March 21, 2025 • 24 mins
What’s it like to be a “villain”? Ben and Ashley are checking in with Victoria Larson from Matt James’ season for a no-limits conversation about her time on reality TV.
Victoria holds nothing back when sharing the details of how producers affect what happens in the show, and we hear the true origin of “Queen Victoria”.
Plus, she gives us a behind the scenes look at “House of Villains”!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Hey, y'all, welcome to the Almost Famous Podcast. Today we
have Victoria Larson joining us. She was on our podcast
back in December, but it well, first off, you may
remember her from Matt James this season. She was the
quote villain and she was here in December talking about
her stint on the House of Villains on E and
now we wanted to have her back to talk about
(00:27):
Matt James since you know, he's been a hot topic
lately and specifically this TikTok that she released about Bachelor
production manipulating her.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Okay, I did, thank you for having me, and yeah,
I just post on my TikTok so casually without thinking,
and then I'm like, oops, people are watching. Does that
happen to you? Guys like you forget?
Speaker 3 (00:50):
No, I never forget. I'm scared of all oil post
I never I never do anything. I'm overthoughtful about it. Yeah,
I will say this.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Ben was talking about how not just how one of
our closest executive producers seems to be on the outs
this month, but a lot basically anyone that we knew
from our time on the Bachelor might be gone after
I heard that this coming finale, and I have then
(01:24):
zero ties and no one to I don't care about
talking as much if there's nobody there that I truly
care about out of you, not that they I really
have much tea to spill, but like if I and
especially not about my experience. However, if I see certain
(01:44):
things now watching the show, like, I'll feel a little
bit more free to comment.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Well, and I'm glad you say like your experience too,
because whenever people ask me like, oh, how is it
on the Bachelor, I'm like, well, my experience was this,
Like each person has a totally different experience, so right,
But yeah, and I've seen things going around now like
some girl, you know, whoever was the villain this year
kind of went through the ringer, but I haven't followed.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
Enough so I have. I kind of want to go
into the psychological sides of your TikTok okay because when
and I could be wrong, I want to talk this
through with you because I want to try to get
to an understanding of how somebody becomes a villain. I
think we talked in December about the villain on my
season was Olivia creedy, and I think it was very
(02:31):
unfair to her, just not who she is. And but you, okay,
so you said you were manipulated, I think to be
the villain because you wanted screen time. If I remember
in December, though, you kind of own that, you like
kind of own the screen time idea that you like
to be on TV. You obviously agree to go on
(02:53):
House of Villains with the title of villains. And so
I want to get an understanding of why this TikTok
came out.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Now, well, okay, maybe manipulated is a strong word, but
it wasn't meant in a malicious way. It's just it
was a TikTok trend. Like I just threw something up.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Manipulated was a TikTok trend.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
No, Like the trend was the sound, and then you
put it with like like the trend was you're so funny,
here's a horrible experience I went through, and like, you know,
that was the trend. So yeah, I think that's why
I put it up. And I think as in December
when I was on House Civilians, I was embracing that role,
(03:43):
rolling with the punches, and I don't know, it just
wasn't a serious TikTok and then it got a little
bit blown up.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Okay, so that this helps, so you this wasn't kind
of a tell all. Let's it's wild timing. So I
think the audience is watching this in San Okay, Victoria
or calling them out at a time when articles are
getting released. Yeah, exactly that it's an unhealthy idea.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
I actually do live under a rock with the Bachelor stuff,
like I'm not tuned in. It's I saw the Matt
and Rachel think from Call Her Daddy, but like Bachelor news,
I really I'm not tuned in.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Okay, So let me update you because I want to
get your thoughts now about at the same time that
your TikTok came out, they pretty much are well. The
executive producers the Bachelor have now left. They are no
longer working on the show. And when Ashley said there's
nobody really on the show that you would know in
terms of production, that is going to probably become a
(04:50):
very true statement. In a week. We don't know how
many people have been let go or have left.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
I heard of that because one of my producers from
How Civilians It's now doing Paradise, So like I hear
talks about it, but I didn't know there was like
articles like I just know private conversations.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
So it's great timing, and I thought that would my
questions were leading into. I thought this was maybe a
time where you said, Okay, if staff is speaking up
about an unhealthy working environment, maybe I will speak up
about my experience on the show and let people know
what it's like to be a cast member who is
cast or at least produced to be a villain.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
No, actually not at all, like complete coincidence, like she
was just doing a trend.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Guess.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Yeah, I was wondering why it went viral, But now
it makes sense. I had done pilates with someone, so
since we last talked, I was going to get back
into aviation. I randomly got back into pilates. Was coaching
a client and I'm like, yeah, none of my things
go viral, and he does marketing. He's like, well, you
have to comment back to people to like boost the algorithm.
