The Bachelor franchise’s first same-sex couple confirm split
Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty in Bachelor in Paradise season six finale. (ABC)
Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty, the first same-sex couple in The Bachelor franchise’s 17-year history, have announced that they have ended their engagement
Demi Burnett, a bisexual interior designer, appeared in the sixth season of reality TV show Bachelor in Paradise. She was initially attracted to co-star Derek Peth, but began to fall for a woman unrelated to the show, Kristian Hagerty.
The show’s producers made the unusual move to bring Hagerty into the series and their romance blossomed. It was a turning point for the franchise, which had previously been criticised for its lack of diversity.
In the groundbreaking season finale, Burnett proposed to Haggerty, saying: “Demi, you changed my life forever.
“I think back to the first time we kissed and it felt like the whole world had stopped… I’m in love with you and I give you my full heart. I promise to protect yours, now and forever.”
Heartbreakingly, their love wouldn’t last. Burnett shared the sad news in an Instagram post to her fans on October 31.
“What has always been at the forefront of our relationship is love and care for one another. Our priority is doing what is best for us. With a heavy heart full of love for one another we have decided it is best for us to take a step back from our relationship,” she began.
“We ultimately want what is best for us in the long run and for us right now, that means being apart and growing individually.
“We have felt so much love and support from you all as you’ve followed our journey together and for that we are grateful.”
She added: “We will forever be proud of the impact our love story has made and we hope it has helped others feel more accepted and confident within themselves. We hope it reminded others they aren’t alone and don’t need to be ashamed of who they are.”
Eagle-eyed fans had been speculating of the breakup for several weeks, noting that the pair hasn’t posted any photos together on social media since mid-September.
