‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Contestants Must Now Get Approval Before Having Sex
Bachelor in Paradise is shooting right now. And, at least so far, there have been no additional shutdowns or interruptions following the controversy and production stoppage after allegations of misconduct on the set of the show. The show’s executives ultimately determined no misconduct took place between contestants Corrine Olympios and DeMario Jackson, but they are still being extra cautious in the wake of the near-scandal. According to TMZ, new rules have been put in place for sexual relations between members of the cast, up to an including amorous encounters in the so-called “Boom Boom Room.”
We're told before anyone can get it on, both parties must go to a producer and state that they consent. If the producer feels either party is incapable of giving consent, the producer can pull the plug.
This makes all the sense in the world from a legal perspective. There’s lots of partying and shenanigans; the sober, responsible people on set should be looking out to make sure that everyone is safe and no one is taken advantage of. It’s probably not going to make for the most romantic of evening rendezvous (“Hang on one sec baby, I just gotta talk to Ralph and make sure this is cool.”) but if they film those discussions, the sheer awkwardness might make for the best TV of the entire season.
In other Bachelor in Paradise related affairs: Entertainment Weekly says this season will address all of the behind-the-scenes drama between DeMario and Corrine, and will even “air footage shot prior to the stop in production,” although it’s unclear whether that means Corrine and DeMario will be included in that footage. DeMario himself gave his side of the story to E! News, where he described what happened on set that caused the production shutdown (at least from his perspective), and suggested he was “played,” not so much by Corrine as by the show itself, looking to stir up drama, and therefore ratings.