Behind the Scenes of Daisy Kent's Decision to Decline 'The Bachelorette'

Daisy Kent had already made up her mind weeks before the After the Final Rose event that she wouldn't be the next Bachelorette. During the April 4th episode of "The Viall Files" podcast, the 25-year-old shared that she had been unsure about the opportunity but ultimately decided against it around two weeks prior. Despite her decision, Daisy expressed that the team was understanding and supportive of her reasons. They encouraged her growth and offered their help in any way possible.

Daisy was one of Joey Graziadei’s final two women. She decided to end things with him in the finale, which was filmed in November 2023. Daisy realized that Kelsey Anderson was the one for Joey. Moments after Daisy's breakup, Joey, 28, proposed to Kelsey, 25, and they are still together.

Following her departure from The Bachelor, Daisy started discussions with producers about potentially becoming the next lead of the franchise. However, during the After the Final Rose special in March, she publicly turned down the opportunity.

One of the reasons is related to my health. As the lead, there is a lot of pressure on you, both emotionally and physically. Daisy, who is deaf and has a cochlear implant, explained this on Thursday. She mentioned how the late nights and nonstop schedule can take a toll on your well-being. She had conversations with previous leads and realized that it could be overwhelming from a health standpoint.

Daisy also confessed that she felt unprepared for a specific aspect of the show. This could possibly be referring to the commitment of getting engaged at the end of the season.

Daisy Kent Breaks Down When She Turned Down The Bachelorette Offer 4

Joey Graziadei and Daisy Kent Disney/John Fleenor

Daisy admitted that after being on the show, she didn't fully grasp its significance. She shared, "Right now, my main focus is on living a happy life. While I'm open to new opportunities, this particular one just doesn't feel right for me at the moment."

She also expressed her concern about potentially hurting others while on the show.

Daisy explained that there were around 30 people and she couldn't send everyone home at once. She thought about how she didn't actually like them and couldn't imagine kissing someone she didn't like. Making the decision wasn't easy, but she thought long and hard about it. After the announcement, she wondered how she would feel, but she's happy that she didn't go through with it. She feels good and believes she made the right decision for herself.

Before making her final decision, Daisy had "a lot of conversations" with her family members and multiple past Bachelor Nation leads.

Many people have described participating in reality dating shows as both challenging and rewarding. One contestant shared, "It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the best thing too. No one regretted it." However, they also advised others to make sure they are truly ready before embarking on this experience.

After Daisy turned down The Bachelorette, they offered the mantle to Jenn Tran. Her season is currently filming, which Daisy is “so excited” to watch.

Editor's P/S:

Daisy Kent's decision to decline the role of the Bachelorette highlights the importance of prioritizing one's well-being, both physically and emotionally. As a deaf individual with a cochlear implant, Daisy recognized the demanding schedule and emotional intensity of the show could take a toll on her health. Her decision reflects a mature understanding of her own limitations and a commitment to self-care.

Furthermore, Daisy's concerns about hurting others on the show underscore the ethical considerations that come with reality television. She recognized the potential for the show's format to create situations where she would have to reject individuals who had invested time and emotions in her. This empathy and sensitivity to the feelings of others is a testament to Daisy's character and her desire to treat potential suitors with respect.