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Did producers plan Lea Cayanan's elimination on her birthday? Fans speculate as 'The Bachelor' 2024 schedule changes

'The Bachelor' 2024 star 'Lea Cayanan calls out Joey Graziadei for his 'loss' after elimination

MONTREAL, CANADA: Joey Graziadei sent Lea Cayanan and Katelyn DeBacker home in 'The Bachelor' Season 28's 6th rose ceremony. Fans speculate that Lea's elimination on her birthday was intentionally scheduled by producers. This allegedly prompted a schedule change, airing two episodes last week.

Viewers mocked ABC for giving Lea her "not best" birthday present, and it might have been difficult for her to watch the show. Despite the unfortunate timing, Lea chose not to discuss her elimination and celebrated her 24th birthday quietly.

A fan felt pity for Lea, "AINT NO WAY LEA LEAVING AIRED ON HER BDAY." Another tweeted, "today being lea’s birthday and the day the episode where she gets sent home airs (+ maria getting the best date) cannot be real." One mocked, "Not Lea’s bday present being her elimination episode."

A fan tweeted, "They really had 2 episodes last week so that they could eliminate Lea on her birthday." Another wished Lea happy birthday, "this episode of lea getting sent home airing on the same day as her birthday. happy birthday girl!" 

One claimed, "SCREAMING that both Lea and Jess got sent home the same week as Maria’s shopping date AND the fact that this episode is airing on Lea’s birthday karma works hard but Bach producers work harder."

Lea Cayanan calls out Joey Graziadei's loss for 'his loss' as 'The Bachelor' Season 28 star walks out of the show

In Episode 6, Joey distributed roses to six women but chose to eliminate two, Katelyn and Lea. Initially uncertain about his decision, Joey later clarified his thoughts and followed his heart. Lea seemed dissatisfied with her elimination, expressing, "It’s just unfortunate that I wasn’t given the full opportunity to have that time with Joey and see what Joey and Lea really looked like. But that’s truly his loss."

'The Bachelor' Season 28: Who got eliminated in the 6th rose ceremony?

Jess Edwards was the first woman whom Joey sent home in Episode 6. As Jess confessed her love for Joey, he replied, "When you feel that, you should be able to picture it. And I don’t know why, I just haven’t been able to get there." He then sent her home.

Later in the episode, Lexi Young said goodbye to Joey, stating, "As someone who has infertility, I have to take that really seriously as I date, knowing I’m in my 30s now."

In the rose ceremony, Joey eliminated Katelyn and Lea. In total, four women were eliminated from the show in Episode 6, leaving only six to move ahead.

'The Bachelor' Season 28 premiered on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 8:00 pm ET on ABC.