Bachelor in Paradise has officially revealed its cast for the upcoming Season 10, and one cast member that fans don’t seem too welcoming towards is the former The Bachelorette star, Sam McKinney.
McKinney is no stranger to fans of the dating reality TV franchise, as he has previously starred in Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette in 2024. And though he made a strong first impression, he struggled to maintain it and ultimately became one of the season’s villains, a label that still sticks with him among many viewers.
Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 cast reveals several familiar faces
Bachelor in Paradise is returning with Season 10 after a brief hiatus, and ABC has recently revealed its cast lineup. And it includes several familiar faces and some surprising ones, sparking significant buzz and controversy among fans.
The new cast features former Bachelor contestants such as Alexe-Anne Godin, Bailey Brown, Jessica Edwards, Katherine Izzo, Lexi Young, and Zoe McGrady.
Also joining are several former Bachelorette stars from various seasons, including Spencer Conley, Sam McKinney, Riquerdy Marinez, Kyle Howard, Justin Glaze, Jonathan Johnson, Jeremy Simon, Hakeem Moulton, Brian Autz, and notably, Dale Moss.
Season 10 is reportedly the first to feature cast members not only from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but also from The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette, with Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston expected to make appearances.
These are just a few of the names revealed so far, with more cast members expected to be announced soon, as per Variety. Jesse Palmer will return as host, alongside former Bachelorette Hannah Brown, who will serve as the new ‘Head of Paradise Relations’ this season.
Sam McKinney becomes a controversial cast member in Bachelor in Paradise Season 10
While the return of Bachelor in Paradise is exciting for fans who’ve been eagerly awaiting its comeback, some names in the new lineup have sparked controversy, particularly that of Sam McKinney.
McKinney first gained recognition during Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette, where he quickly drew criticism for his behavior. Whether it was disregarding others’ feelings or blaming his actions on the show’s edit, he left a negative impression on many viewers.
He initially captured attention in Season 21 with a heartfelt story about past heartbreak and his desire to find true love. His connection with Jenn also appeared strong at first, built on chemistry and emotional vulnerability.
However, things quickly went downhill. McKinney clashed with fellow contestants, questioned Jenn’s suitability as the Bachelorette, and openly admitted she wasn’t his type, saying he had expected someone else to be the lead.
Unsurprisingly, Jenn Tran sent him home. And both viewers and contestants widely labeled him a villain, and his exit was met with approval from the audience.
The backlash didn’t stop there. After his elimination, McKinney’s family and friends defended him on social media, claiming he had received a ‘bad edit.’ Jenn, however, stood firm, stating that no one is forced into a villain role. It’s simply about how they behave on camera.
Now, despite the chaos he stirred previously, the decision to bring McKinney back for Bachelor in Paradise is being met with mixed reactions, making him one of the most controversial casting choices of the new season.
Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 will premiere on July 7, 2025.
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