US Bachelor in Paradise star claims character assassination as contestants lawyer up

13:09, Jun 15 2017
After the 'Bachelor in Paradise' misconduct controversy surrounding two of season four's cast members, ABC has suspended the show indefinitely while an investigate.

Hours after Bachelor in Paradise contestant Corinne Olympios​ confirmed she is speaking with lawyers and in therapy, the show's star DeMario Jackson spoke out to cast doubt on Olympios​.

Production of US reality TV show Bachelor in Paradise was suspended after disturbing details emerged concerning alleged "misconduct" by at least one cast member. Olympios​ said she was heavily intoxicated when she ended up in a swimming pool with Jackson and therefore couldn't consent to the sexual contact that then allegedly occurred.

Now Jackson has spoken to E! on Thursday claiming he was the victim of a character assassination. . 

Contestants DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios are in discussions with lawyers.
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Contestants DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios are in discussions with lawyers.

"It's unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations," he said via his publicist.

READ MORE:
* Bachelor spinoff details get worse: She blacked out while they filmed her
* Bachelor in Paradise production halted, show in question after alleged 'misconduct' on set

Variety reported that Olympios​ had hired a "top Hollywood lawyer", Marty Singer, and was working with "veteran Hollywood publicist" Stan Rosenfield. 

Corinne Olympios says she has no memory of being in the pool with fellow contestant DeMario Jackson.
PAUL ARCHULETA/FILMMAGIC
Corinne Olympios says she has no memory of being in the pool with fellow contestant DeMario Jackson.

"I am a victim and have spent the last week trying to make sense of what happened the night of June 4. Although I have little memory of that night, something bad obviously took place," she said in a statement.

The 24-year-old woman confirmed she had hired an attorney and was seeking counselling. 

Jackson told E! he planned to take legal action "until my name is cleared".

DeMario Jackson has spoken out after allegations of misconduct.
SUPPLIED
DeMario Jackson has spoken out after allegations of misconduct.

It was understood that a producer working on The Bachelor spinoff show had also laid a complaint.

Olympios​ said she was seeking justice after the "nightmare" that allegedly occurred while filming.

"As a woman, this is my worst nightmare and it has now become my reality. As I pursue the details and facts surrounding that night and the immediate days after, I have retained a group of professionals to ensure that what happened on June 4 comes to light and I can continue my life."

The production company behind Bachelor in Paradise, Warner Brothers, did not issue any comment after the two former contestants spoke out.

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