(05:56):
So I thought that's why. Still had no idea until
you guys just told me. But that makes sense.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Well it's your reaction then, I mean, you just found
out that it went viral because it was a great video.
I don't want to take it away from you that
it wasn't a viral worthy video, but now that you
know the context at which it was posted and you're
finding this out in real time, I would love to
hear your real time thoughts on how this is all looking.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
I mean, I don't know. I guess change is always inevitable,
and I believe change is good. And I think that I, personally,
as a viewer of TV, don't enjoy toxic drama anymore.
Like I used to love The Housewives, I can't even
watch it anymore. I don't feel good after watching that
type of show. And I do know a lot of
(06:45):
the comments I got were, you know, like you're taking
away from Matt's love story, And I think when people
watch The Bachelor, they want to see love stories, they
don't necessarily want the drama. Although on the contrary, there's
other people that are like, we only watch for you,
we love the drama. So it's hard to say, but
I think that this next generation is a very positive
(07:08):
place and so like they probably just want a more
love story TV show rather than drama.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Well that that's very nice. Considering we were crapping on
Gens yesterday, we were like they don't have I don't
know how to have conversations.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
That they don't, but I still think they like good vibes.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
And that's true.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Yes, yes, yes, And you know you have two young boys,
so you'll want them to grow up in like a
more positive, loving universe. And I think because I even
thought about it, like one of my pilates instructors is
like this gay guy and he's fabulous, but he's like
he's saying, how like the old school gays were much
more catty, And I mean gay friends now are like
(07:54):
fabulous and kind, and I think a lot of society
is moving towards that.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Good.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Well, I'm glad that you have this. Meant that's very
that's very sweet. And I do feel like you were
putting on a show a little bit during Matt James'
season and you said that, But there.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Are elements of both, Like I was putting on a
show in some regard because like I said, like I'm
rolling with the punches, but there were parts of it
where I was like young, it was my first time
on set, and like there were elements where I was misled.
And I think what people aren't understanding is they think
it's either black or white, like were you manipulated or
were you this? And it's like combo, there was some
(08:33):
gray area.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Well, yeah, it's definitely kind of a paradox overlay that
you have on top of this TikTok because you said
you were manipulated into being the villain because you wanted airtime,
and it entertained during COVID when everything was canceled culture.
So basically you're saying like, I maybe wasn't so manipulated
because I wanted to go along with things that were spicy.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
I guess the manipulation was I did not realize the
edit kind of.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Well, you didn't know that scary music would go behind
what you were saying and make it sound way more
evil than it really was supposed to be.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
And even when I was talking to Katie, this popped
up on my TikTok the other day. When I had
the conversation with Katie. I do remember that specifically, they
were like, you can't go to bed until you talk
to Katie. I didn't want to talk to Katie. So
I mean, if that's not manipulation, I don't know what
it is. But it's also then people say you have
free will, which is true. So then when I went
(09:31):
to Paradise, I learned, oh, I can say no, Like
I didn't know that my first time. I really didn't.
So that's where I say like it was manipulated because
in the Crown like that was not my original idea
and I was like, I would never do that, and
they were like, just do it, it'll be funny. So
(09:52):
like things like that. I mean, I don't know if
manipulation is the best word or if it's like, you know,
what would you say? Say is a word to describe
that situation? I don't know.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
I mean mine would be at a time. And this
is not a hit to you. It's easily influenced.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
Oh for sure.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
I was, Yeah, you didn't know. I mean it's a
wild statement, in a powerful statement a lot of ways.
And I think one that a lot of people going
on the show would make is I didn't know I
could say no, which is a very which isn't like
I don't want to say this and say that like
no isn't a reasonable response. They might not like it.
