Controversy Surrounds ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ as Contestant Faces Family Backlash

Jack Lencioni, a contestant on the reality TV series The Golden Bachelorette, faced initial resistance from his family regarding his participation in the show. According to Lencioni, his ex-wife and two daughters were not supportive of his decision to join the series. He revealed this sentiment during an episode of a podcast recorded on Tuesday, September 24.

“My ex-wife and my two daughters were not happy at all about it when I first started doing it,” Lencioni, 68, shared. He suggested that his ex-wife was concerned he might “say something stupid,” but he reassured listeners that he would not disrespect her or their past relationship on camera, describing her as “wonderful.”

Over time, however, Lencioni mentioned that his family’s perspective has shifted positively since they began watching the show. “Right now, all three of them are happy with it,” he stated.

The Golden Bachelorette also introduced its 24 contestants who are vying for the affection of the show’s lead, Joan Vassos. Among them is Mark Anderson, father of Kelsey Anderson—a familiar face from Bachelor Nation as the winner of season 28. This was confirmed by ABC‘s cast announcement issued on Tuesday, August 13.

During the show’s premiere on Wednesday, September 18, Jack made a memorable entrance by singing “My Way” upon stepping out of the limo. His performance and culinary skills later at the cocktail party seemed to impress Joan Vassos. However, the coveted first impression rose was awarded to Keith Gordon.

Joan Vassos, 61, explained her decision to Us Weekly, highlighting Keith’s use of a station wagon, which evoked fond childhood memories. “It made me think, he may have grown up in a similar way that I did,” she mentioned, recalling road trips to Florida as a child. She further described an instant connection with him, characterized by ease and shared past experiences.

Vassos also hinted at a romantic impulse from Gordon during their interactions. “Let’s just grab a bottle of wine and some cheese and a blanket and go to the beach,” he suggested, an idea that resonated with her own wishes at the time.

While Vassos remains discreet about the outcome of the season, she shared with Us Weekly that the journey “ended exactly like it should.” She speaks of having found various forms of love and forming lifelong bonds with the contestants.

The Golden Bachelorette is currently airing on ABC, with new episodes broadcast on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.