Demi Burnett Reflects on Sobriety and Reality TV Experiences

LOS ANGELES, CA — Demi Burnett, a former contestant from season 23 of The Bachelor, has opened up about her sobriety and experiences on reality television. In an interview published on May 4, Burnett discussed the mixed responses she receives online, particularly contrasting feedback on Instagram and TikTok.

“Lots of support on Instagram, but then on TikTok I get all the comments of people being like, ‘You weren’t like this on The Bachelor. You really switched it up,'” Burnett, 30, said. She recognizes the validity of those comments, attributing her past behavior during the show to copious alcohol consumption. Burnett has been sober since July 2021.

Reflecting on her journey, Burnett noted how her past self appeared to play into the expectations of the audience, saying, “It’s so clearly someone putting on a show. Now when I’m being vulnerable, it’s seen as putting on an act. It’s ironic. You can’t help but laugh.”

During a recent episode of the “Almost Famous” podcast, Burnett revealed that she has been celibate for two years, explaining how her sobriety has changed her approach to relationships. “I’ve been celibate for two years. I’m not having sex,” she shared, emphasizing the shift in her personal life since quitting alcohol.

Burnett, who appeared on the franchise in 2019, also discussed her autism diagnosis and praised reality TV for its support, especially for neurodivergent individuals. “You have no idea how much an autistic person could thrive actually in that environment because they get support for the first time in their lives,” she said. “Getting all that support on The Bachelor, it was the greatest.”

Following her time on The Bachelor, Burnett participated in Bachelor in Paradise, where she publicly came out as bisexual. She became engaged to former contestant Kristian Haggerty, although the engagement was short-lived.

Burnett hopes her story encourages others to understand the importance of mental health support in the entertainment industry and aims to continue connecting with her audience through reality television. “I love going on reality TV because I feel the most at home. I feel supported and safe in the weirdest way,” she added.

As Burnett continues to navigate her life post-Bachelor, she remains committed to her authentic self and empowering those with similar experiences.