Ashley Iaconetti expressed disappointment in Kelly Ripa’s skeptical attitude towards “The Bachelor” franchise during a podcast episode, highlighting Ripa’s tendency to question the legitimacy of the show and its participants’ decisions. Despite enjoying Ripa’s show, Iaconetti criticized her for seemingly shaming “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” noting that there are other reality shows with content that could be considered more questionable.
Ashley Iaconetti expressed disappointment in Kelly Ripa’s skeptical and shaming attitude toward “The Bachelor” franchise during interviews with its leads on the “Almost Famous” podcast.
Ashley Iaconetti wasn’t exactly cheering from the sidelines after Kelly Ripa’s on-air chat with Jenn Tran. You see, Tran’s the latest to lead season 21 of The Bachelorette. And Ashley? Well, she had some thoughts.
On a sunny Thursday, July 11, while chatting on the "Almost Famous" podcast, Ashley let it slip. "It disappoints me," she began, her voice a mix of surprise and a hint of annoyance. Kelly Ripa, it seems, has this bone to pick with The Bachelor franchise.
"Every time," Ashley continued, "a lead comes on her show, there’s this… skepticism." It wasn’t just about the process, but also about the person daring to navigate it.
Despite her love for Live with Kelly and Mark, Ashley couldn’t hide her dismay. Kelly, according to her, shames the show. And not in a playful nudge-nudge kind of way.
Ashley pointed out, with a hint of exasperation, that there are trashier reality shows out there. Yet, Kelly zeroes in on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.
Switching gears, there’s a related article floating around about Bachelor Nation couples who are still going strong. A little ray of hope, perhaps?
Ben Higgins, Ashley’s cohost, had his own tale to tell. His experience mirrored Tran’s, marked by a certain coldness from Ripa. "She definitely doesn’t like the show," he joked. Or maybe, just maybe, she’s a bit salty about not getting her own Bachelorette moment.
Higgins described the awkward dance of an interview. You’re there, thrilled, living this bizarre dream. And then, boom, reality check from Kelly Ripa.
But hey, not everyone’s a critic. Some folks get it, the weird, wild world of televised love quests.
Yet, when past leads recount their Live interviews, it’s a shared cringe. Questions flying, nowhere to hide.
This time, though, Tran clapped back. A first, according to Higgins.
Ashley sensed something more in Ripa’s ribbing. Sure, it seemed playful on TV, but the history of those comments lingered. Jenn’s retort, though, was a breath of fresh air.
During their chat, Ripa questioned Tran’s decision to join the show. Tran, quick on her feet, flipped the script, asking about Ripa’s own TV romance.
Ripa was quick to differentiate. Acting on All My Children was a job, she explained. Marrying Mark Consuelos was real life, not a script.
Post-interview, whispers suggested neither party took offense. It was all in good fun, a bit of banter for the cameras.
In the grand scheme, Ripa’s comparison wasn’t off the mark. Love can sprout in the oddest places, after all.
Ashley, now happily married to Jared Haibon, found Ripa’s comments a tad offensive. Love, after all, knows no bounds.
Higgins playfully suggested Ashley confront Ripa on air. And why not? Love stories from The Bachelorette deserve their spotlight too.
Catch The Bachelorette on ABC, Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. Who knows? Maybe love will surprise you.
