Maria Georgas, who appeared on Joey Graziadei's season of The Bachelor, is facing major backlash on social media after making a joke at the F1 Miami Grand Prix over the weekend.
In a video posted to TikTok, Georgas, 30, pretended to flash the drivers while they’re racing. The ABC personality used a soundbite of Leslie Bibb in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby saying, “Hey, driver, drive these!”
Georgas clarified in the comments section that “no flashing was done” in the video, but unfortunately, F1 fans weren’t having it.
“This is sad,” one user commented. “Tickets wasted,” added another.
“And then you have real F1 content creators at home who would die to have an opportunity like yours,” a third person chimed in, while a fourth wrote, “Aren’t there, like, kids there?”
A handful of Georgas’ supporters jumped in to defend her. “Geez, can’t anyone take a joke?” one user wrote. “An icon as always,” a second person added.
Of course, Georgas is no stranger to the attention. After appearing on season 28 of The Bachelor, she quickly became a fan favorite. In fact, many viewers hoped she would star on The Bachelorette or appear on Bachelor in Paradise.
Though she hasn’t returned to reality TV, she’s been very open about everything she learned during her time on The Bachelor.
“Things will surprise you, but you just have to be prepared to let yourself feel and accept that it might not go your way and that’s OK. I couldn’t believe how in a crazy little environment I was able to stay true to who I am no matter what was thrown at me. I am a tough cookie, but it’s OK to be vulnerable. I learned that very quickly,” Georgas, who was eliminated during episode 8, wrote in a January Q&A via Instagram.
“Let yourself be open to the idea of things working out, but accept knowing that it might not,” she added. “Don’t force anything, just stay true to who you are so you can look back and appreciate it more. As cliché as it sounds, don’t take yourself too seriously.”
