The debut season ofThe Golden Bachelorhas been full of surprises, but none more shocking than a contestant skipping her daughter’s wedding to be on the show.In this week’s episode, Sandra, a 75-year-old retired executive assistant, told leading man and former restaurateurGerry Turner, 72, that it was “something my daughter and I discussed early on.”“She said, ‘Mom, I’ve got my guy. I want you to go get yours,’ ” the contestant recalled.“I feel very flattered, but that’s a big event,” Turner responded before the two FaceTimed Sandra’s daughter.Gerry Turner and Sandra on “The Golden Bachelor”.ABC/John Fleenor“I think you’re the best,” Sandra told the father of two.After struggling to set up the call, she joked that they were “too old for this.” But they managed to congratulate the newlyweds.“That was so sweet of him,” Sandra later said of Turner. “He’s always full of these sweet surprises and he’s so thoughtful. This man is something different.”Gerry Turner and Sandra on “The Golden Bachelor.".John Fleenor/ABCHowever, a firestorm of reactions — both critical and supportive — erupted on social media. Some claimed Sandra’s decision was inappropriate while others defended the contestant who has emerged as a fan favorite.“Sorry did Sandra say that she’s here on this silly television program instead of being at her daughter’s wedding?????” a user wrote onX(formerly known as Twitter).Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest storiesRushing to her defense, a different viewerwrote, “If anyone tries to trash talk Sandra bc of this LEAVE HER ALONE.”“Clearly there’s a generational gap but I just don’t get how Gerry sees Sandra missing her kid’s wedding as a green flag,” another fanwrote.Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty ImagesDuring an interview withGood Morning Americain September, Turner opened up about being thefirst-everGolden Bachelorstar.“It’s never too late to fall in love again,” he said at the time. “Don’t give up, there’s always possibilities.“The Golden Bachelorairs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The debut season ofThe Golden Bachelorhas been full of surprises, but none more shocking than a contestant skipping her daughter’s wedding to be on the show.
In this week’s episode, Sandra, a 75-year-old retired executive assistant, told leading man and former restaurateurGerry Turner, 72, that it was “something my daughter and I discussed early on.”
“She said, ‘Mom, I’ve got my guy. I want you to go get yours,’ ” the contestant recalled.
“I feel very flattered, but that’s a big event,” Turner responded before the two FaceTimed Sandra’s daughter.
Gerry Turner and Sandra on “The Golden Bachelor”.ABC/John Fleenor
ABC/John Fleenor
“I think you’re the best,” Sandra told the father of two.
After struggling to set up the call, she joked that they were “too old for this.” But they managed to congratulate the newlyweds.
“That was so sweet of him,” Sandra later said of Turner. “He’s always full of these sweet surprises and he’s so thoughtful. This man is something different.”
Gerry Turner and Sandra on “The Golden Bachelor.".John Fleenor/ABC
John Fleenor/ABC
However, a firestorm of reactions — both critical and supportive — erupted on social media. Some claimed Sandra’s decision was inappropriate while others defended the contestant who has emerged as a fan favorite.
“Sorry did Sandra say that she’s here on this silly television program instead of being at her daughter’s wedding?????” a user wrote onX(formerly known as Twitter).
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories
Rushing to her defense, a different viewerwrote, “If anyone tries to trash talk Sandra bc of this LEAVE HER ALONE.”
“Clearly there’s a generational gap but I just don’t get how Gerry sees Sandra missing her kid’s wedding as a green flag,” another fanwrote.
Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images
During an interview withGood Morning Americain September, Turner opened up about being thefirst-everGolden Bachelorstar.
“It’s never too late to fall in love again,” he said at the time. “Don’t give up, there’s always possibilities.”
The Golden Bachelorairs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
