After filming on Season 4 of Bachelor in Paradise was shut down due to allegations of "misconduct" on set, Warner Bros. has now announced the investigation has been concluded. According to the statement, Bachelor In Paradise will resume filming, but with a few changes: "We plan to implement certain changes to the show’s policies and procedures to enhance and further ensure the safety and security of all participants."
The Bachelor In Paradise investigation, which was conducted "with the assistance of an outside law firm," focused on whether a sexual encounter between contestant DeMario Jackson and a female contestant, who was later identified by TMZ as Corinne Olympios, was consensual. "We take all such allegations seriously," the statement explained. "The safety, security and well-being of the cast and crew is our number one concern, and we suspended filming so that the allegations could be investigated immediately and thoroughly."
After reviewing footage of the encounter, Warner Bros. stated that "the tape does not support any charge of misconduct by a cast member. Nor does the tape show, contrary to many press reports, that the safety of any cast member was ever in jeopardy." Warner Bros. said out of respect of privacy of those involved, they would not publicly release the videotape of the incident.
An ABC spokesperson has released a statement regarding news that the investigation has been concluded:
"We appreciate the swift and complete investigation by Warner Bros. into allegations of misconduct on the set of ‘Bachelor in Paradise.’ Given their results, the series will resume production, and will air this summer on ABC."
Update: On Tuesday, Corinne Olympios' lawyer Martin Singer released a statement to Bustle that read,
“It needs to be made crystal clear that production of 'Bachelor in Paradise' was shut down because of multiple complaints received from 'BIP' producers and crew members on the set. It was not shut down due to any complaint filed by Corinne against anyone. It comes as no surprise that Warner Bros., as a result of its own internal Investigation, would state that no wrong doing had occurred. Our own investigation will continue based on multiple new witnesses coming forward revealing what they saw and heard.”
Earlier: Last week, Jackson's lawyer, Walter Mosley, told Variety that the footage would prove his client was innocent. “The tapes are the real facts needed to vindicate DeMario’s name," he said, adding this incident had "caused a lot of trauma — both physical and emotional injury" for Jackson and his family. "He’s a celebrity for all the wrong reasons," Mosley said.
Days after the filming was suspended, Olympios released a statement to Bustle that read:
“I am a victim and have spent the last week trying to make sense of what happened on June 4. Although I have little memory of that night, something bad obviously took place, which I understand is why production on the show has now been suspended and a producer on the show has filed a complaint against the production. As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality. As I pursue the details and facts surrounding that night and the immediate days after, I have retained a group of professionals to ensure that what happened on June 4 comes to light and I can continue my life, including hiring an attorney to obtain justice and seeking therapy to begin dealing with the physical and emotional trauma stemming from that evening.”
Jackson also released a statement to Bustle:
"It's unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations. I will be taking swift and appropriate legal action until my name is cleared and, per the advice of legal counsel, will be seeking all available remedies entitled to me under the laws."
As of this time it's unclear whether Olympios or Jackson will return to Bachelor In Paradise this season. An exact premiere date was not given by ABC, but the show was originally slated to start Aug. 8.
