Watching a man continually refer to a woman as “his property” has been a level of problematic we never expected to experience while watching a show that would usually allow us to simply “switch off”.
Yet, Ivan’s behaviour on Bachelor in Paradise has triggered outrage from viewers all over the nation – many identifying it as a clear example of emotional abuse.
From a man we least expected it from.
When Australia first met Ivan Krslovic on The Bachelorette – he was painted as a loveable goofball who lived to dance and didn’t understand the anatomy of an avocado.
He was the guy no one took very seriously. The comic relief.
Our opinion of Ivan quickly changed to one of grave concern on watching him pursue Tenille.
Fuelled by jealousy and furious rage towards her other suitors, his behaviour rendered the other male contestants afraid to speak to Tenille for fear of a physical altercation with the towering dancer.
He was terrifyingly possessive and aggressive in his attempts to isolate her from her fellow contestants – signs many saw as red flags.
But despite Tenille asking him gently to “back off” – triggering what can only be described as an adult tantrum – when he failed to receive a rose, he expressed disbelief.
“I just don’t know where I went wrong,” he told the camera, seemingly unaware of his toxic behaviour.
Now, he seems to have acknowledged his actions in an emotional Instagram story, vowing to learn from his experience and change his ways.
