Gerry Turner Became Obsessed With Fame After The Golden Bachelor (It Damaged His Reputation)

The Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner became obsessed with fame, and now it may have damaged his reputation. Gerry was once just a 72-year-old retired restaurateur who had been widowed since his wife, Toni Turner, passed away in 2017. However, he told producers that he'd been single since his late wife's death, which was revealed to be untrue, as he'd been in at least one long-term relationship. Despite the glaring red flag, 70-year-old day trader and fellow widower Theresa Nist accepted when Gerry proposed to her at the end of the final rose ceremony.

Though Gerry and Theresa barely knew each other, they got carried away by all the excitement, and they rushed to get married in January. Though they had the whole world rooting for them, the marriage was over after only three months. The Golden Bachelor season 1 couple insists that they ended on good terms, but Gerry's behavior since the split has led to speculation that he was more interested in fame than matrimonial bliss.

Gerry Likely Wanted A TV Wedding

No Expense Was Spared

In December 2023, The Golden Bachelor's final rose ceremony aired on ABC, and Gerry and Theresa could finally go public with their engagement. It was immediately announced that the couple had already set a date and would be getting married in a nationally televised Golden Bachelor wedding in January. The dream wedding was a lavish event attended by many Bachelor Nation personalities, including many of the women Gerry had just rejected on the show.

Gerry Was Very Active On Social Media

He Thinks He's Making History

Gerry has always been active on social media, but never as much as after joining the cast of The Golden Bachelor. In February, weeks after marrying Theresa, Gerry posted a photo of an Emmy consideration magazine ad with a photo of Gerry under the words "HISTORY-MAKING." The ad also mentions some of the other awards won by The Golden Bachelor season 1, including an AARP Movies For Grownups award for best reality series and a DGA nomination for best reality program premiere.

The post has 3.5K likes and Gerry's post reads, "Is this a hint of things to come? We are open to possibilities."

Unfortunately, the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor didn't win any Emmy Awards in 2024, but the unscripted dating series was a huge ratings coup for ABC and Gerry.

Gerry Clearly Loves The Attention

But It Hurt His Image

As was clear from his time as the lead of The Golden Bachelor season 1, Gerry is a gregarious person who loves attention. Though he has handled himself more gracefully than other past Bachelor Nation leads, he has received a lot of flack from fans. Gerry has received a lot of criticism for his behavior since his split from Theresa, and it has damaged his reputation. It's unclear if The Golden Bachelor will be able to reclaim his good name.