Where is Joey Graziadei now? Former 'The Bachelorette' suitor claims he 'blacked out' when Charity Lawson broke up with him
FIJI, OCEANIA: Charity Lawson's path to happily ever after is fraught with heartache. That was never more evident than at the season finale of 'The Bachelorette' on Monday, August 21, when the child and family therapist broke up with Joey Graziadei in tears.
Charity and Joey split up during the final rose ceremony of 'The Bachelorette' Season 20. She initially confessed her feelings for Joey during their fantasy suite date, and he had a wonderful encounter with her family at the finale.
However, Charity's sentiments for Dotun Olubeko weighed heavier, despite her family's apparent preference for Joey. During a rather sad conversation, she broke the news to Joey even though he had already chosen an engagement ring for the bachelorette.
Joey Graziadei 'blacked out' when Charity Lawson broke up with him
During the After Show, Joey stated that he doesn't recall much of the filming of his breakup with Charity since he "blacked out at the time," and that it feels "raw" to view it for the first time.
"It's tough to see, I wouldn't wish that on anyone," Joey remarked before expressing his desire to meet Charity again in the finale.
He also feels gratitude toward her for the time they spent together and stated that he will always want the best for her. Charity herself expressed their appreciation for one another since their breakup was an event that people wouldn't understand.
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Joey Graziadei becomes 'The Bachelor' Season 28's lead
Joey Graziadei has been named the lead of the next season of 'The Bachelor.'
During the season finale of 'The Bachelorette', host Jesse Palmer announced that the 28-year-old tennis star is about to take the main role in 'The Bachelor' for Season 28.
"It's definitely surreal. It's sinking in very slowly, but I'm trying my best just to enjoy it, but this is crazy," said Joey about getting the opportunity to be the one to hand out the roses as he added, "Crazy stuff, but excited."
However, the wonderful news came after heartbreak as Charity sent him home before getting engaged to Dotun. While Joey admits that the pain of the split was genuine, he assured fans that he's ready to jump back into the dating pool with his stint in 'The Bachelor' Season 28.
"I'm more ready than I was in that moment," remarked Joey about the devastating breakup, adding, "For me, it was just you have to take some time to get some closure. Watching Dotun's and Charity's connection was enough for me."
According to a press release, Joey seeks someone who is gregarious, compassionate and shares his love of adventure and experiencing the outdoors as a possible companion.
The tennis player enjoys hiking, surfing, and watching the sunset, but he knows he has much more love to give, and the only thing lacking is a partner to enjoy his life to the fullest.
During 'The Bachelorette' Season 20, Joey also expressed, "I want someone that challenges me, I want someone I can challenge. I just want someone to do life with."
The new season of 'The Bachelor' will most likely premiere in January 2024 on ABC.
Who is Lea on 'The Bachelor' Season 28?
Joey got a jump start on the upcoming adventures from 'The Bachelor' Season 28 as he got to meet Lea, who is going to accompany him on the show. "I'm honestly really excited," said Lea to Joey, adding, "I think that you've carried yourself with such grace... I think we have a lot in common, so I'm excited to explore it."
Jesse then handed Lea a mysterious envelope, which she is not permitted to read until the first night of the show's filming. However, the anchor did state that it is not a date card but rather a twist that would help Lea on her quest to find love and "absolutely change everything."
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Who is Joey Graziadei?
Joey Graziadei's tennis career has led him on an interesting trip in life. After deciding that the corporate world was not for him, he pursued his passion by teaching tennis, eventually relocating to Hawaii. He is also a Lifestyle and Experience Ambassador for the Kukuiula Development Company in Koloa, Hawaii.
Charity's ex-suitor worked in corporate roles in Tennessee before moving to Hawaii. Joey, who was a Division II tennis player in college, holds a degree in Communication and Media Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
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Who is Charity Lawson?
Charity Lawson is a 27-year-old child and family therapist from Columbus, Georgia. According to her ABC profile, she interprets her name as a call to love and care for others, and she has structured her life around that goal.
'The Bachelorette' Season 20's lead is deeply committed to assisting people in living their best lives. Charity graduated from Auburn University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation and Disability and plans to pursue a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022, according to her LinkedIn page.