The Bachelorette runner-up Nick Viall was rejected by Kaitlyn Bristowe, who accepted a marriage proposal from Shawn Booth, during Monday night's Season 11 finale of The Bachelorette on ABC.
|
ADVERTISEMENT
|
During a Tuesday conference call, Viall talked to reporters about his experience on The Bachelorette and his heartwrenching almost-proposal. Below is a portion of his interview. Check Reality TV World's The Bachelorette page for more.
Was there something you were thinking about that you really wanted to tell Kaitlyn on After the Final Rose but didn't?
Nick Viall: I mean, again, it's live TV, right? So there's only so much time. Honestly, the only thing I really wanted to say to Kaitlyn is like I wish her the best. And, you know, that despite frustrations I had with her about how she handled things, I don't have any ill will towards her.
Again, I didn't come on AFR for closure last night. Listen, I would have -- like I said, I think the only thing is, I think I would have preferred her, instead of trying to explain why she made the decision, I didn't really think there was an explanation. I think I would have preferred her just say, "Hey, I wish I didn't do it. I'm sorry."
And I think if I was hoping for anything, it was more that she would say that. And, you know, I think it was a little disappointing that she tried to justify it by saying, "Well, there's no good way, so I decided to that, because last year, Andi broke up with you a different way." It's almost like I needed a variety of how people end their relationship with me.
But so, that was a bit disappointing. But other than that, there's nothing else that I really -- I don't think I would have asked her anything differently behind closed doors.
The Bachelor, Bachelorette community is really small. Is there anybody else who's been on a previous season or on Bachelor in Paradise or any of the other franchise shows that you'd be interested in getting to know?
Nick Viall: No one comes to mind. I mean, it's always nice to meet people from previous seasons. Obviously, there's this kind of bond you have with people, whether it's female or male. And I have been able to meet a handful of people. It's always nice to meet them.
It's ironic that with Kaitlyn, things happened the way they did, because, you know, I was always aware of the kind of cliche that, you know, a lot of show alums kind of hook up, or get together. And that wasn't something I was looking to do. And, again, it happened with Kaitlyn, but you know, it was very unexpected.
And we hit it off. And that's what happened. But that's certainly not something I'm looking to do, or have an interest in doing, and no one specific comes to mind. But I had enjoyed meeting the few people I've gotten to know, and I'm sure I'll continue to get to know more people. It's always fun to talk about that mutual connection that you have in terms of the Bachelor family.
Did your family say anything to you about the possibility of being the next The Bachelor star? What are their thoughts about you going through this type of thing all over again if the opportunity presents itself?
RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELORETTE' COUPLES NOWNick Viall: Yeah, I mean, you know, it's not easy to do, right? And in general -- I was just talking to a friend before I got on the call with you about that aspect of it in terms of other people who are affected. But I'm so lucky to have the family I have. They're just so loving and supportive of me.
And they always trust that I make the best decisions for myself. And, you know, that being said, I'm very mindful to appreciate how my decisions affect them. I know how much they love me and support me. And, you know, it is not an easy process.
If given the opportunity to be considered, you know, for the Bachelor, that is something that I would [think about] -- how my [family] views it. And I do know that if I were asked, and if I were to decide to do that, all the more reasons why I would take it very seriously.
Because it wouldn't be, you know, it's not easy. And there's a lot of people that are involved. And since I have such a large family, there's that many more people to consider.
So, again, I was so glad that they were able to come out and support me last night, and just kind of be the great supporting family that they are. But yeah, it's not always easy. And I just really appreciate their love and support and being there for me throughout this process.
So, just to clarify, your family really hasn't said anything to you on the topic?
Nick Viall: No, no. It's more like, you know, when I told them that I was going to take this risk and go back on, it was like there's a lot of reluctance because they know there's no guarantees. And there are risks. There are also other variables in terms of -- for me, like I said, it's nice to be liked, right? But I always just want to be myself. And I'm aware that I can't please everyone.
Being a fan favorite or being the most likeable person on the show is in no way a priority for me. It's nice, but, you know, my actions in that world were always going to be about the relationship, you know, with Andi or Kaitlyn. And my mom, being the protective mother, wants everyone in the world to say very nice things about me.
ADVERTISEMENT
And that's more difficult, but I think I've gotten used to being in the public eye and having people have opinions. And my parents have gotten used to it. And they're less affected it by now. But, you know, certainly, they will support me in whatever decision I have.
I will listen to their advice, but yeah, they're not like, "Heck no, never do it," or anything like that. They're -- they just want me to make sure that I'm doing it for the right reasons and that I know what I'm getting myself into and then, you know, whatever I decide, I'll always have their support.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