(10:33):
They might get pushy.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
You might have to say no like five times.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
You also may not get as far. Yeah exactly, I
wouldn't say yeah. I mean I would say that, you know,
I said no many times. You know, there's especially as
a lead.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
But they'll still test you like you have to be
so firm you. I really do believe, like when you
go on that show, you have to know who you are.
And when I went on that show, it was like
I was young living in La, which now that I
moved back to LA, I see how much I've grown
and how stable I am. But LA is kind of
a place where you can lose your identity a little bit.
(11:11):
So I was in that situation and then went on
the show. Yeah, I was definitely very easily influenced.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
There's a few things in the comments of your TikTok.
And then I want to move on to your House
of Villains choice, because I do think it very much
relates to this TikTok in the sense that you don't
want to be the villain, but you went on a
show full of villains.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Well yeah, and they said they said on House of Villains,
like you can show that you're not a villain. So
it was kind of like my redemption that Paradise didn't
give me.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
You and Kurran both really not villains.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
No, Karin's so not a villain, She's just hilarious.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
You said quote in your Tiko talk that said this
was the worst experience of your life.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
I think that was like really old.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Yeah it was twenty one, okay, but it's still you
said it. It's out there and it's it's getting pulled
back in articles because of this video. Do you still
stand by that, Like, looking back now and you have
had this House of Villains show paradise, maybe you'd say
yes to Paradise again if they asked, is it still
(12:27):
the worst experience of your life? Or have you had
a different perspective now?
Speaker 1 (12:32):
So the filming wasn't the worst experience of my life,
but all the online hate afterwards, I will absolutely say
still that was the worst experience of my life. I've
never experienced that type of magnitude of hate. It was
such a st stressful time and like, yeah, I mean
I couldn't even go on Twitter. It was just like
(12:52):
memes hate. That was horrible. That was definitely the worst
experience of my life. But I do think life has
good and bad for us to grow, So I'm not
like resentful that it happened.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
Yeah, I remember when that was happening to you. You
had spoken out, and I think it was probably in
relation to the same thing I just brought up. And
it's always important for us. And I think I don't
want to just say reality television. I think it's in
general sports, you know, coworkers, whatever life is, you know,
(13:28):
surrounding you with the hate is is so unnecessary. It
doesn't do anything good. And I think it's always a
good reminder, especially in this situation, that like, you're a
real person reading this and it's affecting you deeply. But
I guess the thing that happens there is you probably
start to question yourself in a thousand different ways. When
(13:49):
you're reading these things. You're probably getting pretty down on
yourself and also super sad. Yeah, but you're watching this
on television at the same time. Did you feel like
you there was any accurate portrayal of you on television
or do you feel like you're watching a stranger the
whole time?
Speaker 1 (14:08):
No, And even my friends who watched it were like,
I don't know that girl, Like I don't know. So
I think The Bachelor can be very one dimensional. I mean,
if you compare it to other reality shows, these girls
are given one season, they're given one character thing, whereas
even on How Civillains Like, they showed more dimensions, more sides.
(14:30):
So I think that was an issue as well. It
was like I was just boxed in as the villain
and like they didn't show any other moments you know
that I had. So yeah, I don't think it accurately
portrayed me at all.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
So you would say you were you were more of
a villain on The Bachelor than you were in the
House of Villains, Is that true?
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Yeah? I think so, because how Civillains like, they show
more sides of you. They show when you're silly, they
show when you're kind I mean, do they show kindness,
I don't know, but they just have more overall, whereas,
like you know, even on The Bachelor, when you were
there that day, like me and Brie were like throwing
the leaves up, having fun, and like they don't show
(15:13):
any of that. They just show storylines that they want.
I don't know. It's a different.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
Experience that's interesting. So yeah, would you you don't regret
the House of going on House of Villains? Then No?
Speaker 2 (15:26):
I loved House of Villains And how was that produced differently?
How was it, like, you know, how was productions handed
at all?
Speaker 1 (15:33):
I never saw a production and that's what we're talking
about yesterday. So I remember. Yeah. I even asked Wes
because he had done Real World, and I was like, wait,
is this normal, like we never see producers and he's like, yeah,
I'm like Bachelor, I was with them all the time,
So that was different for me. It was more real
(15:54):
conversations because you're like meshed in with these people. For me,
like my experience oftentimes on Bachelor, like they would make
us have a conversation. I guess the difference is too.
