Rachel Lindsay Opens Up About Her Painful Divorce and $500,000 Spousal Support Payment
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Rachel Lindsay, known to millions as a trailblazer on the popular reality TV show “The Bachelorette,” has revealed candid and startling details about her difficult divorce and the financial aftermath that followed. In a recent episode of the Pop Syllabus podcast, Lindsay spoke openly about paying $500,000 in spousal support to her ex-husband, chiropractor Bryan Abasolo, after their marriage ended in 2023.
Lindsay’s journey into matrimony began under the public eye, having first appeared as a contestant on Season 21 of “The Bachelor” in 2017 before becoming the lead on the 13th season of “The Bachelorette.” She and Abasolo married in August 2019 in Cancun, Mexico, a rare success story within the often tumultuous Bachelor Nation. However, the union unraveled, culminating in a divorce filing at the end of 2023.
Reflecting on the marriage, Lindsay described it as “kind of a perfect storm” that led her to move forward despite recognizing early warning signs. She candidly shared the internal and external pressures she faced as a career-driven woman, feeling the societal push to marry and have children by a certain age. “The narrative that I couldn’t be loved because I focused so much on career, all of that was in me,” she said.
One of the most striking revelations was Lindsay’s admission of feeling “powerless” due to the absence of a prenuptial agreement. She said Abasolo was “ruthless” in negotiations, with “no compromising” on the spousal support, which she managed to pay off within a year. Lindsay’s transparency about her financial and emotional struggles provides a rare glimpse into the challenges of navigating divorce in the public spotlight.
Her decision to speak out was partly motivated by Abasolo’s own public commentary on their split, which Lindsay criticized for airing personal details. “My ex did a terrible YouTube show, and he told stuff that was personal. So, you opened the door, so let’s talk about it,” she remarked. She emphasized that their divorce could have been handled privately through mediation or confidential proceedings, but instead became a very public affair.
Since her time on “The Bachelorette,” Lindsay has built a successful career as an entertainment personality and podcast host, notably co-hosting the Higher Learning podcast with Van Lathan. Meanwhile, Abasolo has pursued a different path, engaging audiences on social media with lifestyle content.
Lindsay’s story resonates beyond celebrity gossip, highlighting broader issues faced by women balancing career ambitions with societal expectations. Her openness aims to empower others to confront the stigma surrounding divorce and financial vulnerability. “I had to let go of the fear, the shame and the embarrassment of getting a divorce,” she said.
Experts in family law and women’s rights note that Lindsay’s experience underscores the importance of legal protections such as prenuptial agreements, but also the complex emotional dynamics involved in ending a marriage. The United States Courts provide resources for those navigating divorce, emphasizing mediation and equitable settlements.
Rachel Lindsay’s willingness to share her story publicly offers a powerful narrative about resilience and reclaiming agency amid personal upheaval. Her journey sheds light on the pressures faced by many women and the importance of transparency and support during life’s most challenging transitions.
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