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Bachelor in Paradise star and single dad Michael Allio became a fan favorite when he appeared on Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette, but he has faced harsh backlash due to his actions during Bachelor in Paradise season 8. Michael, 38, lost his wife, Laura, to breast cancer in 2019 when she was only 33 years old. Now he is raising their 6-year-old son James as a single dad. Michael left Katie's season to return home to then-4-year-old James. His decision was praised by Bachelor Nation, and fans admired and respected his selfless actions.
However, Michael's Bachelor in Paradise appearance has changed fans' perspectives on him. Michael has always confessed that he is guarded when it comes to relationships. He not only still loves his wife, but he has to keep his son in mind when choosing a partner. Michael seemed to be opening up to Sierra Jackson, 27, but he got scared when she came on a bit strong. She expressed that she could see herself being a stepmother to James, and even had a constellation of stars named for Michael, Laura, and James. Michael told her that he enjoyed their time together, but he felt that something was missing between them. He broke up with her, and she left Paradise.
Michael Allio Found A Connection With A Bachelor In Paradise New Arrival
Many Bachelor in Paradise fans felt that Michael also should have left Mexico at that point as well. Although it is understandable that he did not feel a strong enough connection with Sierra, his statements about how he felt that he was not sure if he was ready for a serious relationship raised some red flags. Michael further raised eyebrows when, just as it seemed as though he would not receive a rose and would be sent home, Danielle Maltby, 36, showed up on the beach. Michael had never met her in person, but they had an online friendship, partially based on their bond of losing someone they loved. They both experienced unimaginable grief as Danielle's fiancé Nick died of a drug overdose in 2011.
Fans wondered if Michael had been spending time with Sierra to keep himself in Paradise until Danielle arrived. Sierra shaded Michael in a scathing Instagram reel. She captioned it,"hadn’t thrown shade before… but THIS is me throwing it. Forward & onward now - Just wanted to get it out of my system & remind y’all I’m sweet, sour, far from perfect, and keep it real." She included the hashtags "#truth" and "#hurts." In the reel, she quotes Michael's words, including "Something's missing," "She's moving too fast," and "I'm not sure I'm ready." Sierra then writes, "I never actually saw anything with you but needed to kill time," indicating that she believes that Michael used her to wait for Danielle.
Michael Does Not Seem Ready For A New Relationship
Although Bachelor in Paradise cannot air every part of every couple's conversations, Michael's talks with the women seem to revolve around whether he is ready for a relationship. With both Sierra and Danielle, Michael discussed Laura and how he puts his guard up every time he gets close to someone new. This was easier for Danielle to relate to because she lost her fiancé, but some fans felt that Michael was being selfish for bringing women into his trauma if he was not ready for a relationship. They also wondered if he would ever be able to integrate someone new into his life with James. Bachelor in Paradise fans felt that Michael was being unfair to everyone, including himself, by trying to force himself to find love before he was ready. They did not like that Michael said that he might have just had "the last first date" of his life right after he expressed doubts after he went out with Danielle.
Fans Think That Bachelor In Paradise Producers Favored Michael
Bachelor in Paradise fans found it very convenient that Danielle was brought in just before the rose ceremony during which Michael was certain to be eliminated. Bartender Wells Adams has been friends with Danielle for years, and he said that he thought that they would be a great match. Because Michael and Danielle were on a date during the Split House twist, they returned to find the beach turned upside down, but they were not separated. Many people thought that it was unfair that Michael and Danielle got to relax and enjoy each other's company and not participate in the "game."
Although many of these Bachelor in Paradise complaints might seem warranted at first glance, a closer look reveals that perhaps all the backlash against Michael is misplaced. He had no way of knowing if or when Danielle would come to Paradise. He got to know Sierra, and it did not work out. It was her choice to leave before she even tried to gain another person's rose. Although it is understandable that she would not want to stay and watch Michael date other women, it is also unreasonable for her to expect him to fully commit to her after just a few days, especially given his history. It is also not Michael's fault if the Bachelor in Paradise producers were trying to help him find a connection. Michael might have had an advantage on the show, but he has a heavy burden to carry in real life, so fans should not take issue with Bachelor in Paradise trying to help him find love. Michael might have made some mistakes along the way, but his journey has been difficult, and fans should simply root for him to find the happiness and love that he so wants and deserves.
Bachelor In Paradise airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: Sierra Jackson/Instagram