Bachelor in Paradise: Why was Demi Burnett an exception to the rule?

Demi got a unique chance at love on this season’s Bachelor in Paradise. But why was she an exception to the rule?

Bachelor in Paradise, along with the franchise’s other shows, have had some crazy things go down in the past. To list them all here would take forever, but suffice to say, it feels like we’ve seen it all. However, this season on Bachelor in Paradise gave us something the franchise never has before–a same-sex couple.

I know everyone knows the details of this, more or less, but long story short, Demi Burnett was seeing a woman back home before she came to Paradise. After starting a relationship with Derek Peth, she realized her heart wasn’t into it and spoke to host Chris Harrison about it. And then something very different happened. Kristian Haggerty (the woman Burnett was seeing) came to Paradise which led to Demi ending the relationship with Derek.

We’re all wondering why Demi and Kristian didn’t leave Paradise, but that’s a topic for another day. What I want to know is, why did Bachelor in Paradise bend the rules for Demi? Luckily, The Hollywood Reporter spoke to Harrison about the game-time decision and why it felt like the right move for Demi and the show.

"We could have easily said that because Demi is in somewhat of a relationship back home that she won’t find love here and we should send her home and go on our way. Instead, we all made the decision to break or bend the rules a little bit. And the good news is, there is no rulebook. I always say that to contestants and producers. We have no rules and can essentially do what we want with the show as long as we’re treating everybody fairly and with respect."

Okay, so let me get this right. The show is clearly scripted in a manner to produce as much drama as possible, but it’s also allowed to take a mind of its own? Peculiar, very peculiar.

I think for anyone that’s a fan of reality television, we go into these shows understanding that certain moments, decisions, and conditions occur because the producers want them to. It’s very intentional and clear, and perhaps why we love shows like Bachelor in Paradise so much.

I am intrigued by the fact that there is more flexibility for certain situations to take place if it suits not only the series but the contestants too. Despite our opinions of what Demi did, I will say that Chris Harrison’s reaction and support truly felt genuine. I think he wanted to help her in any way possible, and he did.

Maybe bending the rules sometimes isn’t a bad thing–especially when it comes to matters of love.

Do you think it was fair to bend the rules for Demi? Share your comments below!