'The Bachelor' Jason Mesnick Responds to His Critics

Copyright 2009 Craig Sjodin/ ABC / ABC
On “The Bachelor”’s After the Final Rose Part II, Jason Mesnick explained his controversial decision to dump winner Melissa Rycroft for runner-up Molly Malaney.

“I followed my heart, I followed my head, and even though I had to hurt people along the way, I feel I did it with integrity,” Jason said. “I did what I felt was right and I stand by that decision.”

Jason was joined on the TV special by Molly, who was candid about the consequences of her and Jason’s renewed love, saying, “There’s a lot of rumors going around about me and my morals are being questioned, which is unfortunate.”

The couple, who kissed and cuddled on the couch on Tuesday night’s special, say they’ve talked extensively on the phone and have seen each other a “handful of weekends” since Jason chose Molly over Melissa six weeks ago (as seen on the episode that aired Monday night), and Molly revealed she is moving to Jason’s hometown of Seattle.

“Things are going well. I don’t regret the way things came to be,” Molly said. “We have a stronger appreciation for each other going through everything that we did.”

“She’s great for me and great for [my son] Ty,” Jason said, adding that although not everyone will agree with his and Molly’s romance, “I hope everybody can look and see that we followed our hearts.”

Published 3/4/09 by the Insider

Comments (131)

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  • hello i am happy you i kiiiiss thank you i am friends barkat i algeria
    barkat 9/25/09 Reply
  • Although I think Jason was a d*ck for rejecting Molly at the end...I think he's made the right choice of going back to her! I felt sorry for Molly for having to go through the heartache of being rejected on international tv lol! Anyway, I think...
    Anonymous 7/31/09 Reply
  • i feel u did the right thing if this is not one of ur mind games.
    Anonymous 4/8/09 Reply
  • I pray that both of you are happy and that Ty is happy. Keep God in the middle of your relationship and you will do just fine. You look so happy..but you have to work on it 24/7..love has to be nurtured to grow. Good Luck...Green Eyed Granny in...
    Anonymous 4/2/09 Reply
  • Howdy Gang! Its ME - JASON MESNICK - Your FAVORITE BACHELOR

    I am seriously doing a radio show in Seattle and I need all my fans to write in and call in here is the info:

    Jason S Mesnick
    13426 NE 136th Pl
    Kirkland, WA 98034
    4258255834

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    Anonymous 4/1/09 Reply
  • Jason...not cool breaking up on TV...but you got the right girl in the end. Best of luck!
    Anonymous 3/29/09 Reply
  • I see, my opinion is to make a decision earlier the better, rather than to marry someone you find out you are not compatible and you have nothing in common, onething is you can't live together if you have nothing to say each other, after a few week...
    Anonymous 3/29/09 Reply
  • Hi Jason & Molly,
    I was hoping you would pick Molly. I was so disappointed that you picked Melissa but you came to your senses in the long run. I wish you both a world of happiness. Molly, you are a special girl. So down to earth & self confident....
    Anonymous 3/27/09 Reply
  • you jason, melissa was right you are a in bastard. you broke melissa's heart and I hope she finds her love someday. you dont deserve to be with someone after what you did to melissa. i dont give a if you followed your heart or not, but you shouldve...
    Anonymous 3/27/09 Reply
  • I am glad Jason changed his mine and got together with Molly. I didn't like Melissa from the star, she is not real. She wants to be a star. I hope she doesn't win dancing with the star, if she does, I will mot watch it anymore.
    Anonymous 3/24/09 Reply
  • Dear Jason and Mollie,

    Congratulations!
    I am so glad that you followed your hearts.
    You are a very special couple. My best wishes always. Paula
    Anonymous 3/22/09 Reply
  • PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THEIR MIND.BUT THERE IS A RIGHT WAY AND THERE IS A WRONG WAY. AND HE DID IT THE WRONG WAY.BUT YOU CAN LOOK AT HIM AND TELL HE'S NOT STABLE.HE IS GOING TO BREAK MOLLY'S HEART.IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME. AND MOLLY...
    Anonymous 3/21/09 Reply
  • I do enjoy the show the Bachelor..... There are alot of jerks in real life we don't need a show woth a jerk like Jason Mesnick on it.
    Anonymous 3/19/09 Reply
  • Dancing With The Stars judge Bruno had it right about jason mesnick the Bachelor he is a looser and whats up with all the kissing in public who are they or he trying to convince that thir in love themselves or the public well its not working... and...
    Anonymous 3/19/09 Reply
  • Okay people, lets cut to the core. This is a reality show, the point is for us viewers to watch what happens - all of it. So is what Jason did wrong? Maybe, but it is real life. If these people did not want their lives exposed on TV they shouldn't...
    Anonymous 3/19/09 Reply