AlthoughThe Bacheloris known for its drama, certain contestants, likeCarolina Sofia, seem almost too problematic to be genuine.Carolina entered the competition seemingly with one goal: to attract as much attention as possible. The saying “all press is good press” has been debunked, considering most fans celebrated her elimination. While the focus of the show was to find a connection with the leading man, Grant Ellis, Carolina was far too involved in drama to succeed.
Carolina’s first offense occurred in the second episode ofThe Bachelorseason 29. On the first group date, the ladies split into two groups. Carolina was one of 7 women expected to perform a song onstage. She won the challenge, then straddled and made out with the lead. The other six women were left smiling awkwardly and watching from a few feet away. Notably, Grant did not discourage the behavior. This understandably led to some tension that would only grow from there.Carolina would continue to push boundariesand, admittedly, produce some entertaining scenes.
Carolina Wasn’t The Initial Villain
Carolina Stepped Into The Light
While Carolina’s behavior raised some red flags,it was nowhere near as controversial as Zoe McGrady’s actions during the other group date.Ten women, including Zoe, met with Grant on the court for a basketball game. When the competitors lined up to practice their “slam dunks,” Zoe took her turn to steal Grant. Rather than talk with him on the sidelines, she pulled him up to the roof with her for a lengthy one-on-one.
Zoe’s actions directly affected the other women as some were unable to talk with the lead or “shoot their shot.”
This left the other women irate. Zoe claimed she was trading out her shot for a moment alone, but what would have otherwise taken a second took what felt like a lifetime. The other competitors awkwardly stood around and awaited the lead’s return. Grant could have shut down the proposition, especially by the time they approached the elevator,but that would have prevented the subsequent fights.
Grant was not held accountable for his part in the drama, but Zoe was quickly established as the season’s villain.
When the group returned, she was berated. The animosity didn’t stand in the way ofZoe later cutting several conversations short between Grant and the other women.One contestant, Alli Jo Hinkes, was so infuriated that she stormed into the room and interrupted Zoe’s stolen time. Zoe eventually conceded, stood, made a lap, and then interrupted Alli Jo’s time. This feud was almost comically frustrating, andZoe seemed like an obvious producer plant.
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Only an episode later, Carolina’s one-on-one date goes incredibly well. She returns but, instead of raving about her time with Grant, complains she has to watch him date other women. Later on, Carolina breaks down over a comment made by Rose Sombke. The breakdown ultimately leads to a confrontation and more tears. The dynamic then shifts asCarolina suddenly becomes the most problematic contestant.Eventually, Zoe even complained about the public relations producer.
Carolina’s Tears Seemed Like An Act
Carolina, from here on out, isconsistently crying, complaining, or fighting with the other women.The prom night drama, where Carolina monopolized Grant’s time, became so inflated, Rose left the mansion. In a conversation the following day, Juliana Pasquarosa offered to Carolina,“I think you maybe could have waited a little bit towards the end.”She explained her melodramatic conversation with Grant, which interrupted his time with Natalie Phillips, ended up ruining the night for the other women. Carolina, as always, is unaffected.
Carolina continued to complain thatshe didn’t have enough time with the lead.Carolina made the mistake of questioning the processlater on. The reality star delivered the highly controversial line:
“How do you get engaged after one date?”
She committed aBachelorcardinal sin by questioning the format of the show. The other felt that this comment meant thatCarolina was unsure about Grant entirely.Juliana then pulled her to the side to address the elephant in the room. Juliana, supposedly acting on behalf of the group, asked Carolina why she would stick around if she wasn’t sure of her connection with Grant. Carolina retorted with the iconically unbothered line:
“I don’t think I’ve ever asked for your opinion.”
When the two returned to the group, Carolina proceeded to sob. Grant conventionally walked in on her tears, and Carolina, once again, received some private attention from the lead. The drama culminates in no rose for anybody, and while Juliana apologized for her involvement, Carolina didn’t. While Carolina’s behavior is questionable, the fights are good for ratings.Carolina has managed to secure the most screen time, leading many to believe that her involvement could be solely for viewership.
Producers Often Pressure Contestants To Act A Certain Way
Carolina Isn’t At Fault
Producers are known to encourage controversy for ratings.Bachelorfans witnessed this inThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 when contestant PascalIbgui told lead Joan Vassos that he didn’t love her. This comment was devastating, and Joan was understandably hurt. Pascal later toldGlamourmagazine that theproducers pushed him to use the word “love” when he was uncomfortable with such a brutal rejection.
Carolina had likely been pushed to start dramawith the other girls. The series constantly manipulates edits to make scenes appear more serious than reality. While Carolina’s actions have definitely been controversial, her words could have been misconstrued.
Carolina is not inherently a problematic woman, but the show’s environment fosters negativity and hate.
Carolina was most aggressive when she felt cornered. When Juliana pulled her to the side, claiming all the women were upset with her, Carolina came off rude.She appears to put up walls when feeling vulnerable.This was apparent when she returned to the room, fed into the toxicity, then suddenly broke down. The other women felt it was manipulative, but Carolina could have been genuinely holding back tears. The timing of Grant’s entrance could’ve been controlled by producers.
While Carolina has been involved in most ofThe Bachelor’s drama, she may not have intended to upset the other women. The show is a competition, after all. Carolina was initiating entertaining footage. Carolina may have been a producer plant or another contestant who fell victim to the show’s toxic nature.
