Ben Smith, the runner-up from Tayshia Adams' season of The Bachelorette in 2020, revealed if he would join Bachelor In Paradise and reacted to Teddi Wright's interest in him. After Clare Crawley left The Bachelorette season 16, Tayshia became the star of the show, and Ben fell in love with her. Ben, who is now 31 years old, is an Army ranger veteran who graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. After suffering a life-changing back injury, Ben decided not to return to active duty. Instead, he shifted his focus to health and fitness and became a personal trainer.
Ben gained much praise during his time on The Bachelorette because he opened up to Tayshia about how he had bulimia for 10 years when he was in his 20s. He also shared his struggles with his mental health. Ben told Tayshia that he had attempted suicide in 2018 and 2019, and that his sister saved his life by helping him through the darkest time in his life. Ben was eliminated from the competition before he told Tayshia that he was in love with her, but he returned to the show the week after to confess his feelings. However, Tayshia ultimately chose Zac Clark over Ben. Although many of the men from Tayshia's season have since participated in Bachelor In Paradise season 7, and Blake Moynes even appeared on and won The Bachelorette season 17, Ben has not returned to any of the franchise's shows. He has since co-founded Rodeo Athletic, formerly known as Bodybuilding Club, an in-person and online fitness training and nutrition program.
In a series of questions on his Instagram story, Ben revealed that he is not interested in joining the cast of Bachelor In Paradise season 8. He responded with a simple, "Nah, girl" to the question. This will surely be a disappointment to the women who plan to join the cast, especially The Bachelor season 26 contestant Teddi Wright, who listed Ben as one of the men whom she would like to meet, along with Andrew Spencer from Katie Thurston's season and Brandon Jones from Michelle Young's season.
In response to Teddi's interest in him, Ben said, "I don't know Teddi or anything about this specifically. I'm sure she's lovely, but I won't be there, so I hope she has a great time though." As for his future in dating, Ben knows one thing for sure: he will not be getting back together with his former flame, Tayshia. When asked if he would date Tayshia now that she is single after she and Zac ended their engagement, he bluntly said, "No. I wouldn't." All of these videos are currently available on the Bachelor Rabbit Hole Instagram.
Ben impressed Bachelor Nation with his openness about his struggles with his eating disorder and his mental health. He is a kind and caring man, and it is no wonder that women such as Teddi wanted to meet him in Mexico on Bachelor In Paradise. Hopefully, Ben will find someone who makes him happy and gives him all of the love that he deserves.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Source: Ben Smith/Instagram, Bachelor Rabbit Hole/Instagram