'Bachelor' contestant couple slam claims they're in a fake relationship
It's hard enough being in femmes same-sex relationship in an often homophobic world, but when you're in the public eye, there's even more chance people will doubt you.
The internet collectively rejoiced when contestants on The Bachelor in Australia, Tiffany Scanlon and Megan Marx, announced they'd found love with each other, rather than the "Bachelor," while competing on the show.
But after fellow contestant and so-called "villain" Keira Maguire said their relationship was just for publicity and "definitely fake," the pair have hit back at criticism.
"If you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything at all," Scanlon told Mashable via email. "Keira has not seen and has barely spoken to Megan or myself since we were on the show."
She continued: "If she would like to discuss her opinions of us in private I would be more than happy to take that call. But at the least let's be respectful and refrain from publicly commenting on things we know nothing about."
For her part, Marx thinks the whole implication behind the comments is that too feminine women aren't capable of loving each other. "Claiming we aren't lesbians for one -- WE AREN'T! There are other types of sexualities aside from straight or gay, and we are very happy and comfortable in that. I haven't actually heard from her since filming but I wish her all the best."
Sexuality is a spectrum, after all.
The couple have been criticised widely online for promoting brands through a wealth of sponsored content and upholding "fetishised" beauty and same-sex relationship standards in the media through their social media pages.
Wishing someone "the best?" A great way to quietly shut them down.
