When it comes to having a notorious reputation in Bachelor Nation, Chad Johnson is at the head of the class. He's considered by many to be the villain of Bachelorette Season 12, and he was kicked off of Bachelor in Paradise Season 3 due to his behavior. Now Johnson is looking for love on Famously Single, and he seems to be doing things the right way this time.
Yes, he's still on reality television, but Johnson is getting real about why he has behaved so badly in the past. While it would be easy to write him off as a stereotypical bad boy, the truth is far more complicated. In a clip from Famously Single, the reality star revealed he lost his mother just six months before filming began on Bachelorette Season 12. Instead of allowing himself a chance to mourn, Johnson jumped into Bachelor Nation, and ended up showing the world the worst side of himself. During the interview with the show's host, Dr. Darcy Sterling, he initially tries to blame the show for painting him as a villain before quickly verbalizing that his behavior was no one's fault but his own.
It's a big step to see Johnson make, and one that seems to prove he's committed to working through the issues that have led to him keeping so many people in his life at arm's length. He explains to Sterling:
"I don't like letting new people in that easy because I don't want to lose someone again like that. I know that's my mother and she was sick, but I feel like a lot of people take too many chances of being too open too easily and I don't really do that."
His words are heartbreaking, and despite the reality show setting, they feel very real. Johnson's behavior during his time as part of Bachelor Nation crossed a line, but it's also clear he's been struggling with his own demons for some time.
Right now, he appears to be holding himself accountable for his actions, finally dealing with the loss of his mother, and opening up about how ready he is to do the work necessary so he can move forward with his life. Whether or not he finds love during his latest reality venture doesn't seem nearly as important as his opportunity to find self-acceptance. No matter what he's done in the past, Johnson isn't a "villain," and he deserves a chance to find happiness — even if it simply comes from within himself.
