ABC’s The Bachelorette might be about finding that one special person, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of drama and scandal to unpack.

The Bachelor universe started way back in 2002, but the franchise is now one of the most expansive with countless spin-offs including The Golden Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise, and, of course, The Bachelorette. The franchise has been dubbed Bachelor Nation.

Each show follows relatively the same format, as one woman whittles down her choice of man from 26 hopeful contestants.

Season 21 of The Bachelorette just kicked off, with Jenn Tran as the first Asian Bachelorette in history! With 26 men competing for her affection, only time will tell which lucky gentleman gets that final rose.

Before this season’s men have a chance to hit the headlines for concerning antics, let’s reflect on the past instances of Bachelorette drama and scandal.

Luke Parker was almost physically removed from show

Luke Joshua Parker was a contestant on the 15th season of The Bachelorette, arguably one of the most drama-packed additions to the Bachelor Nation franchise. He competed for the attention of Hannah Brown, who actually wound up in the hospital during filming.

Though undoubtedly good-looking and full of charisma, Luke’s attitude towards the other contestants drew raised eyebrows from fans across the globe.

The most shocking moment came after Bachelorette Hannah Brown spent a night in the Fantasy Suite with another contestant.

As a proud Christian, Luke took issue with that, despite Hannah stating that she is a “grown adult” who can do what she wants. Soon enough, she kicked him to the curb, but that’s not the end of Luke’s story.

At the rose ceremony the following day, Luke turned up demanding “closure” from a visibly uncomfortable Hannah. No security or producers got involved, at which point the remaining men stepped forward to protect Hannah, and Tyler Cameron uttered the famous words, “Or what.”

In the comments on social media, many dubbed Luke a “stalker” as others blamed the production crew for not getting involved.

Jef Holm filed a restraining order… against another contestant!

After competing on the 8th season of The Bachelorette, Jef Holm roomed with 12th-season alum Robby Hayes. But in 2021, there was trouble in paradise after Jef accused Robby of harassing him after moving out.

The former competitive swimmer allegedly turned up at Jef’s home at least once a week, where he would become hostile. The court approved a temporary order preventing Robby from staying 100 yards away from Jef and his home.

Jef’s restraining order was due to be resubmitted in July 2024, but the Bachelor Nation alum decided to drop it entirely, wishing Robby the best.

Jed Wyatt was a dream until he wasn’t

Amidst the drama caused by Luke Parker during season 15 of the hit reality TV show, Bachelorette Hannah drew close to singer/songwriter Jed Wyatt.

While the season was still airing, Jed’s ex Haley Stevens came forward with the claim that they were still together. She further alleged he was merely trying to further his music career.

Though Hannah initially accepted the singer’s proposal, she ditched him after finding out about Hayley. Despite his apology at the live reunion, Hannah would not take him back.

After failing to secure a lasting ring on The Bachelorette, Hannah is now engaged to model Adam Woolard.

Garrett Yrigoyen spent too much time on Instagram

Garrett Yrigoyen was a Medical sales representative who competed on the 14th season of The Bachelorette, where he got engaged to Becca Kufrin.

As the show was airing, it emerged that Garrett had engaged with countless Instagram posts mocking immigrants, the Parkland shooting survivors, the transgender community, and other minority groups. Becca still followed through with the relationship after Garrett said he was dedicated to becoming a better person.

Unfortunately, that statement did not hold up, as Becca found her man supporting police officers after George Floyd’s murder. They ended their engagement in late 2020, with Becca now married to Thomas Jacobs.

He addressed the controversies and apologized for his social media history. He wrote: “I am sorry to those who I offended, and I also take full responsibility for my ‘likes’ on Instagram that were hurtful and offensive.

“I decided to take it down and start fresh because I have learned an extremely valuable lesson and am taking steps to grow, become more educated, and be a better version of myself.”

Kaitlyn Bristowe spoiled the plot with saucy photo

During the filming of the 11th season of The Bachelorette in 2015, personal trainer Shawn Booth fell head over heels for dance instructor and plastic surgery fan Kaitlyn Bristowe.

Unfortunately, the two were so in love that they forgot the show was being aired months after the final rose ceremony. Naturally, they took a picture celebrating their love on Snapchat, a full month before the final was set to be shown to the world.

“We were sending Snaps to one of the producers,” Shawn explained to Jimmy Kimmel in July 2015. “ I pick up my phone to go on Twitter and there’s hundreds of pictures of my stupid face laying in bed with her. I start having a panic attack. I couldn’t even breathe.”