Something inappropriate—apparently—happened between Bachelor in Paradise contestants DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios, and the former is speaking up about it.
Few details are known about the incident, but as the investigation continues, Jackson said it is turning into a case of hearsay.
Production for the upcoming season of the ABC-created series was halted after a reported encounter of a sexual nature between Olympios and Jackson was made public.
A field producer allegedly filed a complaint about a possible sexual assault—the act was reportedly captured on film—that Jackson says was consensual.
Now, the contestant is speaking out about the allegations and claims he’s the victim of character assassination.
“It’s unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations,” Jackson said in a statement released by his publicist, Eve Sarkisyan-Nunn, sent to Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday. “I will be taking swift and appropriate legal action until my name is cleared and, per the advice of legal counsel, will be seeking all available remedies entitled to me under the laws.”
Jackson’s remarks follow news that Olympios hired Hollywood attorney Marty Singer to represent her. According to the Huffington Post, she described herself as a “‘victim’ at the center of a nightmare becoming reality.”
As Warner Bros. continues its investigation, whether the show will still premiere on Aug. 8 as planned remains unclear.
