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The Bachelor host Jesse Palmer navigated the audience through part one of the most shocking finales in recent history. The camera showcasing the audience’s reactions in the bottom left corner of everyone’s TV screens at home summed up viewers’ feelings at home. Still, Jesse also brought up members of Bachelor Nation to get their thoughts on Clayton Echard’s actions.

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Bachelor finale.]

Michelle Young, Nick Viall, and Clare Crawley sit together on stage at 'The Bachelor' finale.
Michelle Young, Nick Viall, and Clare Crawley | ABC/Craig Sjodin

Former ‘Bachelor’ Nick Viall had plenty to say

Nick Viall expressed several thoughts on Clayton’s behavior these last few weeks. Initially, Clayton reached out to Nick for support with the expected backlash from fans after the Fantasy Suite episodes. However, after Nick saw Clayton’s behavior at dinner with Susie, he tweeted that he felt as though Clayton was “being a d***.” 

During the finale, Viall said, “Well, unfortunately, he left out the most important thing, which is he told Susie that he loves her the most, and I feel like that would be something that these women would want to hear, especially Gabby while he was trying to convince her not to trust her gut.”

The former Bachelor didn’t stop there, though. “Listen, I think Clayton might have the best intentions, but I think he never took the time to consider the position of power that he’s in as the Bachelor. He never took the time to empathize with these women, and what it would be like to be in their shoes. And unfortunately, I think you’re seeing a guy who’s focused on finding love for himself and not finding love with someone else,” Viall continued.

He concluded with, “I think it would just go a long way for him to be more empathetic and just put himself in their shoes. I’m dying to know, because it feels like right now everyone knows that Clayton loves Susie the most, except for Gabby and Rachel.”

‘The Bachelor’ finale had Clare Crawley cringing

Fans of the franchise recognize Clare Crawley from time on Juan Pablo’s season of The Bachelor. Clare recently starred in her own season of The Bachelorette. Jesse asked her thoughts on Clayton’s confession to Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey during The Bachelor finale. Clare kept it short and sweet.

“I’m being honest, not well. It’s tough to watch, it’s tough to be on our side of it. We all know what that feels like. But watching it is excruciating, and I think it’s cringy,” Clare told Jesse.

Related

Former ‘Bachelor’ Star Jade Roper Says Clayton’s Actions Toward Susie Were ‘Triggering’

Recent ‘Bachelorette’ Michelle Young tried to sympathize with Clayton during ‘The Bachelor’ finale

Michelle Young recently found a love of her own as the lead of The Bachelorette Season 18. Clayton appeared as one of her suitors. Jesse thought Michelle could offer some insight into his behavior during The Bachelor finale.

The elementary school teacher said, “There’s no handbook to being a lead or to being on the cast. But what I do know is being vulnerable. It’s a really strong thing to do, to put yourself out there, to give everything that you have.”

She continued, “But I think it’s just this huge reminder that when you’re in a relationship and when you’re loving — whether it’s family, whether it’s friends, an intimate relationship — you have to handle with care. That’s both sides and both sides have to be willing to put in the same amount of effort. Both sides have to feel heard and acknowledged. I think that’s the only way that two people can work past something like this.”

Part two of The Bachelor finale concludes tonight on ABC, with the second half dedicated to “After the Final Rose.” Clayton and his final three women return to discuss their thoughts on this tumultuous season.

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