Bachelor host Jesse Palmer's cheeks are still sore after chubby bunny match with Grant

The host also reacts to the Carolina drama at the "Women Tell All" reunion.

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Published on March 11, 2025 08:00AM EDT
Jesse Palmer and Grant Ellis play chubby bunny on 'The Bachelor: The Women Tell All'. Credit:ABC
Each week during The Bachelor, host Jesse Palmer will answer a few questions about Grant's "journey" to find "love." Today, Jesse shares his thoughts via email about the Women Tell All reunion, including Carolina's clash with the other contestants, Dina's admission about hometowns, and that "chubby bunny" contest with Grant.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Hosting the Women Tell All is almost like running a marathon (or herding cats) — what's your training regimen like?

JESSE PALMER: I scatter treats all over our house and then unleash our dog LouLou, while blasting heavy metal music on the speakers. I’m not allowed to drink water, and I give myself two hours to herd her back into her crate.  

It was so sweet to see the message from Sarafiena's mom, Velma, saying how proud she is of her daughter. Please tell us you weren't teasing when you suggested she could be a good addition to the next season of The Golden Bachelor?

I absolutely love and adore Velma! I love how close she is to Sarafiena and I think she would make a wonderful addition to the Golden Ladies cast!

Velma has a message for Sarafiena on 'The Bachelor: The Women Tell All'.ABC
A lot of the conversation at the reunion centered on Carolina. She feels like the women unfairly targeted her, and the women feel like she didn't take accountability for how her actions affected their time with Grant. After listening to this (often very loud) debate, what's your opinion about who was in the wrong?

I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Carolina is justified in sharing her own truths and concerns. She was always very upfront and honest about her feelings throughout. The women also have a right to feel frustrated about how the drama affected their time with Grant. 

Jesse Palmer and Dina on 'The Bachelor: The Women Tell All'.ABC
I was surprised when Dina revealed that she was the one who decided not to have her family on the hometown date with Grant. What was your reaction to that news?

I commend Dina for being so open with me and sharing that information. I can appreciate how difficult of a decision that must have been for her in the moment.

Congrats on breaking Grant's chubby bunny record after bragging that you could. Was there a spit bucket behind your chair, or did you chew and swallow all those marshmallows?

There was a spit bucket. I had to drink a liter of water during commercial break. My cheeks have been sore ever since, but winning on national TV made it all worth it. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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