‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Star Speaks On Producer Involvement Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

A “Bachelor In Paradise” star is speaking out about what went down on the set as the ABC show’s fate hangs in the balance. It’s been reported that DeMario Jackson and a female contestant had a non-consensual drunken sexual encounter which has caused the Season 4 production to be halted.

Ryan Beckett, a “Bachelor In Paradise” Season 3 cast member who originally appeared on Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season of “The Bachelorette,” shared his experience on the show. He said the atmosphere on set is similar to “college,” revealing that it’s not uncommon for the cast to drink more than they normally would. He added that when he was on “Bachelor In Paradise,” producers would intervene if they felt contestants had too much to drink and were making decisions they’d regret, especially when it came to sexual encounters.

“In my experience, the producers definitely step in,” he told People. “I felt like they definitely had it under control.”

Read: ‘Bachelorette’ Star Eric Bigger Weighs In On ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Investigation

Additionally, the former “Bachelor In Paradise” star addressed claims storylines are forced upon stars. He revealed that during his time on the show, male cast members were encouraged to “be more open.” Ryan claimed, however, that he was never told who to interact with or how.

“They encourage men to be more open. So I didn’t get any encouragement to go sleep with a girl or to go hook up with a girl, but I definitely had encouragement in terms of moral support to boost my confidence,” he said. “It might be surprising, but I really think they try to keep it, relatively speaking, as genuine as possible. They may insert an idea in your head, but they want it to come from your more than anything. There’s some leading the horse to water, but as the end of the day, it’s always the cast that has to decide if they want to drink or hook up.”

According to TMZ, the female “Bachelor In Paradise” cast member involved in the alleged incident has sought legal assistance. Sources claim she was in a blackout state when the hookup occurred and remembers nothing. She’s reportedly taking on producers, rather than DeMario, as she feels they should have stepped in.

Others on the show seem to agree. Two anonymous cast members told People they witnessed what went down between DeMario and the female “Bachelor In Paradise” cast member and thought producers would get involved. The pair told People they and other star were “angry at the show.”

“People are pissed, and not just at DeMario. We’re pissed that this whole thing happened,” the source said. “They could have seen that she was drinking too much and he was taking advantage. They could have stopped this before it got this far. But they decided to let it go, and let it happen, and see what happened? So, I’m angry at the show, and everyone else is too.”

ET Online spoke with a source who claimed the “Bachelor In Paradise” Season 4 cast had been drinking all day. DeMario and the victim are said to have grown closer as the hours passed and the drinks flowed. Sources said DeMario entered the pool and was joined by the female in question, which is when the situation escalated.

Early reports suggested the encounter took place after DeMario and his co-star learned that ABC wanted their storylines to intertwine. The pair are said to have met for a drink. One thing lead to another and, according to TMZ, the two engaged in some serious PDA.

“Intense rubbing was involved,” the source said.

Read: 36 Shows To Watch If ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Is Canceled

They returned to the “Bachelor In Paradise” mansion where they reportedly decided to go for a swim. Their dip in the pool became X-rated as they stripped down. Once they were naked, they allegedly engaged in some “rubbing, touching and fingering,” but didn’t have sex.

Warner Bros. released a statement on the matter, but kept many of the details under wraps. The company didn’t reveal who was involved in the incident on the “Bachelor In Paradise” set or whether they’d resume production. Fans were assured, however, that they were conducting an investigation into the situation.

“We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ in Mexico,” Warner Bros. said. “We have suspended production and we are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action.”