When the Bachelor in Paradise season 8 cast was announced, fans were disappointed to see that Elizabeth Corrigan was not on the list, and now she explains why. Elizabeth, a 33-year-old real estate advisor from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, appeared on Clayton Echard's season of The Bachelor earlier this year. While on the show, Elizabeth was bullied by villain Shanae Ankney, and Shanae even weaponized Elizabeth's ADHD against her. Fans were outraged when Clayton, who did not know the extent of Shanae's antics, eliminated Elizabeth before her. They even campaigned for her to be the next Bachelorette.
On June 26, Elizabeth publicly came out as bisexual. Since her time on the show, she has been very vocal about being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and for mental health awareness. Fans have supported her journey and were excited to possibly see her on Bachelor in Paradise season 8, especially since the majority of the women who were announced are from Clayton's season. They include Shanae, Hunter Haag, Sierra Jackson, Hailey Malles, Kira Mengistu, Genevieve Parisi, Jill Chin, Serene Russell and Teddi Wright. Many of these women had confrontations with each other, culminating in The Bachelor Women Tell All special, which was uncomfortable to watch because of all the arguing that happened.
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In an Instagram story, Elizabeth shared why she will not be appearing on Bachelor in Paradise season 8. Elizabeth revealed, "Yes, I was invited and yes, I did consider it." However, she explained that she turned down the offer to appear for several reasons. She wrote, "Due to the presence of certain cast member(s), my current mental health status and a decision to focus on what matters most to me in my life right now (i.e. my real estate career, actually finding a partner to share my life with, and supporting the neurodivergent & LGBTQ+ community) as well as a desire to be present for Pride in NYC (which took place during filming) I declined the occasion." Elizabeth is surely referring to Shanae here, and perhaps some of the other stronger personalities who caused so much friction on Clayton's season. She could also be referring to Romeo Alexander, who she was reportedly dating earlier this year. Romeo, who appeared on Michelle Young's season of The Bachelorette, was also confirmed as a Bachelor in Paradise season 8 cast member.
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Despite the fact that Elizabeth decided not to look for love on the beach in Mexico, she wished the new cast well. She said, "I am however thrilled to cheer on my beautiful, strong, hilarious and intelligent friends [as they] brave the beach. Sending love, Elizabeth." Although Shanae bullied her, Elizabeth had many friends on Clayton's season who came to her defense both during and after her time on the show.
Bachelor in Paradise fans were looking forward to seeing Elizabeth get another chance at love, but her reasons for not joining the show prove that she has a clear path forward in her life. She has her priorities straight and wishes to avoid anything that could stand in the way of her living her best life. Hopefully, Elizabeth will find everything that she is looking for.
Bachelor in Paradise premieres Tuesday, September 27 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Source: Elizabeth Corrigan/Instagram