The Bachelor Season 29: A Closer Look at Juliana Pasquarosa’s Journey
Juliana Pasquarosa, this season’s winner of The Bachelor, showcased a calm demeanor throughout the competition. However, following the finale, her personality took center stage. Ultimately, Juliana was selected as the fiancée of Grant Ellis, the lead of Season 29, effectively outshining 24 other women who sought his affection. Notably, Grant found himself in a dilemma between Juliana and the runner-up, Litia Garr, with host Jesse Palmer commenting on his intense struggle, stating, “There has never been a Bachelor who has been more torn over the two final women at the end.”
Despite the romantic essence that the show seeks to convey, Grant’s hesitance in choosing Juliana over Litia overshadowed the moment. This culminated in a surprising decision where he informed Litia that she wasn’t his “person,”leaving her flabbergasted, especially considering that just a day prior, he had assured her of his choice. Litia expressed her bewilderment, saying, “For me, the switch-up is crazy. I’m disappointed. I just want to be so clear that I’m confused, and I’m sad, and I’m mad.”
Juliana’s Strategy During the Show
Carolina’s Allegation Against Juliana
Among the standout figures of the season, Carolina Sofia Quixano made a noticeable impact with her dramatic presence, although she was eliminated before reaching the hometown dates. Carolina recounted her experience on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, where she revealed how Juliana confronted her. During a heated moment, Juliana questioned Carolina’s motivations for continuing to pursue Grant. Carolina interpreted this as an attempt by Juliana to “stir the pot,” as reported by US Weekly.
“I was surprised about the topic of the conversation. I was not surprised that Juliana was trying to stir the pot, which is why I was, like, trying to shut it down. I was like, you’re not going to catch me fighting another woman on TV. I was just like, ‘I’m bored.’ Like, I don’t want to be a part of this.”
If Carolina’s perspective is accurate, Juliana’s approach may not have been in the best taste. After all, reality TV thrives on moments of conflict, something Carolina is well aware of. Nevertheless, Juliana’s tactics appear to have paid off, as she ended the season victorious.
Juliana’s Current Relations with Fellow Contestants
Support for Litia Among the Other Women
During an appearance on Nick Viall’s The Viall Files podcast, aired on April 1, Juliana expressed surprise over the reactions from her fellow contestants. Despite her engagement, many women supported Litia instead. According to US Weekly, Juliana conveyed feelings of hurt regarding this lack of camaraderie.
“I wasn’t super reached out to by a lot of the girls that I, maybe, thought I would have been reached out to by. I think when the AFR came and I had reached out to a few girls from my season that were gonna come to the actual live filming of it, I was told that they were coming in support of Litia. I was like, ‘Oh s*** I didn’t know sides were being taken like that.’ I tried to phrase it in a way that was like, ‘The more the merrier.’ That’s when I think I kind of learned the reality.”
Interestingly, Juliana has since formed a bond with Alli Jo Hinkes, the only contestant she feels close to from Season 29, stating that she values their friendship and sees it as one that will last a lifetime.
Juliana: The Center of Controversy?
Standing By Her Partner
Since her engagement to Grant, Juliana has adopted a defensive stance amid growing criticism surrounding their relationship. Detractors have accused Grant of misleading several contestants, particularly Litia, who claims he continuously raised expectations without delivering. As the selected partner, Juliana finds herself needing to justify her position, often defending Grant’s actions to quell the backlash.
Given her relatively understated presence throughout the season, many were taken aback when Grant ultimately chose Juliana. However, whatever led Grant to this choice was his decision to make. In the end, he must stand strong in his choice, regardless of public opinion.
Stream all episodes of The Bachelor Seasons 1-29 on Hulu.
Sources: Bachelor Happy Hour, US Weekly, The Viall Files, US Weekly