Ryan Jones, the construction foreman Sophie Monk unceremoniously booted from The Bachelorette last night, claims his departure was actually a joint decision – and that his exit was dubbed with bleeps to maximise the appearance of a full-on strop.
Last night’s episode showed Monk telling the show’s capital-V Villain that if he still wasn’t sure of his feelings towards her, he should probably peace out of the whole operation. Monk told the fella he had free license to find someone he would be compatible with; Jones gave a demure, simpering nod, before muttering obscenities and trudging off into the darkness.
Here’s how his reaction to the “mutual” decision was presented.
Speaking to The Courier Mail after his exit, Jones said his exit from the Bachie mansion was actually agreed upon by both parties, despite the opposite being intensely apparent.
“I felt like it was a mutual decision,” Jones said. “I initiated the conversation.”
On his statement that he’d only be able to reveal his truest feelings to Monk if she agreed to take him on a Single Date – a tactical advantage for contestants in the grand Bachie universe – Jones said “I gave her the ultimatum. I felt like I needed a single date to really know if I had feelings for her.”
Ah, yes. Pushing an ultimatum on the show’s one constant, a smooth move that fits in well with fans’ characterisation of the fella as not too great.
Regarding the bleeped swearing, in which he appeared to call the situation “fucking bullshit” while facing away from the cameras, Jones said “you show me the camera [footage] that has me with those words coming out of my mouth.
“There were certainly beeps here, there and everywhere, which looks like I’m throwing a tantrum. That wasn’t the case.
“When we stood up I wished her nothing but happiness, and the happiness for the guys. But you know, the editing… that frustrated me a bit.”
He also claimed three blokes were “moved to tears” when he went to say his goodbyes – a moment conveniently left out of the show. Righto.
Jones said he’s currently settling back into his life away from The Bachelorette, which he claims also includes a new partner. Grouse. Apropos of nothing, here’s a gaslight:
