Warner Bros., the producers of reality show “Bachelor in Paradise,” has concluded their internal investigation of allegations of a possible sexual assault during the show’s production earlier this month. After reviewing the evidence, including footage of the incident, Warner Bros. has determined that no sexual assault took place.
A producer with the show filed a complaint after a steamy sexual encounter took place in a pool between contestants DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios while the cameras were rolling on the set in Mexico.
The complaint alleged that Olympios was too drunk to consent to the sexual encounter, and production staff members were blamed for not intervening. Some contestants echoed this, while others who claimed to have seen what happened believed that Olympios was lucid and knew what going on. Jackson has gone on record claiming no wrongdoing, and he reportedly said that Olympios initiated the hookup. Jackson was also said to be drunk during the incident.
Olympios, meanwhile, has lawyered up, claiming she had no recollection of what happened, and had to be told about it by others who were there. She claims she would not have consented had she been in her right mind, and says she was a victim.
Jackson and Olympios were both sent home after the initial complaint was filed, and production of the show, which was set to premiere on ABC on August 8, was put on hold. Production is scheduled to resume, and the show will air, although it remains to be seen whether Olympios or Jackson will be involved.
In a statement, Warner Bros. said:
Out of respect for the privacy interests of those involved, we do not intend to release the videotape of the incident. We can say, however, that the tape does not support any charge of misconduct by a cast member. Nor does the tape show, contrary to many press reports, that the safety of any cast member was ever in jeopardy. Production on this season of Bachelor in Paradise will be resuming, and we plan to implement certain changes to the show’s policies and procedures to enhance and further ensure the safety and security of all participants.
[Image via Access Hollywood screengrab]
