonetheless, Ellis remains optimistic about his journey on The Bachelor, stating he believes it will resonate with viewers, inspiring them with the ultimate resolution. Emphasizing the importance of emotionality in his character, he recognized this attribute as a strength, though managing it across multiple relationships proved overwhelming.
Reflecting on his future, Ellis remarked that he is set to embrace the role of a “one-woman man,”signaling his intention to focus on building deeper, more meaningful relationships moving forward.
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