Love may be blind, but marriage is truly eye-opening. These words may never have seemed more true than in the case of Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple. After months of watching her navigate a dating pool full of suitors, this was supposed to be a storybook ending in 2014. Golden Bachelorette.

In a thrilling season finale, Vassos, 61, handed out her final rose to Chapple, marking the beginning of a new chapter with a sparkling engagement ring and a heartfelt promise of eternity. But for many fans, that promise quickly turned into doubt.

As the romantic finale aired on ABC, the social media world was abuzz with criticism of Chapple’s behavior; a series of ‘red flags’ that have fans questioning whether this relationship is what it seems.

Joan Vassos Golden Bachelorette Engagement Faces Backlash

When Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple sealed their bond with a kiss in the season finale Golden Bachelorettefans were left with mixed emotions. For some, it was a perfect moment. For others, the engagement raised serious red flags and triggered concerns about Chapple’s intentions and behavior throughout the season.

Chapple’s energy was evident from the very beginning. He followed Vassos with an enthusiasm that left many spectators fainting or convulsing. Some viewers couldn’t help but make comparisons to Devin Strader, who similarly made waves with his over-the-top behavior. Bachelorette just seasons ago. His approach had disturbed fans, and now Chapple was evoking similar reactions.

Former contestant Pascal Igbui also shared the following in an interview (via: Fascination) expresses how disturbing Chapple’s behavior was during their group date.

This raised an important question: Was Chapple truly connected to Vassos, or was he just trying to dominate the competition? His behavior during group dates, combined with his tendency to overshadow other men, points to a deeper problem. When you see a contestant who is more focused on gaining a foothold than making real connections, that raises a red flag.

Let’s read some fan comments:

Why did Chock feel he had to kiss Joan in front of his children? it’s so scary!! #GoldenBachelorette #GoldenBachelorette

— jerseygirl62 (@pattica43199398) November 14, 2024

I have a feeling he’s like Devin and tells Joan everything she wants to hear because he wants to win, hahaha. He looks just as crazy as Devin #thegoldenbachelorette

— alyssa (@Alyssakrink) November 14, 2024

The wedge looks very possessive, I don’t like it #thegoldenbachelorette

— alyssa (@Alyssakrink) November 14, 2024

#GoldenBachelorette WUVS I don’t plan on wedging Joan. He is very happy to win. This is just a competition for him and he MUST BE AT THE TOP, IN THE FIRST PLACE! He showed his true colors at the bowling alley and probably before that too!

— Military Wife (@1MilitaryWifey) November 14, 2024

#GoldenBachelorette My god! The cheesy wedge is pure CHEESE! He really enjoys stepping on others because he has ‘NO INTEREST’ in anyone but himself! This was proven during his stay in the house. He is definitely NOT one of the “BROTHERS’ BIG GUY BAND”!

— Military Wife (@1MilitaryWifey) November 14, 2024

It’s easy to see why Vassos may have been scratched To Chapple. He is charming, confident, and outspoken about his feelings; but sometimes he’s a little too blunt. While Vassos appreciated the attention, fans weren’t so sure it was healthy enthusiasm.

Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple on Their Engagement, Love, and the Road Ahead

What made Chock Chapple and Joan Vassos‘s devotion was even more touching, their mutual respect for the people they had loved and lost. Knowing how much Vassos’ late husband meant to her, Chapple vowed to honor his memory. The first one said (via Diversity):

For Vassos, this thank you was everything. “I will never let John out of my life,she said, acknowledging the importance of her late husband’s presence in her world.

Chapple’s confidence in his intentions was evident even when the unthinkable happened. When he had to go to his family after his mother’s death, Vassos was afraid that his mother would lose him completely. He shared:

But Chapple’s understanding of his need to grieve, combined with the time he spent with his mother before she died, deepened his respect for her even further. Vassos knew that if they were meant to be, they would find their way back to each other. And they did.

Now that their relationship is no longer a secret, Vassos and Chapple can’t wait to embrace their future as a couple. “It feels great to be with our friends and family, to actually be with our friends and family instead of being apart like we’ve been doing for months.”he said, reflecting on the difficulties of keeping their love private.

As Vassos and Chapple step into this new chapter, it’s clear they are eager to build a life together filled with love and respect. But fans are asking the question: Do Vassos see the whole picture, or will the final rose lead them to a bumpy road ahead?

Golden Bachelorette Available on ABC.