Golden Bachelor Fans React To Gerry Changing His Mind In The Finale

During the last few weeks of The Golden Bachelor, fans have been making predictions about which woman will get Gerry Turner’s final rose — with each side convinced they’ve cracked the code. But as Gerry’s Nov. 30 finale proves, he was indecisive about Theresa Nist and Leslie Fhima to the very end.

In fact, it wasn’t until both women met Gerry’s family that the 72-year-old widower began to waver. Despite sharing an extremely strong overnight date with Leslie the week prior, Gerry’s behavior changed during their final date.

Leslie noted that Gerry seemed to be “off,” and she was worried — like fans watching along at home — about what Gerry was about to do. “He really is going to break Leslie’s heart...,” as one user put it on X (formerly Twitter). “What a complete 180 from how into her he was during fantasy suites.”

“That’s The Direction I’m Going To Take.”

Indeed, as many fans pointed out, Gerry all but told Leslie she’d be his final rose recipient during their overnight date. “I think you’re the one ... You get it,” he told her. “It’s like, I have to have you with morning coffee. I have to have you when I go to bed at night.”

Given how committed he sounded, viewers were disappointed to see Gerry change his mind so abruptly — with one referencing Tyra Banks’ “We were all rooting for you” moment.

Another said Gerry “truly did lead these women on,” adding that Faith Martin went through a similar twist exit.

During his final conversation with Leslie, Gerry put it plainly: He was in love with Theresa. “And that’s the direction I’m going to take,” he said.

Leslie Didn’t Hold Back

Though his words might have seemed straightforward, the about-face was confusing for Leslie — and for viewers at home, too. “So everything you told me the other night was a lie,” she challenged him.

Later, when a tearful Leslie said this was the way her life “always goes,” Gerry told her not to think that. “It doesn’t matter, Gerry,” she said. “No offense. I can think whatever the f*ck I want.”

Fans praised Leslie for taking Gerry to task. “Leslie is NOT letting Gerry have an easy out here and I love that!!!!” wrote one user, with another saying her reaction was the “realest” of any Bachelor Nation runner-up, ever.

The Exes Meet Again

So, where do Gerry and Leslie stand months after their heartbreaking goodbye? Leslie didn’t let Gerry off the hook during After the Final Rose, either, telling her ex that she didn’t necessarily accept his apology. “But I understand it.”

Fans at home weren’t loving Gerry’s apology, either — but Leslie did come away from the experience with some important insights. “You showed me that I need a man with integrity,” she said.

“And someone who is kind, and all the things that I want. And I deserve that.”