Bachelor in Paradise's Hannah Brown says Jess made 'the right choice' at rose ceremony

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 Paradise's new locale, her White Lotus-esque role at the resort, the Spencer-Jess-Sam love triangle, and more.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Congrats on being named Head of Paradise Relations. How did you negotiate that title?

HANNAH BROWN: It just came to me. [Laughs] I was so ecstatic when I got the call asking if I wanted to be a part of Bachelor in Paradise. I've obviously had my time on Bachelor and Bachelorette, so to be able to experience Paradise in this way, in this season of life and be able to maybe shed some wisdom of what to do, and a lot of what not to do, for the cast was really fun. I love my role because it's kind of just up in the air of what I'm going to do every day… I basically just try to keep the vibes right. If you watch The White Lotus and have seen the concierge that just shows up randomly, that's me.

Kat talked about online bullying she dealt with last time she was on Paradise. Since we’re early in the season, I’d like to ask you to speak directly to Bachelor Nation and explain why we're not going to tolerate it this season.

I’m somebody who has experienced it firsthand. What I love about Bachelor Nation is they are so invested in our love stories and for the most part, they are rooting us on. But there are a few people that forget that the comments that they put out there, real people read them. They're not characters on TV, they're not playing a role. It's people being their most authentic self. And being vulnerable doesn't always mean that you're right. None of us are good or bad, and you don't know the full person. Words have power, so when you call somebody names or send out threats, that energy is really hurtful. So, just be kind.

Sam and Jess had an energy-cleansing ritual as their first date. What does this franchise have against something simple like drinks and dinner?

I mean, heck, I don't know! They won't let us eat on camera. I just want a burger and some fries and a beer. [Laughs] I will say on a first date, I think it is great to have some type of activity because there's sometimes a lot of nerves [and] if you're doing an activity, it can lower the nerves. And this is not just the first date that we typically go on in the real world, this is in Paradise. We only have so much time in Paradise to make a connection, and so to help drop the guard and be able to get to that place faster, I think there's a rhyme and reason to it. 

Hakeem and Ricky got into an argument during the sticker exercise — what role do you think that played in them both going home?

I don't know how much that really played into the role of them not getting to continue on in their journey; they just really didn't have a true connection there. And that's okay. But it definitely didn't help. [Laughs]

Why do you think Jess chose Spencer over Sam at the rose ceremony? Do you think it was the right choice?

Jess and Spencer hit it off right from the beginning. I think Jess and Sam definitely had chemistry and potential, but it was clear to me that Jess already felt some sort of loyalty to seeing things further with Spencer. I think both are great guys for Jess, and I think she made the right choice for her in the moment. Only time will tell!

Were you surprised that Lexi put her concerns about Justin aside and chose him at the rose ceremony? 

Not really. Justin was the only person Lexi seemed to have any connection with, so it made complete sense to me for her to give him the rose to have a bit more time sussing out those concerns and getting to know Justin better.

Of course, the previews reveal that Justin's ex, Susie, is headed to Paradise, which is diabolical. What can you tease about how that will play out?

Oh my gosh, it's definitely going to rock the boat. Obviously, there are relationships that have happened outside of Paradise that will be tested, and there’s tension there what we’ll get to see. It was definitely a shock and it makes for really entertaining TV.

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