Why did Marina Perera quit 'The Golden Bachelor'? Contestant leaves dating show before second rose ceremony
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Marina Perera was not seen on this week's episode of 'The Golden Bachelor,' and according to a post on the show's X account, she had to depart due to family commitments.
Despite receiving a rose from Gerry Turner, the educator was absent from the season's second episode.
Marina, a Los Angeles-based schoolteacher, was no longer in the mansion on the second episode of 'The Golden Bachelor', which surprised fans considering that she had won a rose during the season premiere.
Following her absence, fans learned that the 60-year-old participant evicted herself due to a family emergency.
The bittersweet part of maturing gracefully: honoring your priorities. Nothing but respect for Marina and her difficult decision. 💛 #TheGoldenBachelor pic.twitter.com/KyKUnUApBj
— The Golden Bachelor (@GoldenBachABC) October 6, 2023
Marina Perera left a video note for 'The Golden Bachelor' star Gerry Turner
Jesse Palmer, the franchise's host, revealed the news to Gerry in a video shared on social media.
"Marina's had a situation with her family back home. She's no longer here now, but she did want the opportunity to speak to you if that's OK," Jesse informed Gerry before calling Marina on FaceTime.
"The thing I wanted to tell you, I'm a single mom, and I had to choose my family and support my family's needs at this time," Marina told Gerry.
She added, "I am sorry that I had to leave, but at the same time, I had to get my priorities straight."
"I fully understand the commitment to family overrides just about everything else," Gerry answered Marina. "I really respect you for doing what you've done. I agree with you 100 percent that you need to put your family's needs before everything else."
Who are the contestants vying for Gerry Turner's heart on 'The Golden Bachelor'?
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Marina quit willingly for family reasons, leaving just 12 ladies running in the competition.
Gerry stated to the contestants, "I have strong feelings for all of you."
Gerry had previously given roses to Theresa Nist and Nancy Hulkower after their first one-on-one and group dates of the season.
He also gave roses to Leslie Fhima, Joan Yvonne Vassos, Edith Aguirre, Ellen Goltzer, Sandra Mason, Susan Noles, Christina Kempton, Faith Martin, April Kirkwood, and Kathy Swarts at the event.
'The Golden Bachelor' airs every Thursday on ABC at 8 pm ET.