Amid ongoing speculation about the unusual yellow hue of Joey Graziadei’s eyes during this season of “The Bachelor,” the tennis pro took to his verified Instagram account to shed light on the matter.
Mr. Graziadei recounted the diagnostic process, noting that blood tests had revealed elevated bilirubin levels, prompting further medical investigation. “So we went and got a liver ultrasound,” he shared, detailing subsequent consultations with health care professionals that ultimately ruled out more serious liver ailments like hepatitis.
According to medical experts such as the Mayo Clinic, Gilbert syndrome is a relatively common and harmless liver disorder characterized by impaired bilirubin processing.
“It’s something that affects the whites of my eyes,” the reality star explained, addressing concerns about his health. “It makes it have those jaundice levels, which is why they look a little bit more yellow.”
Despite the visual impact of his condition, Mr. Graziadei assured his audience that he had been reassured of his overall well-being. “I was told that I am healthy,” he said in his post.
However, he acknowledged the need for heightened health vigilance, particularly given the stress and sleep deprivation inherent in the production of a television show like “The Bachelor.”
“It’s just something I have to pay attention to, drinking more fluids. It’s worse when I have stress or lack of sleep, which happens on a TV show, and I do appreciate everyone looking out for me and wondering if I’m ok,” he said.
Gilbert syndrome, named after the French physician Augustin Nicolas Gilbert who first described it in 1901, is a genetic disorder characterized by intermittent episodes of elevated bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, and in individuals with Gilbert syndrome, its processing by the liver is impaired, leading to periodic jaundice and related symptoms.
‘The Bachelor’ Controversies
During Matt James’s groundbreaking season, which premiered in January 2021, Rachael Kirkconnell, a frontrunner contestant, found herself at the center of a significant controversy when viewers questioned her social media activity. The graphic designer faced scrutiny after a TikTok user accused her of past racist behavior during high school, and further revelations emerged throughout the season, including photos from an antebellum-themed fraternity party in 2018.Ms. Kirkconnell eventually addressed the controversy in a lengthy Instagram statement in February 2021, admitting her past ignorance and expressing remorse for her actions. Host Chris Harrison initially urged viewers to show compassion, but his comments sparked backlash, leading him to temporarily step aside from hosting duties.
This incident wasn’t the first time a contestant faced criticism for racially insensitive behavior. Hannah Brown, the season 15 Bachelorette, previously issued a public apology in May 2020 for using a racial slur during an Instagram Live video.
During the airing of season 14 of “The Bachelorette” in 2018, a controversy emerged surrounding contestant Garrett Yrigoyen. It came to light that he had “liked” Instagram memes that ridiculed immigrants, survivors of the Parkland shooting, members of the transgender community, and other minority groups.
Following public scrutiny, Mr. Garrett issued an apology and discussed the matter during the episode’s “After the Final Rose” segment after becoming engaged to Becca Kufrin. He expressed a commitment to personal growth and acknowledged the support he received from Ms. Kufrin in navigating the aftermath of the controversy.
The scandal surrounding Corinne Olympios and DeMario Jackson’s alleged sexual misconduct during the production of the third season of “Bachelor in Paradise” rocked the reality TV world in June 2017. A producer filed a complaint just days after the cast arrived, prompting Warner Bros. to halt filming and launch an investigation. However, after thorough scrutiny, no evidence of wrongdoing was found, and production resumed.
Contestant Rozyln Papa caused a stir during Jake Pavelka’s season 14 of the show in 2009 when rumors surfaced of her having an intimate relationship with one of the show’s producers, Ryan Callahan. Mr. Pavelka himself revealed on Ellen DeGeneres’s show that he had started to develop feelings for Ms. Papa before learning about the alleged affair. Reflecting on the situation later, Ms. Papa expressed regret during an interview with Mix 103.7, admitting that she wished she had taken the chance and pursued a relationship with the producer.