On Bachelor it's like all New Girls, and then how
Civilians it's like all stars, Like these people know how
to make a TV show, know what to do, and
(16:17):
you know some of them are in their own characters
a lot of the time.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
But characters. So would you say that they have like
a mask on, like they are playing a role.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Definitely, Candy the drag queen like puts on a show.
But yeah, and Safari too. Safari likes to act. He's
never serious.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
TV is obviously something that you've thrived in. I mean,
you know, guys like it or not. Your villain character
has you know, helled you into new opportunities. I don't
like the hate.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
You know, have exciting news. I'm doing a movie like
the end of April May, so I'm so excited.
Speaker 3 (16:56):
I'm like, yes, tell us, more like, can you tell
us anything?
Speaker 1 (17:00):
I'm kind of just playing the hot, dumb girl, which
is better than the villain. Okay, we're moving up. What
kind of movie is it. It's kind of a drama,
but then my role is like funny, congrats, thank you.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
So my whole point to this and where I want
to go with this interview is you are a villain
on the Bachelor. It's propelled you in to these new opportunities.
The hate and the online you know noise is really hard,
especially when you're new to this. I think it, you
know today, like if it happened, it would still affect me,
(17:47):
but it wouldn't paralyze me maybe like it used to
back in the back when this was so new.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
You go on House of Villains, you enjoy that experience.
And so where I want this to go is you
have now kind of owned this villainous character in some way,
You're more confident, you're getting into acting, You're staying out
there in the spotlight. So for anybody in upcoming seasons
of The Bachelor or in reality television in general, and
(18:16):
they have this villain title thrown to them, what would
you tell them as advice to help them get through
that season as they feel like they're watching themselves on
television and it's not really them.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
First of all, I would say it would have been
easier to go a different route. I just ran with
the villain thing because I had to anyone going through it,
I would say, this too shall pass, you know, and
like just try and go with the cards that were
dealt to you and know your worth and know that's
(18:51):
not who you really are and that it can still
be a stepping stone onto the next part of your
life and just not get stuck in that. And also,
my dad gave me the advice to just like maintain
a neutral platform because it's like when people were like
the Queen, I was getting really high and they're like, whatever,
(19:13):
you get really low. So just kind of like don't
listen to anything like good or bad because none of
these people know you.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
If it makes you feel any better. There's probably two
cast members from Matt James's season that I could remember
off the top of my head, and you would be
one of them.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Yeah, that's a pro You'll be memorable.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Yeah, you're memorable. So sure if Paradise calls, I don't
know would you go. I mean, obviously you've had a
rocky road, but Paradise was better for you than the Bachelor.
You said, yeah, I.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Would maybe do it. And there's new producers now, so
it could be a cool experience.
Speaker 3 (19:53):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
And you had a feud with Katie Thurston on Matt
Jams season. Have have you talked to her at all recently?
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Her and I have kept in touch, but not like consistently.
But I saw like she's going through something crazy. Did
you see she posted like she has breast cancer, so
hopefully she was doing okay. I don't correspond with her,
but we're like fine.
Speaker 2 (20:18):
And then Mad James, so yeah, he's a single man. Now,
I'm assuming that you wouldn't want to go after that though, No.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
That he's definitely like not on my list at all.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
What was your take on the breakup and how it
was so sudden.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
I mean, I watched Rachel's interview. I feel bad for her.
We've all gone through that type of relationship and Matt
like I feel bad for him too, Like I don't
think anyone deserves like online hate. I was surprised actually
she went on a podcast. I guess she wanted to
have her side of the story out, But I mean
(20:59):
I would love to hear I'm on a podcast and
hear his side.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Too, well, Matt James, You're welcome to come on our podcast.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
Would love that.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
I think he's actually gonna stay quiet about this breakup though,
I think he knows that's what's probably best for him,
being that Rachel is really to steal your title living
a queen lifestyle right now, Like this girl is seen Rachel,
We're like bound down to her.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
She looks fabulous. Yeah, but it's also like, remember the
media did that with like, uh, what was it the
vander Pump, Like the scandabal like Marianna really took off,
and like, I mean, did you guys watch what was it? Traders?
