Inside Ben Higgins' Shocking Reaction to Lauren Bushnell's Controversial Relationship Revelations

Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell Suzanne Cordeiro/Shutterstock; Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell Lane ended their relationship six years ago, but Higgins seemed bothered by Bushnell Lane's perceived rewriting of their history. On his "Almost Famous" podcast, he expressed frustration that the show was a significant experience for him, and he had put in a lot of effort to determine if it would lead him to his partner. Higgins wished that if Bushnell Lane had felt this way, she would have made it clearer during the process, considering the exceptional women and people involved.

Reflecting on her engagement to Higgins in 2016, Bushnell Lane discussed her past feelings towards the fan response. Initially hurt by the support for fellow finalist JoJo Fletcher, she now realizes that the online attention caused her to feel torn. Talking to Booth, she suggested that he may have had stronger feelings for Kaitlyn Bristowe due to his age. Looking back, Bushnell Lane compared her own emotions at the time to being in love at a young age, suggesting that her feelings may not have been as deep as she initially believed.

Bushnell Lane mentioned that her initial motivation for going on the show was to travel and eat food. Meeting Ben was listed as the third reason. She found Ben attractive and thought he was a handsome and nice guy with similar values. However, her main focus was on the opportunity to travel and have fun. During their "happy couple weekends," Bushnell Lane acknowledged that there was a mixture of happiness and stress due to the pressure of the episodes airing that week.

Higgins explained to Iaconetti that he doesn't want Bushnell Lane to disregard the significant period they shared together.

"Our time together turned out positively for the both of us. However, I believe it would be unfair to dismiss the importance of that chapter in our lives," he expressed. "It had a profound impact on both of us. Personally, it allowed me to grow, and I believe it had a similar effect on her. I genuinely cared for Lauren, and I still do. I want to see her succeed in life. I only have fond memories of our time together; there aren't many negative ones."

Higgins tied the knot with Jessica Clarke in November 2021, while Bushnell Lane married Chris Lane in October 2019. Lane and Bushnell share two sons, named Dutton and Baker, with the country singer.

Regarding their love lives, Higgins expressed his belief that love may have changed for Bushnell Lane since their time on the show. He is happy that she is now married with children and acknowledges that love feels different for both of them. Higgins appreciates that she is now more in love with her husband than she may have been with him, and he sees that as a positive and healthy outcome.