Yahoo Lifestyle 
The Bachelors star says TV show was 'mentally draining': 'Cried a lot'
Yuri Nagata has opened up about her time on this year's season.
She might not have stayed on the show for long, but Yuri Nagata definitely made her mark on this year’s season of The Bachelors.
The 21-year-old, who was one of the youngest women among the cast as well as the only contestant of Asian descent, decided to leave the mansion on her own accord during Sunday night’s episode as she didn’t feel a connection with her Bachelor Felix Von Hofe.
“Actually Felix, there’s something I’d like to say to you,” she told him right before the rose ceremony began. “I came here chasing a spark, and since I’ve arrived at the mansion I haven’t felt anything.
“And, look Felix, you’re a great guy but there are certain qualities that I desire in a man which you don’t possess, so don’t spend a rose on me.”
RELATED:
The Bachelors week one recap: The good, the bad and the ugly
Bachelor star reveals surprising detail in show's OnlyFans scandal
Surprising truth about The Bachelors' Tash and her famous ex-fiancé
Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle following her exit, Yuri spoke openly about her experience on the show and why she decided to say goodbye.
“Candidly speaking, it was an emotionally and mentally draining process,” she admits. “There were many times I was lost, felt targeted, bullied, and cried a lot. I missed my friends dearly and it was a difficult time for me since all I wanted was their advice and support during those tough times.
“My self-worth and confidence diminished quite a lot as well because I was surrounded by these older and much more beautiful and talented women.”
'A once-in-a-lifetime experience'
Yuri went on to say that despite the challenges, she has no regrets about being on the show and she feels “grateful” for the opportunity.
“It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would definitely do again if given the chance,” she continues. “Being on The Bachelors I was exposed to all these new ideas and scenarios which helped me grow as a person, both in confidence and maturity. I gained new friendships and advice from such talented, strong, inspirational women which have changed my outlook on life which I am so thankful for.
“Also, who doesn’t love getting glammed up for a rose ceremony and having pool parties in a spectacular mansion?”
SHOP:
She adds that despite feeling “really comfortable” with Felix when they met on their blind date, she began to have doubts about their relationship after a group date at Wet’n’Wild.
“My decision [to leave] was set for me after our group intervention with Felix at the pool party,” she shares, referencing the tense moment the contestants confronted Felix for repeatedly kissing women right in front of them.
“I absolutely cannot stand people who cannot take accountability for their own actions. This repeated pattern of behaviour in addition to not respecting the other girls’ boundaries are traits which I don’t desire in a partner.”
'Warms my heart'
While she didn’t find love on the show, Yuri did earn plenty of respect from viewers who praised her online for speaking her truth and leaving the mansion on her own terms.
“Honestly, it warms my heart to know the audience is rooting for me,” she says. “I feel like the journey that I went through wasn’t fully portrayed and was overshadowed and rushed, so people’s support and recognition of my actions mean a lot to me.
“I just hope that I did proper true service for girls, gays, and theys and that they can follow through in knowing that we all should stay true to our values and never settle for less.”
The Bachelors continues 7:30pm tonight on Channel 10 and 10Play
Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.
Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.
