The Golden Bachelor star Theresa Nist may have fallen for Gerry Turner on the Bachelor Nation spin-off’s inaugural season, but I know she was just as fooled by the lead as the rest of us. Throughout The Golden Bachelor season 1, Theresa got to know Gerry through some intense dates and cocktail parties. While The Golden Bachelor was praised for its authenticity and the stark difference from the other Bachelor shows in the franchise, the spin-off had one inauthentic lead at its center. With a similar tone to the rest of the franchise, the Golden lead caused some major issues.

While Gerry was presented to Bachelor Nation as a sweet, supportive grandfather looking to meet someone he could spend his second act with, some credible reports came out around the finale that tarnished his reputation. An ex-girlfriend of Gerry’s came forward with information about The Golden Bachelor lead, sharing he wasn’t as kind as he appeared. Even so, Theresa and Gerry’s relationship continued on and the pair were married in a live TV ceremony just a few weeks after the allegations surfaced. Divorcing just three months later, Gerry’s inauthentic brand of vulnerability tricked his Golden Bachelor wife along with viewers.

Theresa Was Hopeful She’d Found True Love On The Golden Bachelor

She Was Ready To Settle Down With Gerry

When she joined The Golden Bachelor cast, Theresa was hopeful that she’d be able to find someone to spend the rest of her life with. A widower who’d lost her beloved husband in the years prior, Theresa had mourned her loss and was hopeful she’d be able to connect with Gerry over their mutual experiences. While Theresa’s relationship with Gerry wasn’t easy, she felt that she had something genuine with The Golden Bachelor lead, especially after meeting each other’s families. Theresa was ready to figure out the next steps of her life with Gerry, hopeful they’d create new memories together.

Gerry’s Scandalous Past Was A Surprise To Theresa

His Behavior Was Shocking For His New Fiance

Although she likely knew about the story before it was released, Theresa was just as surprised about the accusations against Gerry as the rest of Bachelor Nation was. When it was revealed that Gerry had lived with a woman after his wife died, kicked her out of his home while she was injured, and hidden their relationship in public like an odd power move, she was floored. Though she tried to be supportive of Gerry in a difficult moment and rejected the rumors at the time, the behavior itself was a shocking turn from the Gerry she’d gotten to know.

Theresa Was The Person Gerry Fooled The Most

He Pulled The Wool Over Her Eyes

While Theresa had more access to Gerry than anyone during and after The Golden Bachelor, I believe she was fooled more than anyone by Gerry’s persona. Falling in love with someone in a reality TV pressure cooker, Theresa seemed certain that Gerry was the right person for her as she continued in their journey, even marrying him in the month after the scandal broke. Although she seemed firm in her decisions, I think Theresa was hoodwinked by Gerry after their engagement and during the run of The Golden Bachelor. His behavior led her to make decisions she normally would’ve avoided.