This week on The Bachelorette, Tayshia Adams wanted to learn more about the guys on their art-inspired date, and she certainly got what she asked for. Ben Smith made a bold move by revealing his naked body to her (and the other men on the date). But was this decision bold and daring, or just uncomfortable and awkward?
Tayshia Adams took ten of her remaining men on a date at the La Quinta conference room, where they had an art class. When they walked in, they saw two nude models, and memories of Clare's strip dodgeball date flashed before their eyes. They were off the hook this time--they only had to draw the models, while remaining clothed. Their final art assignment was to draw a self-portrait, and Tayshia challenged the men to be vulnerable and open through their art. The guys delivered, opening up their hearts and divulging very personal parts of themselves. Riley talked about not growing up in a home that had love or stability in it, Ivan talked about worrying about his ageing father. With Ben set to go last, he told the camera that he was nervous about being open. When his turn finally arrived, he walked into the room in a robe and threw it off, revealing his completely naked form. He told Tayshia that he wants her to see all of him, literally. Tayshia had to take a second to cry after this move, and the show went to commercial, leaving Bachelor Nation to contemplate what they just saw.
At first, most The Bachelorette fans were uncomfortable with Ben's disrobing. For one thing, it was not consensual. Ben never asked Tayshia if she was okay with him exposing himself to her, which, many viewers pointed out, can get you arrested in different circumstances. And while he covered his front side with his hands, the nine other men who did not give their consent to see Ben's backside were made to stand there in silence while Ben "opened up." Another concerning thing about Ben's nudity is it seemed to send the message that Ben cared more about his outer appearance than his inner self. He seemed to be saying that Tayshia seeing his body was the most personal thing about him she could see, even though that's not what Tayshia asked for. However, those assumptions changed when Ben talked to Tayshia later in the night.
During their alone time, Ben revealed to Tayshia that he struggled with an eating disorder and bulimia for ten years. This gave context to his naked self portrait, as his body and body image has clearly been a large aspect of his life. He explained that his struggle with his eating disorder is what led him to becoming a fitness and wellness coach. Ben used his move of getting naked to create a conversation that must have been very difficult for him to have. With Ben's backstory in mind, his choice to reveal the part of himself that literally had caused him so much distress over his life was indeed bold and even brave.
Although Ben being so open and sharing his story was a big moment on the show, he could have done so without getting naked. The picture he drew before deciding to strip instead probably would have sufficed and would have been just as touching, if not more so. At the end of the day it's Tayshia's opinion that matters, so even though Ben's unveiling made viewers uncomfortable at home, it paid off for Ben big time.
The Bachelorette airs Tuesdays at 8/7 Central on ABC.