Bachelor Nation
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Star Jonathon Johnson Speaks Out About Negative Comments in Birthday Post
Happy Birthday to Bachelor Nation’s favorite Medium King!
On August 5, 2025, Jonathon Johnson chose to celebrate his 29th birthday by clearing the air with all of the viewers voicing their opinions about his time on Bachelor in Paradise.
Via Instagram Story, Jonathon spoke directly to his followers with messages presented on a series of throwback photos. The Season 21 The Bachelorette star stated, “There are mixed opinions about my time on [Bachelor in Paradise] so far so I wanna clear the air… I was in a bad mental place going into filming and I should’ve stayed home, but I waited 10 months…”
As fans may remember, Jonathon was one of the first members of Bachelor Nation to be invited to Bachelor in Paradise on the “After the Final Rose” episode of Jenn Tran‘s Bachelorette season.
While he does not explicitly share the cause of his “bad mental state,” he shared, “Being disappointed in me and wondering why I’m friend-zoning everyone is absolutely VALID! It’s incredibly hard to watch myself back in a bad place, I’m disappointed too!” However, he did add, “I friend-zoned a few people because I know exactly what I’m looking for.”
According to the star, he is no stranger to being in the friend zone himself. “I also got friend-zoned by 2 women, and took it very well because I understand that just because you like someone, doesn’t mean they have to like you back!” This was clearly the case for his breakups with both Bachelor in Paradise star Alexe Godin and Jenn.
Reflecting, Jonathon claimed, “Maybe I think too realistic for an unrealistic environment, but I’m not the guy to fake it for the camera. When you see me with a girl, know that it’s REAL.”
Jonathon Johnson / Instagram
In conclusion, Jonathon told fans, “You can be upset with me or you can support me, but today… TODAY I’m celebrating 29 years on this earth and just know that however you feel about me TODAY, I still love you ❤️.”
Jonathon Johnson / Instagram
This birthday reflection comes after members of Bachelor Nation took to Reddit referring to Jonathon as “cringe,” and “so into himself,” based on his lack of consistent connection on Bachelor in Paradise. At this point, the former Bachelorette star has dated everyone from Alli Jo Hinkes and Jill Chin to Alexe Godin and Lea Cayanan.
However, it’s clear that while negative comments can seem louder than others, the majority of Bachelor Nation views Jonathon as not just a solid guy, but a fan-favorite contestant. That being said, we’re proud to wish Jonathon a very happy birthday!
Do you think Jonathon will find love on this season of Bachelor in Paradise? Comment below!
Bachelor in Paradise, Season 10, Mondays at 8/7c, ABC
