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Gerry Turner’s decision to choose Theresa Nist as his future partner in The Golden Bachelor series finale came as a surprise to many viewers. The couple tied the knot in a televised ceremony, watched by millions who had followed their journey throughout the reality show.
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However, his choice raised eyebrows, particularly since he picked Nist over fellow finalist Leslie Fhima, to whom Turner had previously hinted that she could be the one. Many found this move questionable, especially given his comments to Theresa Nist, which some interpreted as a subtle jab at Fhima.
Why Gerry Turner Chose Theresa Nist in The Golden Bachelor Finale
The first season of The Golden Bachelor ended on an emotional note, with Gerry Turner facing a tough choice between two finalists, Theresa Nist and Leslie Fhima. Many fans were rooting for Leslie, especially after Gerry told her during their fantasy suite date, “I think you’re the one.”
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However, she was left in tears when Gerry ultimately chose Theresa, breaking her heart. “I have fallen in love with Theresa, and that’s the direction I’m going to take,” he told Leslie, leaving her devastated. In the finale, Gerry proposes to Theresa, expressing,
I came to the realization that you’re not the right person for me to live with… You’re the person that I can’t live without — I’m never going to stop believing that every day, I choose you.
Throughout the show, Gerry acknowledged their mutual experiences of loss, which might have deepened their bond. He lost his beloved wife in 2017 after marrying his high school sweetheart, while Theresa was married to Billy Nist for 42 years before his passing in 2014.
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Despite their shared history of grief, the couple did not remain together long after their televised wedding ceremony, announcing their split shortly the marriage.
However, the proposal and the possibility that Turner chose Nist over Fhima potentially due to their shared experiences of loss, coupled with some alleged remarks have left fans furious which they believed to be a subtle dig at Fhima.
Gerry Turner’s Choice of Theresa Nist in The Golden Bachelor Finale Sparks Controversy Among Fans
Taking to Reddit, one fan expressed their discontent with Gerry Turner’s reasoning for choosing Theresa Nist over Leslie Fhima. The user pointed out that Gerry remarked on subtle qualities in Theresa that made him believe she understood how to nurture a relationship, likely stemming from her long marriage to Billy.
Gerry’s reason for what happened didn’t sit right with me.
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“I felt like that was a direct dig at Leslie,” the Redditor stated, suggesting that Gerry’s comments implied Leslie might lack the same depth of understanding or relationship experience.
These remarks sparked criticism from fans, who felt it unfairly highlighted the differences in Leslie’s background, considering she had been married and divorced twice.
Many sympathized with Leslie’s emotional journey during The Golden Bachelor finale, arguing that she faced unjust scrutiny regarding her past. Some even mentioned that “she dodged a bullet,” potentially alluding to the subsequent split between Turner and Nist.
When confronted about the “false hopes” he may have given Leslie after telling her she was “the one,” Gerry responded on Good Morning America, saying, “I really have no response to that other than at that moment that’s sort of how I felt.”
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Leslie Fhima has since moved on, starting new dance classes and spending quality time with family and friends. In an appearance on the Playing the Field podcast, she was asked if she would consider giving Gerry a second chance.
“I care a lot about him but… I’m no one’s second choice,” she said before adding, “That window’s closed for me.” Despite the heartbreak, Leslie described her experience on the reality show as life-changing.
The Golden Bachelor is available to watch on Hulu.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire