On Monday, TMZ released a report alleging that sources close to Bachelor in Paradise contestant Corinne Olympios claim DeMario Jackson did not have her consent on the set of Bachelor in Paradise Season 4 when an alleged sexual encounter occurred between the two. To be clear, Olympios did not give TMZ a direct statement, but sources reportedly close to the former Bachelor star spoke to the outlet. Bustle has reached out to Olympios, Warner Bros. and Jackson for comment.
Update: In a video posted by TMZ, Jackson says "no comment" in response to numerous questions about the alleged incident. Asked if he's upset about reports alleging that Olympios claims she did not give consent, Jackson responded, ""No, no. I'm all good."
Update #2: On Wednesday, June 14, Corinne Olympios' rep released a statement about the Bachelor In Paradise allegations to Bustle:
“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.”
Update #3: On the evening of Wednesday, June 14, Jackson released a statement about Olympios' allegations to E! News:
"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."
Update #4: On June 20, an ABC spokesperson provided the following statement to Bustle:
“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.”
Warner Bros.' statement to Bustle read,
"As we previously stated, we recently became aware of allegations regarding an incident on the set of Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico. We take all such allegations seriously. 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. Our internal investigation, conducted with the assistance of an outside law firm, has now been completed. Out of respect for the privacy interests of those involved, we do not intend to release the videotape of the incident. We can say, however, 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. Production on this season of Bachelor in Paradise will be resuming, and 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.”
Update #5: 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: According to TMZ, Olympios "was in a blackout state" when she and Jackson reportedly engaged in sexual activity. TMZ reports that sources claim Olympios doesn't remember anything that allegedly happened between herself and Jackson. Reportedly, Olympios allegedly is faulting producers for not intervening. Per TMZ, Olympios allegedly doesn't "fully blame" Jackson, because he was also inebriated, but that she allegedly feels production should have stepped in. TMZ also claims that Olympios has hired a lawyer.
On Sunday, The Hollywood Reporter received a statement from Warner Bros. confirming that production on Season 4 of the ABC reality series had been suspended because of "allegations of misconduct" on the set. The entire statement reads:
We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of Bachelor in Paradise in Mexico. We have suspended production and we are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action.
People reported Monday that the suspension stems from an issue of consent between two contestants, Jackson and an unnamed female contestant. According to the outlet, sources claimed that the woman allegedly involved was reportedly too drunk to legally consent to sexual activity. On Sunday, TMZ reported that Olympios was reportedly the other party involved. Sources close to Jackson alleged to TMZ that the former Bachelorette contestant and Olympios did engage in oral sex. These particular sources didn't say consent was an issue.
