The Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner Under Fire After Posting Happy Photos From Indiana Fundraiser

Summary

• Gerry Turner faced backlash from Bachelor Nation for his behavior since The Golden Bachelor, including his divorce from winner Theresa Nist.
• Despite enjoying a fundraiser in Indiana, Gerry received criticism on social media, with some fans not ready to see him move forward.
• While Theresa Nist has been thriving post-divorce, Gerry Turner has faced continued criticism for his behavior post-Golden Bachelor.

The Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner is under fire from Bachelor Nation after posting photos of himself enjoying a classic Indiana fundraiser. Gerry, who was introduced to Bachelor Nation during The Golden Bachelor season 1, has become a controversial figure in the franchise. While Gerry was meant to be a hopeful symbol of second chances for Bachelor Nation, his backstory was exaggerated to make him seem like a gentler, more wholesome person than he’s reportedly been since his late wife’s death. Gerry’s nature was questioned even further after his marriage to Golden Bachelor winner Theresa Nist ended after three months.

In a recent Instagram post, Gerry shared his visit to an Indiana fundraiser, where he shared some happy moments with different groups of people attending the event. “The Annual Poker Run on Big Long Lake shows the best of Indiana culture,” Gerry shared. “Great friends coming together for fun and fundraising.” While Gerry appeared to be enjoying himself in the photos, some Bachelor Nation fans weren’t happy to see the former Golden Bachelor having a good time.

“I like the picture posted by Theresa’s daughter at the beach better. On the boardwalk for some ice cream, etc.,” @colter451 commented, bringing up Gerry’s soon-to-be ex-wife’s Instagram post with her family. User @smelaws kept it simple, sharing, “Gary doesn’t tell the truth.” Though some comments were positive and well-wishing, there were many that made it clear some aren’t ready to see Gerry move forward.

Should The Golden Bachelor Fans Move On From Criticizing Gerry Turner?

While The Golden Bachelor season 1 was a learning experience for both Bachelor Nation and the production team behind the series, the show’s outcome and aftermath have led to more criticism than the series itself produced while it was on. After Gerry and Theresa’s very public wedding, the couple were hounded by fans and critics alike when it became clear that there were issues in their marriage. By the time Gerry and Theresa announced their divorce, just three months after their live wedding special aired on ABC, they were already receiving criticism, but things have ramped up after the divorce.

As Gerry has continued to post on social media and share how his life is going after the whirlwind of The Golden Bachelor, many have been far more critical of his actions than Theresa’s. Gerry, who was exposed for having lied about not dating after his wife died, has gotten the brunt of the hate, but after his divorce from Theresa, it feels like some are simply looking for things to be angry about when it comes to the former Golden Bachelor star. Now that the dust has settled from the divorce, Gerry deserves a break from the criticism.

Gerry Turner’s Golden Bachelor Controversy, Explained

While Gerry has been spending the majority of his time trying to rehabilitate his image after The Golden Bachelor, the controversies that have followed him in the last several months haven’t left the minds of most viewers. During the end of his time as The Golden Bachelor, Gerry was exposed for having been in a relationship prior to appearing on the series. While the relationship itself had its own issues, many were upset because Gerry had been marketed to the public as someone who hadn’t dated seriously after his wife of nearly 40 years had passed years before the show.

Though Gerry wasn’t being honest about his relationships, some were more concerned about the details that came out surrounding the relationship he was exposed for having. Gerry’s ex, who chose to stay anonymous, shared that she was dealing with some terrible behavior from the future Golden Bachelor during their relationship. Gerry, who has been known for his gentle, kind nature, was depicted as a neglectful, mean partner who struggled to show compassion in difficult times. He also seemed to be insistent on hiding the relationship, which made it clear that he wasn’t serious about finding a real, lasting romantic connection.

Theresa Has Been Moving On Post-Divorce, Too

While Gerry has been dealing with this controversial comeback story, Theresa has been processing the events of The Golden Bachelor, her short-lived marriage, and the aftermath of her newfound fame. Though Theresa always seemed to be a bit quieter than Gerry, living life mostly out of the spotlight, her time since The Golden Bachelor has been filled with new opportunities. Honing her skills as a social media star, Theresa has been open and honest about her experiences online, which has been garnering her favor with Bachelor Nation and the media alike. Theresa has been benefiting from the attention like Gerry.

Though many have been looking for reasons to pick Gerry apart, there has been a bit more grace given to Theresa, who hasn’t had past actions to be held accountable for like her ex-husband. Since announcing her divorce from Gerry, Theresa has been spending her time with family, re-connecting with her children & grandchildren, and making new connections in her home in New Jersey. Recently, Theresa shared that her daughter is pregnant with another grandchild, so she has been focusing her time on caring for her family in the way that only a grandparent can, thriving after a tough time.

With The Golden Bachelorette on the horizon, the stars of TheGolden Bachelor should be getting a break from the media frenzy that surrounded them during the series. While Gerry’s behavior and personality may have been difficult for some to deal with, the fact that he’s had to answer to the public about his personal life surrounding his wife’s death and his life after, it’s likely been harder for him to handle the criticism than it’s been for Bachelor Nation to reconcile with his true personality. Hopefully, there’s less criticism for The Golden Bachelor star moving forward.

Sources: Gerry Turner/Instagram, Theresa Nist/Instagram