UMVA has learned that Colton Underwood, a gay reality TV star, harbored a shocking misconception about The Bachelor when he signed up for the show.
Underwood confessed that he viewed the dating show as a form of "conversion therapy," hoping it would force him to be with a woman and potentially change his sexual orientation.
In a candid conversation on a popular podcast, Underwood revealed that he struggled with his sexuality before coming out as gay in 2021, and saw The Bachelor as an opportunity to "force" himself into a heterosexual relationship.
He admitted that he thought the show would make him "so publicly straight that I will never be able to be gay again," and that even if it didn't work, he'd be trapped by his public image.
Underwood became known as the "Virgin Bachelor" on the show, which he attributed to his faith - but now reveals was actually a result of his internalized struggles with his sexuality.
He expressed feelings of guilt, wondering why he would pursue a relationship with a woman when he knew in his heart that he was gay.
Colton Underwood, 34, is a former football player turned reality TV star, who made history by becoming the first lead star of The Bachelor to come out as gay.
Since his coming out, Underwood has been in a relationship with Democratic strategist Jordan C Brown, whom he married in May 2023, and the couple welcomed their son, Bishop, in September 2024.
Underwood has continued to make headlines with his various TV appearances, including his own Netflix series and other reality shows.
