Bachelor in Paradise's Hannah Brown says it's 'hard to watch' Dale lie to Kat

Each week during  Bachelor in Paradise, Head of Paradise relations (and former Bachelorette) Hannah Brown will answer a few questions about the cast's "journey" to find "love." Today, Hannah shares her thoughts on the mating dance competition, Jill's departure, and more.


ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Hannah, how long did it take you to recover from judging that "mating dance" competition? Also, tell us about some of the wild antics that we maybe didn't see in the episode.

HANNAH BROWN: I have seriously loved getting to jump into some of the competitions with Wells this season — and this one was definitely one-of-a-kind! I think my favorite part had to be watching everyone make their big entrance. Like, the outfits? The confidence? The choices?! Kim was tossing feathers at us like he was headlining Vegas, and Sean... oh my gosh, he legit threw his underwear at us. I can’t make this stuff up!

Why did you ultimately decide to crown Brian and Parisa as the winners?

Not only did they totally nail the whole mating costume thing and match perfectly, but they were just so dang cute and romantic the entire time! You could really feel that fun, electric energy buzzing between them during the challenge. Since they’ve been such a solid couple these past few weeks, that VIP suite was definitely well-earned. But... from what we saw, the night took a bit of a twist, and it kind of seems like Parisa wishes they hadn’t gotten all that alone time together.

Jill chose to leave because she was tired of being friend-zoned. How would you have handled the situation if you were in her position? Would it have been worth it for her to stay and see what other guys arrived in Paradise?

I just adore Jill, and while part of me wishes she would've stuck around to see if any other connections could’ve sparked, I totally get why she made the choice to leave. From the first rose she received with Justin leaving, to knowing that four girls were originally supposed to go home? Girl took control of her story and left on her terms — and honestly, I respect the heck out of that.

Can we just take a minute to discuss Faith helping Kathy overcome her fear of horses? What was your reaction to watching that?

I have to say — that was hands down my favorite part of the whole episode! I just loved seeing these two amazing women show up for each other like that. It was so sweet, so real... just everything. And y’all — Kathy repeatedly yelling “I can’t hear you!” while on that horse? I was cracking up. Like, I had to rewind it. 

The Dale and Kat saga continues. This week, Dale denied saying he wanted to go on a date to "see if Kat sweats" — even though he's literally on camera saying it. You are a strong, take-no-BS woman, so how hard was it for you to watch Kat get lied to and manipulated by Dale?

That was so hard to watch. And when they rolled back the tapes and we actually saw him say it? Whew. I can only imagine how tough that must’ve been for Kat, too. My heart really goes out to her. When you’re filming, you're just trying to stay in the moment and trust what people are telling you — but then you watch it all play out on TV and learn the truth? It’s rough.

Bachelor in Paradise airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.