Corinne Olympios, the woman at the centre of the ‘Bachelor in Paradise‘ scandal, has spoken out about rumours she was sexually assaulted on set.
(Quick note to say that despite international media naming Olympios throughout this coverage, PEDESTRIAN.TV chose not to do so while she had not personally spoken out about the incident, as it pertained to alleged sexual assault.)
In a statement provided to Fox News, Olympios described the incident as her “worst nightmare”.
“I am a victim and have spent the last week trying to make sense of what happened the night of June 4. Although I have little memory of that night, something bad obviously took place, which I understand is why production on the show has now been suspended and a producer on the show has filed a complaint against the production.
“As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality. As I pursue the details and facts surrounding that night and the immediate days after, I have retained a group of professionals to ensure that what happened on June 4 comes to light and I can continue my life, including hiring an attorney to obtain justice and seeking therapy to begin dealing with the physical and emotional trauma stemming from that evening.”
Production on the fourth season on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ – a spin-off of ‘The Bachelor‘ where former contestants are encouraged to hook up with each other in order to avoid being voted off – halted immediately last week, with rumours flying that a drunken encounter between Olympios and fellow contestant DeMario Jackson occurred when Olympios was too drunk to give consent.
Warner Bros. announced on Monday that it is “conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations”, with “appropriate responsive action” to be taken once that is complete.
Meanwhile, TMZ reports that Olympios has hired top Hollywood lawyer Marty Singer, whose clients have included Charlie Sheen, Quentin Tarantino, John Travolta and Bill Cosby.
Jackson has yet to release an official statement, but he told ET while leaving a Starbucks in Los Angeles that he had “no comment” on the incident.
“I have nothing to say. You know, Corinne’s an awesome girl and that’s all I have to say,” he said.
Photo: Bachelor in Paradise.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for 24/7, confidential support and counselling.
