“I Am Crawling Back Into My Shell”: Bachelor In Paradise Star Reveals Why He’s Embarrassed After Exit

A Bachelor In Paradise cast member is ashamed of his behavior on the show and is taking accountability after his exit. The show made its comeback after a two-year break with Bachelor In Paradise season 10, but it didn’t quite meet fans’ expectations. Although the return of familiar contestants brought some excitement, the new location drew criticism, with some calling it a “Walmart Love Island.” Viewers also felt that the drama, especially from the cast, fell short.

Things got tense when Hakeem Moulton and Ricky Marinez reacted to a game where female contestants gave them negative ratings. Ricky, trying to joke about it, told Hakeem he was “vanilla,” despite his appearance. Hakeem took it personally, feeling put down by a friend, and asked the group if anyone actually liked being called “vanilla.” After their heated argument, both Hakeem and Ricky went home without a rose, clearly turning the Bachelor In Paradise women off.

Hakeem wrote, “Walking out of Paradise a lot sooner than I ever pictured, but feeling so thankful for it all.” He added that while he was ready to push himself out of his comfort zone, he is now “crawling right back into my shell.” The reason behind this is Hakeem facing rejection and goodbyes on national TV has humbled him “real quick.”

"I know I did the best I could, and I am still grateful for every single moment of this experience."

 

Hakeem confessed that after doing a lot of reflecting, he knows that he has work to do, especially when it comes to handling his emotions and not letting them control the show. He wished that when fans see him, they feel a “little hope” about how they could put themselves out there too to “face the hard parts” while also feeling the “embarrassment and heartbreak,” only to come back stronger.