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Is Lea new 'villain' of 'The Bachelor' Season 28? Internet slams ABC show star as she feels 'glad' after Maria walks off crying

'The Bachelor' Season 28 contestant Lea Cayanan fumes after Joey Graziadei chooses Maria Georgas over Sydney Gordon

AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA: 'The Bachelor' Season 28 contestant Lea Cayanan shockingly emerged as a new 'villain' of the ABC show. In the latest episode, Lea expressed disappointment after Joey Graziadei eliminated Sydney Gordon instead of Maria Georgas. Lea initiated a conversation with Joey about keeping Maria. She conveyed to Joey, "A lot of us were shocked just because of the words that were said and how Maria's treated some of us." However, Maria experienced an emotional breakdown, feeling attacked by other women in the villa. She claimed to be done with the drama and tearfully walked away.

In the midst of Maria's breakdown, Lea seemed to relish the situation and admitted, "Maria storms off in tears and I’m honestly, I’m glad that that’s the case." Lea went further to label Maria as "a drama queen crybaby." However, viewers were left furious over Lea's comments and dubbed her the new villain.

A social media user commented, "Lea likes the that Maria left in tears? How old is she really? Now she's trying to manipulate Joey into shunning Maria along with her as she grows her crew to bully & isolate Maria." Another person added, "I still can’t believe Lea said that when Maria ran off crying that she was happy. That’s a mean girl."

Another critic noted, "One villain drops another one stands up to take the place." Another X user said, "She was craving that villain spotlight so much wasting no time. So who here REALLY wanted Sydney to go home?"

Another internet user penned, "Lea was the nice innocent one throwing the date card in the fire and now she’s the villain?!?!? what a curveball." Another viewer suggested, "I did not have Lea bring the next villain on my bingo card. She knows she has no chance so she is doing what she can to stay for another week."

Did Maria Georgas quit 'The Bachelor' Season 28?

Joey Graziadei's suitor, Maria Georgas, was speculated to self-eliminate after feeling attacked by other contestants. In episode 4 of 'The Bachelor' Season 28, Lea Cayanan and Madina Alam had a huge argument over Sydney Gordon and Maria's drama. Lea called out Madina for acting "civil" towards Maria after her comment about age pushed her to feel insecure. She also slammed Madina for switching sides, as she was previously best friends with Sydney. Now the ABC show contestant was eliminated, Madina wanted to form a strong bond with Maria

However, Maria had a conversation with Madina and expressed it "hurts my feelings" that other women felt offended by Madina being nice to her. She then mentioned that she could not handle the hate from other contestants and left the room.

Lea Cayanan refuses to take producer's advantage

Lea Cayanan was the first to meet Joey Graziadei during Charity Lawson's 'Bachelorette' 'After the Final Rose'. During the episode, ABC show host Jesse Palmer awarded Lea an envelope that she couldn't open until 'The Bachelor' Season 28 premiere night. However, the envelope contained a card that allowed her to steal a one-on-one date from any woman during the season until the hometown dates. Lea chose not to interfere with anyone's chance with Joey and decided to burn the envelope.

She had a conversation with Joey about relinquishing the producer's advantage and ultimately decided to burn the card in the Bachelor Mansion fireplace. Joey was impressed by Lea's selfless gesture and awarded her the season's first impression rose.

New episodes of 'The Bachelor' Season 28 will air on Tuesday, February 13 at 8 pm ET on ABC.