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The Golden Bachelorette is nearing its finale. But the production team still had some surprises up its sleeve. In the show’s most recent episode, one of Joan’s final three contestants, Pascal Ibgui, opted to self-eliminate from the competition. While the moment was surprising and emotional, Joan Vassos isn’t angry about it. The first golden bachelorette recently opened up about Ibgui’s sudden departure.

Joan Vassos isn’t upset with Pascal Ibgui for self-eliminating

Joan Vassos recently opened up about Ibgui’s decision to leave the competition on his own terms. During a chat with The Wrap following Pascal’s surprise on-screen exit, Vassos said she was hurt when he opted to leave the competition. Still, she insists, she’s not upset or angry at him for moving on. In fact, she thinks he was upfront about his feelings throughout the competition and was freaked out by the “serious” nature of their final date.

Joan gives Pascal a rose on 'The Golden Bachelorette
Joan Vassos and Pascal Ibgui | Disney/Gilles Mingasson

Vassos told the publication she would never want someone to push themselves into a relationship they weren’t sure about. Ibgui’s decision to leave helped Vassos in some ways. It ensured she didn’t invest her time and energy into a love interest who was not 100% on board. The Maryland native went on to vouch for Ibgui’s intentions. Vassos said she believed Ibgui’s intentions were good and that he did not intend to hurt her or lead her on.

‘The Golden Bachelorette’ fans are not convinced

While Joan Vassos feels confident that Ibgui signed up for the show for the right reasons and never intended to hurt her, fans are not convinced. While Vassos seemed to like the French hairstylist, many of The Golden Bachelorette‘s viewers were not sold on his persona. His decision to self-eliminate from the competition only solidified their feelings.

Pascal Ibgui walks down a corridor after his overnight date with Joan Vassos on 'The Golden Bachelorette'
Pascal Ibgui | Disney/Gilles Mingasson

Throughout the competition, viewers called out the business owner for refusing to complete basic chores and flaunting his wealth. Several Reddit users recently theorized that Ibgui was never serious about finding a life partner on national TV. Instead, they believe he appeared on the show hoping to drum up business for his Chicago hair salon. They think he stayed just long enough to make himself memorable and accomplish that goal.

In the end, though, it probably wouldn’t have mattered. While Pascal offers wealth and plenty of adventure, he isn’t the contestant with whom Vassos appears to have the most chemistry. That title seemingly goes to Chock Chapple. Chapple is still in the competition. He is rumored to be Vassos’ final pick, although he has plenty of critics, including Ibgui, too.