My interview can also be found on Fancast.com.
The drama is already in full-force on The Bachelor, with word leaking out last week that Rozlyn Papa was the bachelorette who had an “inappropriate relationship” with one of the producers on the show. So how does Jake feel about all this? The good ole Texan boy took some time out to tell us his reaction, how he felt the show handled the situation, and other seriously important stuff, like his Mile High Club status…and Man Code.
So word got out that Rozlyn was the bachelorette who had the “inappropriate relationship” on the show. How did you feel when you found out it was her?
Whether it be exclusive or not, she entered into an inappropriate relationship with a crew member. It broke my heart. I had some real feelings for her, but coincidentally, they were both ejected from the show. Sitting here now, I don’t have any ill will against them. If she found love on The Bachelor–as embarrassing as it is that this actually did happen–I wish them the absolute best.
Were you a little paranoid about the other contestants possibly having bad intentions?
No, not at all. After Rozlyn was gone, I had fourteen other women that I was absolutely crazy about, and it wouldn’t be fair to punish them for decisions that she made.
Do you feel like the situation was blown out of proportion to create hype about the show?
In my honest opinion–and I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m gonna throw it out there because it’s the truth–I feel like it’s been toned back. It was a very serious situation, and it caused me to hiccup a little bit. It was one of those moments in life where everything kind of slows down a little bit. But everything you’re going to see on Monday night is absolutely real and the way it happened. There was no embellishing.
Last season a lot of the guys ostracized you for trying to be too perfect and in their eyes, fake. Do you feel redeemed by being the Bachelor this time round?
You know, I have no ill will towards the guys. I’m just honored to be here. The only thing I did differently than some of them was that I didn’t practice Man Code. Man Code will keep you single.
Are you completely over Jillian?
[Laughing] Romantically, yeah. Don’t worry, Ed! We’re really good friends. Jil and I are definitely close but at an arm’s length out of respect for their relationship.
Have you achieved your Mile High Club status yet?
I knew that question was going to come! I am not part of the Mile High Club–not yet–but some time in life, I assure you, I will become a member!