Booze, Sex and Legal Drama: How the 'Bachelor' Scandal Could Reshape Reality TV

June 21, 2017Media Mention
The Hollywood Reporter

In a statement, Olympios said she doesn't remember what happened, but sources insist the fan favorite appears to be "lucid" in the footage from that day, and neither party thought anything questionable had happened between them until they were later filled in by producers and castmembers.

So who, if anyone, is potentially liable?

"Anyone can unwittingly commit sexual assault if there isn't informed and proper consent," says criminal defense lawyer Priya Sopori. Here, because both parties had consumed alcohol, there is a chance that each was too intoxicated to realize the other couldn't consent. Sopori explains that, while it might sound strange, "It's possible that both parties can claim that they were sexually assaulted if they were both in a position in which they were unable to give consent."

Olympios, who is represented by litigator Marty Singer, says she holds the show responsible for what happened, not Jackson. For his part, Jackson says he has lost his job because of the damage this situation has caused his reputation.