Nick Viall scolded fellow Bachelor Nation franchise alumni over the PPP loan program, saying they should “do the right thing” and either give it back or donate to a business that actually needs it.
The recently surfaced records for PPP loans (Paycheck Protection Program) has a lot of reality stars in big trouble over the ethics of using this kind of loan when it isn’t a real emergency. Since news broke that a handful of Bachelor and Bachelorette stars applied for and received these loans, opinions have been polarized about whether or not it’s the right thing to do.
Nick posted a short video to Tik Tok this week, essentially wagging his finger at people like Tayshia Adams and Arie Luyendyk Jr., who used this money for less than essential needs. Although Nick didn’t come right out and name names, he refers to one such person using the money to “hire an assistant” and this is a very thinly veiled reference to Tayshia’s 2020 $20,000 loan.
Nick Viall criticizes fellow Bachelor Nation stars for misusing the loans
He goes on to criticize the use of this money for “influencing,” citing the drastically higher earning potential these celebrities obtain after appearing on these kinds of shows and calls out the loan recipients for knowing it was “sh***y” and “the wrong thing to do.”
Nick goes on to parse through the ethics of the matter, admitting that no one technically broke the law, but he does put a fine point on using these funds for anything other than offer emergency relief. Nick says that as public figures with public platforms, they have to be held to a higher standard, which is a case of basic integrity.
Nick suggests loan recipients give away the money
His tone turns a little snarky toward the end of the clip when he suggests the loan recipients give the money back because they can do an ad “for teeth whitener” and make it back in a few posts. He calls the folks who did take the money “savvy,” but the implication is that they gamed a system meant to provide help to the people who were most vulnerable during the pandemic.
He captions the post with, “We all make mistakes, but fix your mistake if you can. You all can. Or don’t, but if you don’t, don’t expect our respect.” These are stern words for a figure who has based his brand on his affable nature and easy-going vibe. He doesn’t seem too afraid to ruffle a few of his fellow Bachelor Nation colleagues, and that might be exactly what they need to hear.
The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.