HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

Is production giving Maria Georgas a 'villain' edit? 'The Bachelor' Season 28 fans claim amid Sydney Gordon accusation

'The Bachelor' Season 28 contestant Sydney Gordon accuses Maria Georgas of 'bullying' her

AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA: The feud between Maria Georgas and Sydney Gordon reached a dramatic climax in the latest episode of 'The Bachelor' Season 28. Sydney had a conversation with Joey Graziadei and accused Maria of 'verbally' abusing her and creating a 'hostile environment'. Joey directly confronted Maria, questioning the veracity of Sydney's accusations. Maria had previously faced criticism from Sydney and Madina Alam for a "condescending" comment about her age, with Madina alleging that Maria had bullied her in front of other ABC show contestants.

Sydney also joined the conversation, accusing Joey's suitor of bullying her as well. With multiple accusations against Maria, fans speculated that ABC show producers were attempting to give her a 'villain' edit. A social media user expressed, "When they're trying to paint Maria as the villain."

Another person added, "I think it’s so funny how we are all seeing through the villain edit they’re trying to give Maria bc we all know it’s really Sydney." Another internet user wrote, "STOP TRYING TO MAKE MARIA LOOK LIKE THE VILLAIN IT’S NOT WORKING."

Critics weigh in, "Producers are trying to give Maria the villain edit and the girls are NOT having it." A viewer opines, "Why do I agree with Maria about this whole situation? I feel like production is trying to really push the villain arc on her this season and I don’t see it." Another tweet asserts, "They really tried to make Maria out to be a villain but I’m not buying it."

An additional comment reads, "Curious if they want us to see Maria as the villain because there’s a long Bachelor history of vilifying the person in the right (VIENNA goddess I’ve literally devoted my life to righting wrongs against her) and the audience usually goes along but ppl aren’t with her."

Sydney Gordon calls Maria Georgas a 'catty' person

In the latest episode of 'The Bachelor' Season 28, contestant Sydney Gordon accused Maria Georgas of allegedly "bullying" her and her friend Madina Alam. Joey Graziadei confronted the contestants about Madina's concerns, expressing his serious approach to the matter. Joey stated, "To even hear the idea of the word of 'a bully' scares me because I am taking this seriously." He added, "I'm trying to find my forever person and the idea of something possibly going on that I don’t know what it is, it scares me." Joey emphasized, "If there’s something that needs to be said, I need to hear about it."

After Joey left the room, Madina disclosed that he was referring to Maria, sparking an argument between the two over the definition of 'bully'. Sydney also chimed in, asserting, "I also felt bullied as well." Maria questioned Sydney about her claims, stating, "I literally heard you talk s***about my friend. You are literally talking s*** all the time." Sydney retaliated by calling Maria 'catty,' prompting Maria to request her to stay out of the situation.

Did Maria Georgas receive Joey Graziadei's rose?

In the third rose ceremony of 'The Bachelor' Season 28, contestant Sydney Gordon hoped that Joey Graziadei wouldn't give his rose to Maria Georgas. Surprisingly, Maria received the rose, and a preview of the upcoming episode hinted at her securing a two-on-one date with Joey.

Sydney, however, also received Joey's rose. Now, she is determined to step up her game to impress Joey. In a confessional, she admitted, "Coming into next week, I’m going to put my energy into what matters." Asserting her determination, she added, "I’m not going to let the Mean Girl win. It has to be done, and I’m the only one that isn’t afraid of her."

New episodes of 'The Bachelor' Season 28 airs every Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC.