The Golden Bachelorette‘s casting process had already been called into question once this season when it was discovered that contestant Gil Ramirez had a history of stalking and harassment. And now, the past of contestant Guy Gansert has become the source of controversy as well.
People reports that in October 2021, Gansertâs ex-wife Heidi OâGara filed for a temporary protective order in Reno, Nevada. According to the filing, O’Gara claimed that she received text messages from Gansert âtrying to reconcile then flipping to anger,â and later said that he âphysically tried to threaten me.â
She also alleged that in one instance he “motioned like he was going to shoot me with his hand shaped like a pistol.” O’Gara filed a motion to dismiss the application for the protective order less than a month later. The restraining order came amid the couple’s divorce.
In an Instagram post published Oct. 10, Gansert responded the to news that revealed the filing, writing, “I would like to respond to articles about a personal matter from 2021. This was an unfortunate situation that occurred during an incredibly stressful time for me and my former spouse and was ultimately resolved when she voluntary dismissed her request for a protective order. Together we crafted a resolution that was agreeable to both parties.”
He continued, “My ex-wife and I recently asked the court to seal her application for the protective order as we had hoped to maintain privacy for our family. But, I know that with being in the public eye comes responsibility. My ex-wife and I were married for 34 years and in that time had four children who we raised together and deeply love. They are my greatest accomplishment. My divorce was extremely difficult for me and led me to a very low point in my life and as a result I acted in a way that does not represent who I am.
“The past few years have caused me to conduct a deep personal evaluation, and I will always continue to work to improve myself,” Gansert wrote. “I am so appreciative of The Golden Bachelorette and Bachelor Nation as well as my family, who have been exceptionally supportive during the most difficult times of my life. I am eternally grateful for them.”
ABC has not commented on the situation, but People reports that a source close to The Golden Bachelorette confirmed that the production âlearned from Gansert during our vetting process that an application for a Temporary Protective Order was filed against him from his ex-wife after a disagreement” and when it was âconfirmed that it was never granted… he was cleared to continue through the casting process.â
The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.
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