Former Bachelor Grant Ellis is clarifying his comments about his celibacy journey.
“Listen, I’m going to live my life and the reason why I stated that is because I was celibate before the show,” Ellis, 31, shared on the Monday, November 3, episode of iHeartRadio’s “Almost Famous” podcast, noting that not being intimate before the series was “by choice.”
He continued, “I had been in a seven year relationship and that ended and I was very hurt and I decided I wasn’t going to because when you get physically involved with somebody, it speeds up the things, you know what I’m saying? You could definitely make some wrong move.”
Ellis explained that he was remaining “abstinent” until he knew that “somebody’s my person” or he’s in a “very committed relationship that’s headed toward marriage.”
The Bachelor’s Grant Ellis Jokes He’s Still Good at Sex Amid Celibacy Journey
“I’m not going to be out there looking for a relationship that way, you know?” he said, referring to getting intimate with someone. “So that’s something I still stand by. The way that I’ve come across on social media or however — I wasn’t on social media prior to this and I’m getting a new lens where I could truly be myself and be authentic, I think that’s the beauty of going on The Bachelor.”
He continued, “Even though my relationship didn’t work out, I’ve met so many great people. It’s helped me go into a new avenue in my life and I’m grateful for that. If I could use whatever gifts I have to spread a certain message and be myself and be a positive impact, that’s kind of what I want to do.”
Bachelor Nation met Ellis when he vied for the affections of Jenn Tran on season 21 of The Bachelorette, before becoming the lead of The Bachelor season 29. He ended the show engaged to Juliana Pasquarosa after breaking things off with runner-up Litia Garr, but the pair ultimately called it quits months after the finale.
In October, Ellis confirmed via social media that he is celibate.
The Bachelor’s Litia Garr Reacts to Ex Grant Ellis’ Celibacy Journey
“Me being the most recent Bachelor, I feel like I have a little authority in the dating space being that the show is about dating,” he explained. “I think finding something serious — finding something that’s worth pursuing — is really hard, especially out here in L.A. and major cities like New York.”
Ellis explained that being celibate can be “hard,” but he believes it’s the right path for him now.
“I’m a man. I definitely have my urges, my desires, and I’m just being fully transparent. I have messed up in the past,” he said, noting that he is inspired by his religion. “Mainly it’s because of my faith. … God knows the desires of your heart and he knows what makes you happy. The same God that knows how to make you happy, He would know how to give you a partner without having to test drive things.”
Later that month, Grant explained that he’s put his “all into” two relationships in his life.
“I want it to be meaningful and I want it to last, so I’m trying the best I can to withhold until I find my right person,” Grant shared on an October episode of PodcastOne’s “When Reality Hits” podcast. “I’m doing my best, and I want my next relationship to be the one. If you’re not it, I’m just not gonna.”
“When we do have sex, it will be great,” he continued with a laugh. “I’m very good, but I’m waiting.”
Garr, for her part, reacted to her ex’s journey during an appearance on iHeartRadio’s “Almost Famous” podcast. When asked whether she heard about his celibacy, Garr replied, “Yeah, good for him. … Power to him. Good luck on that.”