The Bachelor season 26 villain Shanae Ankney hinted in an Instagram Story that she might join the next season of Bachelor In Paradise. Shanae, a 29-year-old recruiter from Sycamore, Ohio, was one of the most controversial contestants to ever appear on the show. She unapologetically sabotaged and taunted the other women, viewing the show as a game that she would win in order to gain leading man Clayton Echard's attention. After Elizabeth Corrigan confided in Shanae about her ADHD, Shanae mocked her about it. Later, Shanae and the other women had an argument that was nicknamed "Shrimpgate," in which Shanae accused them of ignoring her when she offered them shrimp that she had cooked. She then used this to try to manipulate Clayton into believing that the other women were bullying her. Shanae later overheard them plotting to reveal her true colors to Clayton, so she crashed a group date that was awarded to the women that had won an earlier challenge. She pulled Clayton aside to make out and later threw the women’s trophy into a pond.
Clayton asked Shanae to apologize to the women--and she did. However, she revealed in her diary room session that it was a fake apology. The women were angry and frustrated when Clayton once again gave Shanae a rose. Many of the eliminated contestants took to social media to explain that they tried to warn Clayton about her, but he would not listen. When Clayton finally sent Shanae home after her two-on-one date with Genevieve Parisi, the women celebrated. At "The Women Tell All" episode of the show, the women were eager to have the chance to confront Shanae. They screamed and yelled at her and attacked her character, but Shanae seemed unfazed, refusing to apologize for anything that she had done throughout the season. Some viewers even felt that Sierra Jackson and Genevieve had gone too far in their chastisement of Shanae, as Genevieve attacked her appearance, saying that her dress looked like she was wearing a diaper. However, most agreed that Shanae was one of the worst villains that the show has ever seen, and they even petitioned to keep her away from future Bachelor franchise opportunities.
In an Instagram Story, Shanae hinted that she might join the cast of Bachelor In Paradise. She posted a picture of herself wearing a jean jacket next to a GIF of the state of Ohio with "37°F" written inside of it. Although this might have appeared to be an innocent comment about the cold weather, the accompanying song, Bazzi's "Paradise," was a subtle hint about Shanae's intentions. Coming from a provocative person like Shanae, the lyrics, "Let's go to paradise," might be perceived as a tease from her that she either wants to join the cast of the show or will arrive on the beach in Mexico this summer.
Shanae's most recent Instagram post is another indication that she might be laying the groundwork for a Bachelor In Paradise appearance. She posted a screenshot of herself from "The Women Tell All" episode sitting next to Genevieve. In the picture, Shanae looked completely composed, while Genevieve appeared exasperated. Shanae wrote that she wished Genevieve's "diaper comment would have been made earlier so I could have actually worn one. I literally almost sh$! myself last night. Noted for future reference." She then went on to say that she loved the dress that she wore. One of her hashtags read, "No hard feelings." The fact that Shanae made light of the situation instead of retaliating against Genevieve and even said that she had no hard feelings about it may be another hint that she is attempting to smooth things over with potential future castmates, and perhaps change her image, before her next chapter with the franchise. Of course, Shanae also could be up to her old tricks, using this post as a tactic to paint herself in a more positive light than her rival.
Although many fans do not want to see it, Shanae joining Bachelor In Paradise might be the perfect way for her to redeem herself after this disastrous Bachelor season. Other villains from the franchise such as Krystal Nielson from Arie Luyendyk's season and Thomas Jacobs from Katie Thurston's season had beautiful redemption stories that began on the beach. If Shanae decides to continue to play the role of the villain, at least viewers will get some entertainment in the form of the most dramatic Bachelor In Paradise season ever.
The Bachelor season 26 finale airs Monday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 15 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Source: Shanae Ankney/Instagram