With Tom Traders is hilarious? Well, Tom was hilarious on
(21:45):
that show. And it's like, as we were talking about earlier,
like everyone's a human being reading these comments. So whether
someone has a breakup or cheats or makes a mistake
or you know, like that's their own business. But we
live in a day and age where the whole Internet
just dissect it, which is insane.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
Yeah, I would. I would just say though, if you
sign up for multiple reality television shows, you're putting yourself
out there for praise and criticism. If you like definitely
don't want it, you don't do it.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
And what Jared always says is if you are not
being talked about, well then you're probably like kind of boring.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
Well, guys, that's why I posted the TikTok like I
am irrelevant, So I'm like, I didn't know it would
go viral, Like I just post on there chilling living
my life like post me and my dog hiking like
it's it was not that deep and it was kind
of scary, to be honest.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
It's it's it was. It was great timing unbeknownst to you,
Which is one of the most like comedic takeaways from
This Time with You today is that you had no
clue that at the same time that you're calling out
the show, the show is calling out themselves with mass
mass exodus and and the show will look very different. Now, Victor,
(23:03):
you got to look into this. This is this is happening.
Staff is leaving. We don't know what the Bachelor's going
to look like in a year or who's going to
be running it, and so your TikTok was wildly good
timing for you not planning it.
Speaker 1 (23:20):
I'm in alignment still with Bachelor Nation.
Speaker 3 (23:23):
It's right you somehow get it, Victoria. Next time you
have a big TikTok, come back on, let's talk about it.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
Yeah, and we wish you the best. We'll be tuning
into this movie announcement. It's a big deal. Congratulations. And
then also if you get the phone call for Paradise
and if you say yes, we would love to see it.
One more redemption story for Victoria Larson. Until next time,
I've been been.
Speaker 2 (23:52):
I've been Ashley, Victoria, last time, I was scared to
talk to you this time.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
Thank You're so nice. Goodbye bye to Ben and Ashley.
I Almost Famous podcasts on iHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you
listen to podcasts.
This is the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Hey, y'all, welcome to the Almost Famous Podcast. Today we
have Victoria Larson joining us. She was on our podcast
back in December, but it well, first off, you may
remember her from Matt James this season. She was the
quote villain and she was here in December talking about
her stint on the House of Villains on E and
now we wanted to have her back to talk about
(00:27):
Matt James since you know, he's been a hot topic
lately and specifically this TikTok that she released about Bachelor
production manipulating her.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Okay, I did, thank you for having me, and yeah,
I just post on my TikTok so casually without thinking,
and then I'm like, oops, people are watching. Does that
happen to you? Guys like you forget?
Speaker 3 (00:50):
No, I never forget. I'm scared of all oil post
I never I never do anything. I'm overthoughtful about it. Yeah,
I will say this.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Ben was talking about how not just how one of
our closest executive producers seems to be on the outs
this month, but a lot basically anyone that we knew
from our time on the Bachelor might be gone after
I heard that this coming finale, and I have then
(01:24):
zero ties and no one to I don't care about
talking as much if there's nobody there that I truly
care about out of you, not that they I really
have much tea to spill, but like if I and
especially not about my experience. However, if I see certain
(01:44):
things now watching the show, like, I'll feel a little
bit more free to comment.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Well, and I'm glad you say like your experience too,
because whenever people ask me like, oh, how is it
on the Bachelor, I'm like, well, my experience was this,
Like each person has a totally different experience, so right,
But yeah, and I've seen things going around now like
some girl, you know, whoever was the villain this year
kind of went through the ringer, but I haven't followed.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
Enough so I have. I kind of want to go
into the psychological sides of your TikTok okay because when
and I could be wrong, I want to talk this
through with you because I want to try to get
to an understanding of how somebody becomes a villain. I
think we talked in December about the villain on my
season was Olivia creedy, and I think it was very
(02:31):
unfair to her, just not who she is. And but you, okay,
so you said you were manipulated, I think to be
the villain because you wanted screen time. If I remember
in December, though, you kind of own that, you like
kind of own the screen time idea that you like
to be on TV. You obviously agree to go on
(02:53):
House of Villains with the title of villains. And so
I want to get an understanding of why this TikTok
came out.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Now, well, okay, maybe manipulated is a strong word, but
it wasn't meant in a malicious way. It's just it
was a TikTok trend. Like I just threw something up.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Manipulated was a TikTok trend.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
No, Like the trend was the sound, and then you
put it with like like the trend was you're so funny,
here's a horrible experience I went through, and like, you know,
