‘The Bachelorette’: Clare Crawley Has to ‘Zip It’ and Play By ABC’s Rules If She Wants Any Of Her $250K Fee
The Bachelorette for season 16 was supposed to be Clare Crawley, a popular contestant during Juan Pablo Galavis’ season of The Bachelor who made it to the final two. However, just days into shooting, Clare reportedly left the show after falling in love with contestant Dale Moss. Now, insiders say that she will have to “zip it” and play by ABC’s rules if she wants to see her $250k fee.
‘The Bachelorette’ producers are scrambling to save the season
According to Life & Style, filming season 16 of The Bachelorette has been difficult enough during the COVID-19 pandemic. But when Clare decided to quit the show after just 12 days it made things even worse.
Producers reportedly replaced Clare with Bachelor in Paradise contestant Tayshia Adams, but an insider says filming has been one big “sh*t show.”
“Producers are scrambling trying to find a way to save this season of The Bachelorette now that Clare is out. Everyone on set thinks it’s a big joke,” dished an insider. “The contestants don’t know what’s going on, the producers don’t know what to do next … The guys don’t know what to do but laugh, they feel like they’ve been whipped around.”
Another source added that Clare “blindsided” the crew with her sudden decision to quit filming after just 12 days. She reportedly “refused to come out of her room” to film with the other contestants after falling “in love” with Dale.
Contestants remain positive despite the surprise switch
Now that Clare is reportedly engaged to Dale, Tayshia has taken the lead during season 16 of The Bachelorette. The insider explained that the plan is to “match” Tayshia with the remaining contestants left behind after Clare’s exit.
The remaining men are “just happy to get another chance at love,” says the source. Producers “like the element of surprise” that the switch has given to the season. They are also hoping the drama will draw more viewer interest when The Bachelorette airs.
This season will look completely different than what fans are used to. Due to the pandemic, there will be no trips to exotic locations. Instead, the cast and crew are isolated at La Quinta Resort in La Quinta, California, and that is where they are shooting the entire season.
Before entering the filming bubble, everyone in the cast and crew went into quarantine for ten days. They are also being tested every four days for COVID-19, so there are no rules for the contestants when it comes to physical contact.
Clare Crawley can still get a six-figure payday from ‘The Bachelorette’
Despite the fact that she allegedly quit filming, Clare can still get a paycheck from ABC. However, she must play by the network’s rules if that is going to happen.
According to OK! Magazine, Clare and Dale have been “whisked away” to a “private home.” They are required to stay there until season 16 airs.
“So far, everything is being kept a mystery. Which is why we haven’t seen or heard from Clare for weeks,” explained the insider. “When you sign up to be on the show, you sign your rights away to the network. If Clare wants to ever see any of the $250,000 fee she agreed to, she needs to play by ABC rules. That means zip it.”
The source added that ABC has made it clear to Clare that if she or Dale wants to be considered for Dancing With the Stars – or any other future ABC project – then they will do “what they are told.”
ABC has not yet announced the premiere date for season 16 of The Bachelorette.
