On Thursday morning, as Bachelorette fans spewed their distaste for James’ premature exit from the show online, Sophie Monk told Sydney radio listeners she was struggling with the onslaught of criticism.
“I can’t even tell you I am so upset,” she told Kylie and Jackie O.
“I can’t read it [the social media posts]. We can only delete a certain amount… I don’t think people realise that I can’t choose everyone. I can only choose one person.
“I can’t make everyone happy. I’ve got to make me happy.”
It was the second week in a row an audibly upset Monk was forced to defend her decision-making, after James and Luke were sent packing despite being tipped to be in with a chance for the singer’s heart.
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In the weeks after the eliminations, Monk’s taste in men was under fire, while fans questioned her authenticity. She asked for a nice, normal bloke, they cried, and she sent the best two packing.
But many are forgetting the very reason we were so intrigued by this season in the first place: Sophie Monk is famous, and Sophie Monk isn’t like the Bachelors or Bachelorettes that have come before her. Therefore, this season was never going to follow the familiar pattern we’re used to.
Here’s the thing.
Monk is used to the TV business. She knows how production works. She knows about image and PR and contracts and lights and glamour. The TV business is her jam, and that gives her power. In a setting like The Bachelorette with someone with a profile like hers, there’s no reason she doesn’t have monumental power behind-the-scenes.