that was the trend. So yeah, I think that's why
I put it up. And I think as in December
when I was on House Civilians, I was embracing that role,
(03:43):
rolling with the punches, and I don't know, it just
wasn't a serious TikTok and then it got a little
bit blown up.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Okay, so that this helps, so you this wasn't kind
of a tell all. Let's it's wild timing. So I
think the audience is watching this in San Okay, Victoria
or calling them out at a time when articles are
getting released. Yeah, exactly that it's an unhealthy idea.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
I actually do live under a rock with the Bachelor stuff,
like I'm not tuned in. It's I saw the Matt
and Rachel think from Call Her Daddy, but like Bachelor news,
I really I'm not tuned in.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Okay, So let me update you because I want to
get your thoughts now about at the same time that
your TikTok came out, they pretty much are well. The
executive producers the Bachelor have now left. They are no
longer working on the show. And when Ashley said there's
nobody really on the show that you would know in
terms of production, that is going to probably become a
(04:50):
very true statement. In a week. We don't know how
many people have been let go or have left.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
I heard of that because one of my producers from
How Civilians It's now doing Paradise, So like I hear
talks about it, but I didn't know there was like
articles like I just know private conversations.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
So it's great timing, and I thought that would my
questions were leading into. I thought this was maybe a
time where you said, Okay, if staff is speaking up
about an unhealthy working environment, maybe I will speak up
about my experience on the show and let people know
what it's like to be a cast member who is
cast or at least produced to be a villain.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
No, actually not at all, like complete coincidence, like she
was just doing a trend.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Guess.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Yeah, I was wondering why it went viral, But now
it makes sense. I had done pilates with someone, so
since we last talked, I was going to get back
into aviation. I randomly got back into pilates. Was coaching
a client and I'm like, yeah, none of my things
go viral, and he does marketing. He's like, well, you
have to comment back to people to like boost the algorithm.
(05:56):
So I thought that's why. Still had no idea until
you guys just told me. But that makes sense.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Well it's your reaction then, I mean, you just found
out that it went viral because it was a great video.
I don't want to take it away from you that
it wasn't a viral worthy video, but now that you
know the context at which it was posted and you're
finding this out in real time, I would love to
hear your real time thoughts on how this is all looking.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
I mean, I don't know. I guess change is always inevitable,
and I believe change is good. And I think that I, personally,
as a viewer of TV, don't enjoy toxic drama anymore.
Like I used to love The Housewives, I can't even
watch it anymore. I don't feel good after watching that
type of show. And I do know a lot of
(06:45):
the comments I got were, you know, like you're taking
away from Matt's love story, And I think when people
watch The Bachelor, they want to see love stories, they
don't necessarily want the drama. Although on the contrary, there's
other people that are like, we only watch for you,
we love the drama. So it's hard to say, but
I think that this next generation is a very positive
(07:08):
place and so like they probably just want a more
love story TV show rather than drama.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Well that that's very nice. Considering we were crapping on
Gens yesterday, we were like they don't have I don't
know how to have conversations.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
That they don't, but I still think they like good vibes.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
And that's true.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Yes, yes, yes, And you know you have two young boys,
so you'll want them to grow up in like a
more positive, loving universe. And I think because I even
thought about it, like one of my pilates instructors is
like this gay guy and he's fabulous, but he's like
he's saying, how like the old school gays were much
more catty, And I mean gay friends now are like
(07:54):
fabulous and kind, and I think a lot of society
is moving towards that.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Good.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Well, I'm glad that you have this. Meant that's very
that's very sweet. And I do feel like you were
putting on a show a little bit during Matt James'
season and you said that, But there.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Are elements of both, Like I was putting on a
show in some regard because like I said, like I'm
rolling with the punches, but there were parts of it
where I was like young, it was my first time
on set, and like there were elements where I was misled.
And I think what people aren't understanding is they think
it's either black or white, like were you manipulated or
were you this? And it's like combo, there was some
(08:33):
gray area.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Well, yeah, it's definitely kind of a paradox overlay that
you have on top of this TikTok because you said
you were manipulated into being the villain because you wanted airtime,
and it entertained during COVID when everything was canceled culture.
