The Status Of Dean & His Dad's Relationship Isn't Really 'Bach' Fans' Business

All seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have had certain cringe-worthy moments, but never have I ever seen such an intense 45 minutes as I did when Rachel and Dean visited his father’s house for his hometown date. It wasn’t hard to watch because Dean’s father is, as Dean says, “eccentric,” but more so because what we were witnessing was a truly private family moment that felt strange to air on television.Dean and Rachel left his dad's house on uncertain terms, so are Dean and his dad speaking after The Bachelorette?

When Dean and Rachel went to his father’s home, it was the first time in years that he had seen his dad, and the tension was palpable. In the end, Dean tried to tell his father that he didn’t think that he had been there for him after his mother’s death, Dean’s dad wasn’t happy about the conversation being had all these years later, and it was pretty upsetting television. I should have known how uncomfortable it would be when Dean kept telling Rachel how “terrified” he was to walk into his father’s house. That’s not a reality television reaction — that was all real.

In the end, Dean left the house in tears and then he left The Bachelorette soon after. It was hard, man. Before the episode aired, Dean posted an Instagram imploring his fans to not attack his father’s faith or character.

The caption reads:

“Hometowns are 2 days away! ...and I'm asking for a favor: when I said my father was eccentric, I was not referring to his Sikh faith or the turban he wears on his head. I'm not asking you to spare his feelings (or mine) but instead to be cognizant and accepting of the millions of people that belong to the Sikh community. Although he and I are not close, I respect my father’s decision to follow his heart and pursue the life he has chosen. Let us not criticize him for his appearance or his beliefs because by doing so we are disparaging an entire faith and culture that includes millions of people. And I know we are all better than that. That is all (for now) #endrant HAPPY SATURDAY PEOPLE.”

Dean hasn’t mentioned his family on his social media since, so I’m not sure if he and his father are on speaking terms. But you know what? It’s not really my business. Dean and his father’s fight played out so publicly that if they’re doing any sort of healing in their relationship, it's probably best if it happens behind closed doors. I hope he and his father are working through their issues, but it’s not something that I (or anyone in Bachelor Nation) really need know about.