‘Bachelor in Paradise’ star hires lawyer

Three days after ABC’s “Bachelor in Paradise” suspended production to investigate alleged misconduct on set, cast member Corinne Olympios has spoken out about the incident that led to the show’s shutdown, calling it her “worst nightmare” and saying she hopes to obtain justice. She has hired Marty Singer, a powerful Hollywood lawyer.

Throughout the last few days, reports have flown back and forth between the tabloids, and host Chris Harrison cautioned fans about “all the rumors and misinformation being put out there.” But based on multiple reports, the shutdown appears to stem from an incident on set in the pool between Olympios and DeMario Jackson; after a producer reportedly filed a complaint, production stopped and all of the cast members were sent home.

Quoting anonymous sources, People magazine reported that the show allegedly filmed “a drunk sexual encounter with a female contestant who may have been too intoxicated to consent.” On Wednesday afternoon, Olympios released a statement through her publicist:

“I am a victim and have spent the last week trying to make sense of what happened on June 4. Although I have little memory of that night, something bad obviously took place, which I understand is why production on the show has now been suspended and a producer on the show has filed a complaint against the production. … As I pursue the details and facts surrounding that night and the immediate days after, I have retained a group of professionals to ensure that what happened on June 4 comes to light …”

A few hours later, Jackson released his own statement: “It’s unfortunate that my character and family name has been assassinated this past week with false claims and malicious allegations. I will be taking swift and appropriate legal action until my name is cleared and, per the advice of legal counsel, will be seeking all available remedies entitled to me under the laws.”