“Golden Bachelor” star Gerry Turner has finally addressed a bombshell exposé about an alleged secret girlfriend who claimed he misrepresented his romantic history on the reality show.
The Hollywood Reporter piece, which includes allegations from a former flame simply named as “Carolyn,” was published just a day before the season finale aired this week, during which the 72-year-old widower proposed to Theresa Nist, 70. The pair will tie the knot Jan. 4, 2024.
When asked if the ex’s claims — such as allegedly dumping her for gaining weight — held any merit, Turner told the New York Times, “I guess I haven’t really looked at it as how accurate it is,” and admitted he gave the article a “cursory look.”
“I’ve more looked at it in terms of timing, and how it really doesn’t fit with all of the positive things that are going on in my life right now,” he continued.
“I mean, I’m sitting across from Theresa right now, and I look at her, and she’s the love of my life. And I really don’t have time to think about some of the other stuff.”
When speaking to the Los Angeles Times, he said he was focused on the “positive things” in his life and “look forward.”
“I have the wonderful love of Theresa, my partner,” he said. “I don’t have time to reflect on comments like this. I’m happy to look forward.”
On the show, Turner claimed he hadn’t been in a serious relationship since his wife died, which was disputed by Carolyn, who claimed she moved into his lake house in Hudson, Indiana, in 2018 after dating him for 10 months.
They broke up in October 2019 when he allegedly made negative comments about her weight and appearance, supposedly saying he couldn’t take her to his high school reunion “looking like that.”
When packing up her belongings to move out, Carolyn claimed she fell down the stairs and ended up in the hospital, but Turner allegedly blamed her for purposefully taking a tumble to stay in his home longer.
The allegations were published just one day ahead of the season finale, when runner-up Leslie Fhima, 64, accused Turner of lying to her during their overnight date.
“You said things to me that made me think that this was going to be it. You led me down a path, and then you took a turn and left me there, and that’s how I feel,” she said.
“It’s mind-boggling, to be honest, how you can talk to me all night, tell me you love me, and then one day — not even a day, 12 hours later — you changed your mind.”
On an Instagram post from ABC promoting the show, displeased viewers slammed Turner, calling him “dishonest” and a “fake.”