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Inside The Golden Bachelor’s First Scandal: What Did ‘Bachelor’ Lead Gerry Turner Do?
The Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner’s past is not affecting his future with Theresa Nist. The two are set to walk down the aisle on January 4, 2024, despite one of his ex-girlfriends coming forward and revealing bombshell secrets about their relationship that were previously unknown to the public. So, what was Gerry’s scandal?
What Did ‘Golden Bachelor’ Lead Gerry Turner Do?
One day before the Golden Bachelor finale in November 2023, an ex-girlfriend of the former restaurateur spoke to The Hollywood Reporter and exposed their past relationship.
The woman, who went by Carolyn due to privacy concerns, came forward with their relationship after her good friend, Susan McCreary, was “flabbergasted” to learn that Gerry publicly denied having a serious relationship after his wife’s 2017 death.
Who Is Gerry Turner’s Ex-Girlfriend?
The ABC lead and his speculated girlfriend, who is 14 years his junior, met while working at the Vera French Mental Health Center in Davenport, Iowa. At the time, Gerry worked as the building’s maintenance man while Carolyn was the center’s staff accountant.
Their work relationship turned romantic one month after Toni’s death when Gerry asked Carolyn to help him donate Toni’s corporate wardrobe to Dress for Success.
“Then, we get the shocking news that Toni passed away, so most everyone at the office went to the visitation in July,” Carolyn told the outlet, adding, “Then, in August, I got a phone call from Gerry. I was so shocked to hear from him.”
Why Did Gerry Turner’s Ex-Girlfriend Speak Out?
While Carolyn initially didn’t want to come forward and have their romance publicized, it bothered her that her ex was using the same lines on the cast of the show that he did with her.
One instance was during Fantasy Suites week, where he told finalist Leslie Fhima, “I have to have you with my morning coffee, I have to have you when I go to bed at night.”
According to Carolyn, Gerry used those same words in a text message just three months after Toni’s death.
“Damn, I go to bed at night thinking of you and wake up in the morning thinking of you,” Gerry wrote in a message viewed by THR.
Why Did Gerry and Carolyn Split?
Carolyn allegedly agreed to live with Gerry a year into their relationship and upon moving in with the ABC lead, he reportedly asked for $1,000 in expenses every month, to which she negotiated to $850.
The pair would reportedly go Dutch on their meals, with Carolyn paying her portion in advance so Gerry could pay the full tab at the table.
The relationship hit a breaking point in October 2019 after Gerry allegedly disinvited Carolyn to his high school reunion. “I’m not taking you to the reunion looking like that,” Carolyn recalled of the moment, noting Gerry pointed at her body — which she says she gained 10 pounds from stress.
The incident ultimately led to their split, with Gerry telling Carolyn to be out of their shared home on January 1, 2020.
The network, which depicted the lead of the inaugural as a grieving widow, is reportedly returning for season 2 after getting put “back on the map,” a source told Life & Style on November 29.
What Has Gerry Turner Said About His Scandal?
Gerry has not directly addressed Carolyn’s claims. However, he has been asked about the THR article in various interviews.
“I guess I haven’t really looked at it as how accurate it is,” he told The New York Times in December 2023. “I’ve more looked at it in terms of timing and how it really doesn’t fit with all the positive things that are going on in my life right now. I mean, I’m sitting across from Theresa right now, and I look at her, and she’s the love of my life. And I really don’t have time to think about some of the other stuff.”
In a separate interview with the Los Angeles Times, he added, “My only response is that I have so many positive things in my life right now. I have the wonderful love of Theresa, my partner. I don’t have time to reflect on comments like this. I’m happy to look forward.”
Gerry also told E! News that he tries to not let negativity bother him. “People can write and say whatever they want,” he said. “And as soon as it’s in print or spoken, it takes on a life of truth. So, I’m realy more interested in all the positives that Theresa and I have together moving forward.”
How Does Theresa Nist Feel About Gerry Turner’s Scandal?
Although Theresa has not actually spoken out about the accusations made against Gerry, her daughter, Jen Woolston, told Life & Style that she’s unbothered by the situation.
“My mom and Gerry had a conversation about it, and I don’t exactly know the full story, but, you know, she’s absolutely good with whatever they talked about,” Jen said in the December 2023 interview. “I think that there’s some bit of truth to some parts of it and they are on the same page about it, and that’s kind of good enough for me.”
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