So basically you're saying like, I maybe wasn't so manipulated
because I wanted to go along with things that were spicy.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
I guess the manipulation was I did not realize the
edit kind of.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Well, you didn't know that scary music would go behind
what you were saying and make it sound way more
evil than it really was supposed to be.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
And even when I was talking to Katie, this popped
up on my TikTok the other day. When I had
the conversation with Katie. I do remember that specifically, they
were like, you can't go to bed until you talk
to Katie. I didn't want to talk to Katie. So
I mean, if that's not manipulation, I don't know what
it is. But it's also then people say you have
free will, which is true. So then when I went
(09:31):
to Paradise, I learned, oh, I can say no, Like
I didn't know that my first time. I really didn't.
So that's where I say like it was manipulated because
in the Crown like that was not my original idea
and I was like, I would never do that, and
they were like, just do it, it'll be funny. So
(09:52):
like things like that. I mean, I don't know if
manipulation is the best word or if it's like, you know,
what would you say? Say is a word to describe
that situation? I don't know.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
I mean mine would be at a time. And this
is not a hit to you. It's easily influenced.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
Oh for sure.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
I was, Yeah, you didn't know. I mean it's a
wild statement, in a powerful statement a lot of ways.
And I think one that a lot of people going
on the show would make is I didn't know I
could say no, which is a very which isn't like
I don't want to say this and say that like
no isn't a reasonable response. They might not like it.
(10:33):
They might get pushy.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
You might have to say no like five times.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
You also may not get as far. Yeah exactly, I
wouldn't say yeah. I mean I would say that, you know,
I said no many times. You know, there's especially as
a lead.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
But they'll still test you like you have to be
so firm you. I really do believe, like when you
go on that show, you have to know who you are.
And when I went on that show, it was like
I was young living in La, which now that I
moved back to LA, I see how much I've grown
and how stable I am. But LA is kind of
a place where you can lose your identity a little bit.
(11:11):
So I was in that situation and then went on
the show. Yeah, I was definitely very easily influenced.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
There's a few things in the comments of your TikTok.
And then I want to move on to your House
of Villains choice, because I do think it very much
relates to this TikTok in the sense that you don't
want to be the villain, but you went on a
show full of villains.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Well yeah, and they said they said on House of Villains,
like you can show that you're not a villain. So
it was kind of like my redemption that Paradise didn't
give me.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
You and Kurran both really not villains.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
No, Karin's so not a villain, She's just hilarious.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
You said quote in your Tiko talk that said this
was the worst experience of your life.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
I think that was like really old.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Yeah it was twenty one, okay, but it's still you
said it. It's out there and it's it's getting pulled
back in articles because of this video. Do you still
stand by that, Like, looking back now and you have
had this House of Villains show paradise, maybe you'd say
yes to Paradise again if they asked, is it still
(12:27):
the worst experience of your life? Or have you had
a different perspective now?
Speaker 1 (12:32):
So the filming wasn't the worst experience of my life,
but all the online hate afterwards, I will absolutely say
still that was the worst experience of my life. I've
never experienced that type of magnitude of hate. It was
such a st stressful time and like, yeah, I mean
I couldn't even go on Twitter. It was just like
(12:52):
memes hate. That was horrible. That was definitely the worst
experience of my life. But I do think life has
good and bad for us to grow, So I'm not
like resentful that it happened.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
Yeah, I remember when that was happening to you. You
had spoken out, and I think it was probably in
relation to the same thing I just brought up. And
it's always important for us. And I think I don't
want to just say reality television. I think it's in
general sports, you know, coworkers, whatever life is, you know,
(13:28):
surrounding you with the hate is is so unnecessary. It
doesn't do anything good. And I think it's always a
good reminder, especially in this situation, that like, you're a
real person reading this and it's affecting you deeply. But
I guess the thing that happens there is you probably
start to question yourself in a thousand different ways. When
(13:49):
you're reading these things. You're probably getting pretty down on
yourself and also super sad. Yeah, but you're watching this
on television at the same time. Did you feel like
you there was any accurate portrayal of you on television
or do you feel like you're watching a stranger the
whole time?
Speaker 1 (14:08):
No, And even my friends who watched it were like,
I don't know that girl, Like I don't know. So
I think The Bachelor can be very one dimensional. I mean,
if you compare it to other reality shows, these girls
are given one season, they're given one character thing, whereas
even on How Civillains Like, they showed more dimensions, more sides.
