Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty were the couple we were all rooting for in a Bachelor in Paradise, and viewers got what they wanted when Burnett dropped to a knee in the finale. When Haggerty did the same at the reunion, it appeared this union was built to last forever.
Not long after, the two had decided to go their separate ways. It was a shot to the heart for a Bachelor Nation audience who had fallen in love with this couple not only for their fearlessness in being the first lesbian couple in Bachelor history, but for being open about the challenges that they had to work through in their relationship. On the show, Haggerty was hesitant at first to take Burnett back because Burnett had been dating Derek Peth on the show prior. Then, Burnett expressed how uncomfortable she was with how Haggerty was interacting with the other contestants. It seemed at the time that their ability to communicate freely, something many couples struggle with, would be a reason why they would be one of the small percentage of Bachelor Nation pairs that actually go the distance. Alas, it was not meant to be. Here is a timeline of their relationship leading up to the split:
Bachelor in Paradise Teases First Same-Sex Relationship: The talk of Burnett dating another woman on the show started in late July, when the trailer for the sixth season of Bachelor in Paradise was released. It showed, among other scenes, Burnett lying on a bed making out with a mystery woman and then telling the cameras she was in love. There was much speculation as to who it was at the time. Turns out, part of the reason no one could figure it out is because Haggerty had never been on the show before. Burnett Leaves Peth for Haggerty: Since most of us had seen that season preview, we assumed it wouldn’t end well once Burnett started dating Peth. We were right. Haggerty came to Mexico and there was no doubt once the two reconnected where Burnett’s heart stood. Although some viewers felt they should have left at that point, the two stayed on the show to continue to work on their relationship. Burnett and Haggerty Get Engaged: It became apparent as the season neared its end that the two would wind up betrothed to one another, and indeed that’s what happened. The couple was one of the most solid despite getting a late start and appeared to be the least likely of the three engaged couples to split.
Burnett and Haggerty Announce Split: After fending off rumors that the two were donezo, the women who broke barriers announced in twin Instagram posts that they had, “decided it is best for us to take a step back from our relationship.”
Although this relationship didn’t work out, it was a small step forward for a franchise that has dragged its feet on showing that love takes many different forms. On Instagram, the women said that they hoped their experience would help others in the LGBTQ community to see that they don’t need to be ashamed of who they are. It is important that a show with the reach of Bachelor in Paradise continues to highlight stories like these because it makes the world a more accepting place.
Next: Why Bachelor in Paradise’s Chris Bukowski Keeps Relationship With Kate Morton ‘Private’
