The Bachelorette has never been short on drama, but this season has brought a whole new level of controversy. The ABC reality show has long been known for its over-the-top dates and dramatic rose ceremonies. However, this season has proven that the real drama often comes from the contestants themselves. Now, the father of one contestant slammed Jenn Tran as a ‘complete idiot.’ Why?
Bachelorette Contestant Dragged On Social Media
The 25 suitors on Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette were (mostly) on their best behavior on the first night. However, tensions flared by the second episode when Devin Strader continuously stole Jenn away from the other men. His tactic has been working so far as she seems to be catching feelings for him.
Viewers, on the other hand, are torn on Devin. But there is another contestant who is getting a beating on social media. Sam McKinney earned Jenn Tran’s first impression rose, but viewers have been less than impressed with his behavior in recent episodes.
In addition to feuding with Devin, some viewers think Sam M. was bullying Sam Nejad for professing his feelings for Jenn. Sam M. has a one-on-one date in the next episode and some fans are calling his behavior toward Jenn Tran a total red flag.
His Mom Defends Him
But Sam McKinney isn’t taking the social media criticism quietly. He has left comments on various social media platforms during the last week defending his behavior and claiming bad editing. Those closest to him also took up for him, even going so far as threatening Jenn Tran.
Now the 27-year-old general contractor’s mother has joined the fray. She wrote a lengthy response to a post on social media about Sam McKinney. His mom, Susan, accused the ABC show of destroying her son’s reputation.
She said that could no longer “sit by” and let her son’s name be tarnished. She suggested that people Google to find out how Jenn Tran’s season ends, which potentially puts Sam McKinney in the crosshairs for a lawsuit.
“Hey [The Bachelorette] it’s called free speech. At least mine is honest which is more than they can say.”
Sam McKinney’s Dad Calls Jenn Tran A ‘Complete Idiot’
Sam M.’s father, Jeff, also left a scathing comment accusing the ABC show of giving his son a bad edit. He claimed that the Bachelorette contestant had been a “wreck” about how he was portrayed on the show, adding that he understands now why the show offers free counseling.
His dad also shared his opinion of how Sam M. went from fan-favorite to villain. He believes that the network had to make Sam M. the villain after the spoiler was leaked about who won Jenn Tran’s season.
“The network had to paint Sam as this horrendous guy in order for Jenn not to look like a complete idiot.”
Jeff McKinney also claimed that the things his son said or did were “fabricated with cut and paste sentences.” He ended his comment by encouraging Bachelorette fans to use the hashtag #StandWithSamM.
What do you think of Sam McKinney’s parents speaking up on his behalf? Do you think he’s putting himself at risk for legal action from the network? Sound off in the comments.
