Michael Allio Addresses Decision to Break Up With Sierra Jackson Before Rose Ceremony: ‘Not A Good Look’

usmagazine.com:

After Michael Allio broke up with Sierra Jackson on Bachelor in Paradise, faithful viewers questioned his motives as the twosome seemingly had a strong connection.“Taking a rose when you’re [sic] heart’s not in it is ‘leading someone on,’” the Ohio native, 38, captioned a Saturday, October 22, TikTok video, noting the duo’s unexpected split was a “surprise” to many cast members and producers. “Choosing to end my only relationship when I was gifted a constellation and didn’t have a rose was not a ‘good look’ but I knew that.”He continued “I still should [have] handled the breakup better, that’s on me.”Michael’s candid comments accompanied a TikToker’s theory about why he chose to end his relationship with the 27-year-old Bachelor season 26 alum before the episode’s rose ceremony.Michael and the yoga instructor sparked an instant connection upon the Bachelor in Paradise premiere, which aired last month.

However, the business owner realized his feelings had changed during the October 10 episode. After Sierra gifted Michael a trio of stars — named for him, late wife Laura and son James — he ultimately called it quits on their romance and hoped to remain platonic friends.“[Sierra] exhibits all of the characteristics that I’m looking for in a partner, but I’m noticing that every time I take a step forward, I start taking a few steps back because I’m guarded and I’m concerned based on my traumatic past finding its way to the surface,” Michael, whose late wife died in 2019 after battling breast cancer, said during a confessional interview. “I’m dealing with the grief element in my life.

There’s just this weird, weird thing that happens where I think I’ve found it, it feels good, and then I get in my head and I push people away.