Shawn Booth's Unexpected Move: The Shocking Text Mix-up That Led to a Sudden Breakup with Kaitlyn Bristowe

Shawn Booth reflects on his breakup with Kaitlyn Bristowe and admits to feeling uncomfortable when she discusses their past together. During an episode of his podcast "In the Booth With Shawn Booth," the 36-year-old fitness trainer revealed that after their split, he made it clear that he did not want any further contact with her. This decision was based on the circumstances surrounding their breakup and the way he discovered certain details. Consequently, Booth and Bristowe had minimal communication for several years.

Booth and Bristowe, aged 38, announced their separation in November 2018, three years after his proposal on season 11 of The Bachelorette.

"When the news of our split was about to be made public, my main concern was that we face this together as a united front. We knew it would be incredibly challenging for both of us, with the scrutiny, opinions, and judgments coming our way. Ultimately, it was just the two of us in this situation, and I wanted us to tackle it as a team," he expressed. "Unfortunately, things didn't unfold that way. We were unable to maintain a sense of unity.

Shawn Booth and Kaitlyn Bristowe Courtesy of Shawn Booth/Instagram; imageSPACE/Shutterstock

Booth acknowledged that the manner in which the Dancing With the Stars champion moved forward with Jason Tartick - with whom she made their relationship public in January 2019 - was the root of the problem.

"The reason for my decision to cut off communication and distance myself was because during our shared experience, I was already aware of Jason and Kaitlyn before anyone else knew," Booth explained. "I had prior knowledge of their relationship before it became public. This knowledge came about when, regrettably, I received a text message from Kaitlyn intended for Jason."

He asserted that the mix-up in texts occurred immediately after their official breakup.

"I will always remember that moment. I was in West Elm, searching for furniture for my empty apartment. I told her she could have the house, and I would move out without any hesitation. I didn't want to stay there," Booth reminisced. "While browsing for furniture, it was tough. The most challenging part was keeping it to myself—I didn't want to embarrass her."

Bristowe and Tartick, who became engaged in 2021, continue to have a strong relationship. However, the former Bachelor contestant is frequently questioned about Booth in interviews, which is something he recently attempted to halt.

Booth expressed his frustration during a recent interview, stating, "I contradicted myself by speaking to her because I had kindly asked her to refrain from discussing me on her podcast. It becomes tiresome receiving media attention every few months." He also mentioned that he chooses to ignore comment calls.

Booth refrained from speaking negatively about his ex but disagreed with her statements, noting that they were inaccurate. He asserted his knowledge of the situation and the events that transpired. While acknowledging her need to express herself and discuss the matter openly, he emphasized that he did not want to engage in negative talk about his former partner, with whom he had shared a significant amount of time.

Bristowe recently made headlines by suggesting that she felt professionally "used" by Booth and implying that he was only holding onto their relationship until his gym opened. She shared her perspective and observations during an episode of Tartick's "Trading Secrets" podcast in April. Bristowe acknowledged that her viewpoint may not be universally accepted as right or wrong. She also raised the point that starting a relationship after a reality TV show can be challenging due to the power struggle and instability. Bristowe mentioned that there were various opportunities that would arise, where she would be invited and Booth's presence would depend on her attendance.

She continued, expressing her thoughts on feeling emasculated while on the show, where she believed she was the one but later discovered otherwise. She questioned how a relationship can even continue after such a realization, admitting that it is difficult. Prior to this, Bristowe shared on the "Not Skinny But Not Fat" podcast that Tartick and Booth had been on the same plane without interacting. Booth mentioned that he has encountered Tartick multiple times since, including at CMA Fest in Nashville earlier this month.

"It seems like he's constantly present in Nashville, and it has become a regular occurrence," he stated, assuring that they do not communicate. "There's nothing unusual about it. There is no hostility or resentment."