Divisive contender on The Golden Bachelorette, Pascal Ibgui, has rocked the internet with his recent comments about his experience on the show and I believe they are too extreme. Pascal seemed to establish a connection with the leading lady, Joan Vassos, as the pair spoke candidly about their romantic pasts and shared sweet moments together. However, in a shocking twist, the business owner self-eliminated from the competition during the overnight dates in Tahiti.
By the end of his time on The Golden Bachelorette season 1, Pascal believed the pair did not share a “spark” and were not the ultimate fit. As a front-runner for Joan’s heart and a strong contender, this revelation shocked me. While it seems like the pair do not harbor resentment for one another, Pascal was quick to comment on fellow contender, Chock Chapple. The Chicago native claims Chock’s overbearing personality and attachment to Joan felt like “stalker” behavior.
Pascal Ibgui's Sounded Off About The Competition
Pascal Had A Lot To Say About Fellow Contenders
Shortly after Pascal’s stint on the show, he talked with news outlet, Glamour about his self-elimination, feelings regarding Joan, and his negative impression of Chock. He cited the group bowling date, in which several contestants commented about Chock’s behavior. According to the French man, Chock hovered over Joan, suggesting the pair leave together and continuously reminding her how in love he is. Joan seemingly doesn’t mind the attention, with Chock remaining in the competition. Nevertheless, Pascal thought his behavior was overboard.
While Pascal believed that he and Joan were not right for one another, he seems to blame Chock somewhat for impeding their connection.
While Pascal believed he and Joan were not right for one another, he seems to blame Chock somewhat for impeding their connection. In the interview, he stated, “Chock was all over her to the point where he was [like a] stalker.” Pascal believed Chock might have employed shady tactics when winning over Joan.
To me, it sounds like Pascal implied some insincerity with Chock’s affection by claiming that as divorced men, “We had our struggles and our pain and anxiety, and it’s not that easy to say ‘I’m in love.” However, with Chock and Joan growing closer, I don't think Joan doesn’t share Pascal’s sentiment. Dating competitions can be tricky and Chock’s pursuits have paid off.
Chock and Joan undoubtedly have found a spark. The pair, outside of bonding over the challenges they faced in dating after the death of a loved one, share similarities and a great rapport. As the first contender to receive a one-on-one date, Chock made an impression on Joan that has lasted through the drama. Even when he lost his mother in a devastating turn of events, he returned to prioritize his new love. Pascal’s comments likely have not deterred the leading lady.
His Judgment Was Not Necessary
Pascal’s cutting judgments of the widower, following shortly after his elimination, seem like a strain for attention. Now that he has been eliminated, he will see a decrease in popularity and social status. I think these unprovoked comments were likely meant to make headlines and draw focus to his departure. His mission seems successful as the allegations spread across the internet, making the devastating rejection even more difficult for Joan.
Making bold accusations, with comparisons as serious as stalking, feels juvenile.
If the contestants believed Chock was overly active with Joan, they could have tried harder to maintain her attention. Making bold accusations, with comparisons as serious as stalking, feels juvenile. The name-calling and judgments were simply not necessary.
For example, when Pascal’s supposed “best friend” Mark Anderson was eliminated, he stepped down gracefully. Mark genuinely wished Joan the best and hoped she would find her one. His kind-hearted nature, gratitude for the opportunity, and lovable personality have allowed him to maintain his near-perfect image. In mt opinion, jealous, biting comments are not a good look.
Joan Was Right To Eliminate Pascal
Pascal Did Joan A Favor
Pascal’s commentary is further evidence he was not the right fit for her. As a sweet, fun-loving woman, she would likely have been unsatisfied with the relationship. This publicity stunt indicates some underlying insecurities in the eligible bachelor. She deserves a confident man who is unbothered by the pursuits of other men. It's, at the end of the day, a competition for Joan’s attention. He should have approached it as such. Chock is not at fault for his adoration for the leading lady.
His elimination was, in part, due to his unwillingness to accommodate dating a woman from another state.
Additionally, in the previously mentioned interview, Pascal illustrated some red flags in his approach to dating. His elimination was due to his unwillingness to accommodate dating a woman from another state. In a comment as self-serving as it is revealing, Pascal stated, “When you are like me, established, I have a business, I have real estate, I have my friends, I have my routine, I have my health club, I have my connection…I ain’t going to move anywhere.”
Pascal knew entering the competition he would be pursuing a woman outside of his hometown. Still, he made a point of complaining about the potential for change. He was never willing to uproot himself for love. Chock, on the other hand, proved that he was willing to go the extra mile when he returned to the show following his mother’s passing.
Pascal Is Not Perfect
Pascal Should Not Be Throwing Stones
Although Pascal was quick to point out the faults of others, he had indicated immaturity and ill-preparation for a new romantic partner. Outside of his name-calling and refusal to accommodate another person, he implied an unwillingness to let others in. Pascal told the news outlet, “My wall was going down, and then she took me to a ceremony and I freaked out.” He described his feeling of being “trapped” among his other reasons for the self-elimination. The bachelor had plenty of time, as he was one of the last contenders, to embrace vulnerability and open up to Joan.
Pascal and his ex-wife, Tracy Ibgui, divorced in 2012. She is 18 years his junior.
Joan has been open and communicative since the first episode. She was far more prepared than Pascal for the opportunity and the sacrifices that come with it. As a divorcee, fresh from a breakup, Pascal doesn’t seem ready for the commitment. It’s worth mentioning that the process leading up to participating in the show is lengthy. Pascal had more than enough time to identify his willingness to compromise.
Star and seeming front-runner of The Golden Bachelorette, Pascal chose to drop out of contention late in the game. While the change of heart was shocking and disappointing for Joan and fans alike, it seems like Pascal was never the right fit for the leading lady. He exhibited several red flags, including his harbored resentment and resistance to vulnerability. Pascal’s ultimate elimination may have been for the best. Hopefully, Joan’s winner will be ready to commit to her with no reservations. She deserves the best.
The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m ET on ABC
Source: Glamour
The Golden Bachelorette: This reality series offers one woman in her later years the opportunity to find love, as a group of seasoned men compete for her affection. Participants bring diverse romantic histories, seeking a meaningful connection and a chance to build a promising future together.