Why was Tino's dad missing from the 'After the Final Rose' special? Joe Franco opens up about 'The Bachelorette' finale
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rachel Recchia had just one suitor left before part two of 'The Bachelorette' finale, Tino Franco, but it hadn't been easy with the Franco family - on or off-screen. Following Rachel's visit to the Franco residence, the family was subjected to a barrage of social media grilling, forcing one of them to miss the 'After The Final Rose' special.
Before meeting his parents at his hometown date, Rachel was all in after handing Franco her first impression rose. While in California, she sobbed claiming that Tino's parents, Joe and Sandi, "hated" her. For his part, Tino made an effort to persuade the co-lead that his parents were simply uneasy with the concept of the ABC show and that they would like her if they spent time together off camera. Joe responded to the episode on Facebook later. He then spoke of Tino's brother's childhood cancer battle before responding to remarks regarding their appearances once again.
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When Tino departed for filming, his parents expected he'd be back in a few weeks, so what were his odds of making it to the final four? It was slim to none in their opinion. Imagine their amazement when ABC executives contacted them to say that they would be arriving with a camera team. The biggest surprise occurred when they were all over the press for not being polite to Rachel or for doubting if the process would work outside the Love Bubble. And, to add fuel to fire, everyone appeared to believe Joe was being cruel on social media when he was simply being hilarious with his dry sense of humor.
Why was Joe missing from the After The Final Rose special?
Joe's family placed him in social media exile until the finale of 'The Bachelorette,' but they failed to take away his microphone! The day before 'The Bachelorette Finale' on ABC aired, Joe was interviewed on the 'Honestly Unfiltered' podcast to talk about the drama. He said that he had never watched more than an episode or two of the show, thinking it was better that way, so they were more natural for the hometown. When the producers came for the hometown date, it was all business; but they were helpful in the preparation. He very candidly said, "We brought some reality to reality television." He noted that when they were requested to appear on the show, they had no game plan. Everything happened in an instant. People were swayed because they did not know him personally. He was most worried by the perception that he was bullying Rachel. Rachel, he says, was quite clever and could hold her own. He never wanted to dismiss her emotions. Joe, it turns out, was misunderstood. He couldn't be nicer!
In response to the social media backlash from the 'Bachelor Nation' and fans, Joe stated that he asked the same questions that any father would. "Why didn't the other parents ask the same?" he said. He was worried about Tino and claimed to know how honest his kid was. He said, "If he is going to propose, I think he's gonna take it all the way."
In response to the unwavering question from 'Bachelor Nation' about why the Franco family was not there for the 'After The Final Rose' special, Joe stated that they considered it was Tino's to handle (referring to Tino's infidelity that led to Rachel breaking off their engagement). Tino's mother, Sandi, went to 'ATFR', but the family decided it would be better if Joe stayed home. Nonetheless, they continue to support their son. Joe clarifies that he was not bothered by the cameras. He said that his son, Tino, owns what he did and was very sorry it happened. Joe, however, owned what he said at the hometown and doesn't take it back.
