'Bachelor In Paradise's' Jordan Kimball Speaks On Jenna Cooper Cheating Rumors

Former Bachelorette villain Jordan Kimball was engaged to Jenna Cooper on the Bachelor In Paradise season finale Tuesday, but rumors of alleged cheating swirled the same day. Kimball explained he is not disbelieving of the rumors Cooper cheated on him after the show stopped filming.

"I know my Jenna and I read those texts and in my heart, I know it's her," he told People magazine Tuesday. "She was saying she didn't do it, but hinting towards the fact that there's a possibility that it happened. In all reality, I don't expect her to own it."

Kimball and Cooper announced plans for their 2019 wedding on the Bachelor In Paradise aftershow Tuesday. The current state of their relationship is unknown.

"It felt like a body drop," Kimball said."I got taken down. I'm weak in the knees and I feel like I have rocks in my stomach." Kimball first read the rumors on Monday via Twitter. He claimed he spoke with Cooper before he knew the extent of the rumors. Cooper claimed she was "nervous."

149579_4922
Jordan Kimball lounges on the beach while filming "Bachelor In Paradise." Kimball was engaged to Jenna Cooper during filming, but explained Cooper may have cheated on him since. ABC/Paul Hebert

After the conversation with Cooper, Bachelor In Paradise castmate Chris Randone and others reached out with new information on Cooper's alleged cheating. Copies of text messages allegedly between Cooper and another man surfaced on Reality Steve Tuesday.

"Me and Jordan aren't together for real," a message read. "I don't even like him let alone love him. I'm better than him and once I'm able to I'll break it off for good and make up some story to make him look bad if it'll make you feel better. He means nothing to me and never has." The message noted Cooper and Kimball's relationship was designed to advance her business opportunities.

Cooper denied the claims to People Tuesday. "I am aware of the allegations being made against me and they are simply untrue," she said. "I am choosing to focus on my relationship right now. Thank you for respecting my privacy at this time."

Kimball explained he is heartbroken with the possibilities of the situation. I would never have expected this," he said. "I feel sick about it. I just don't understand why someone would say that they're better than me and have ill intentions. If this whole thing sticks, and it's true, I will be hurt much more than the depths of romance. I will be hurt as a person and as a friend. There are so many layers to a relationship and right now I feel all of them peeling back."

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go