(14:30):
So I think that was an issue as well. It
was like I was just boxed in as the villain
and like they didn't show any other moments you know
that I had. So yeah, I don't think it accurately
portrayed me at all.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
So you would say you were you were more of
a villain on The Bachelor than you were in the
House of Villains, Is that true?
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Yeah? I think so, because how Civillains like, they show
more sides of you. They show when you're silly, they
show when you're kind I mean, do they show kindness,
I don't know, but they just have more overall, whereas,
like you know, even on The Bachelor, when you were
there that day, like me and Brie were like throwing
the leaves up, having fun, and like they don't show
(15:13):
any of that. They just show storylines that they want.
I don't know. It's a different.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
Experience that's interesting. So yeah, would you you don't regret
the House of going on House of Villains? Then No?
Speaker 2 (15:26):
I loved House of Villains And how was that produced differently?
How was it, like, you know, how was productions handed
at all?
Speaker 1 (15:33):
I never saw a production and that's what we're talking
about yesterday. So I remember. Yeah. I even asked Wes
because he had done Real World, and I was like, wait,
is this normal, like we never see producers and he's like, yeah,
I'm like Bachelor, I was with them all the time,
So that was different for me. It was more real
(15:54):
conversations because you're like meshed in with these people. For me,
like my experience oftentimes on Bachelor, like they would make
us have a conversation. I guess the difference is too.
On Bachelor it's like all New Girls, and then how
Civilians it's like all stars, Like these people know how
to make a TV show, know what to do, and
(16:17):
you know some of them are in their own characters
a lot of the time.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
But characters. So would you say that they have like
a mask on, like they are playing a role.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Definitely, Candy the drag queen like puts on a show.
But yeah, and Safari too. Safari likes to act. He's
never serious.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
TV is obviously something that you've thrived in. I mean,
you know, guys like it or not. Your villain character
has you know, helled you into new opportunities. I don't
like the hate.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
You know, have exciting news. I'm doing a movie like
the end of April May, so I'm so excited.
Speaker 3 (16:56):
I'm like, yes, tell us, more like, can you tell
us anything?
Speaker 1 (17:00):
I'm kind of just playing the hot, dumb girl, which
is better than the villain. Okay, we're moving up. What
kind of movie is it. It's kind of a drama,
but then my role is like funny, congrats, thank you.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
So my whole point to this and where I want
to go with this interview is you are a villain
on the Bachelor. It's propelled you in to these new opportunities.
The hate and the online you know noise is really hard,
especially when you're new to this. I think it, you
know today, like if it happened, it would still affect me,
(17:47):
but it wouldn't paralyze me maybe like it used to
back in the back when this was so new.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
You go on House of Villains, you enjoy that experience.
And so where I want this to go is you
have now kind of owned this villainous character in some way,
You're more confident, you're getting into acting, You're staying out
there in the spotlight. So for anybody in upcoming seasons
of The Bachelor or in reality television in general, and
(18:16):
they have this villain title thrown to them, what would
you tell them as advice to help them get through
that season as they feel like they're watching themselves on
television and it's not really them.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
First of all, I would say it would have been
easier to go a different route. I just ran with
the villain thing because I had to anyone going through it,
I would say, this too shall pass, you know, and
like just try and go with the cards that were
dealt to you and know your worth and know that's
(18:51):
not who you really are and that it can still
be a stepping stone onto the next part of your
life and just not get stuck in that. And also,
my dad gave me the advice to just like maintain
a neutral platform because it's like when people were like
the Queen, I was getting really high and they're like, whatever,
(19:13):
you get really low. So just kind of like don't
listen to anything like good or bad because none of
these people know you.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
If it makes you feel any better. There's probably two
cast members from Matt James's season that I could remember
off the top of my head, and you would be
one of them.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Yeah, that's a pro You'll be memorable.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Yeah, you're memorable. So sure if Paradise calls, I don't
know would you go. I mean, obviously you've had a
rocky road, but Paradise was better for you than the Bachelor.
You said, yeah, I.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Would maybe do it. And there's new producers now, so
it could be a cool experience.
Speaker 3 (19:53):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
And you had a feud with Katie Thurston on Matt
Jams season. Have have you talked to her at all recently?
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Her and I have kept in touch, but not like consistently.
But I saw like she's going through something crazy. Did
you see she posted like she has breast cancer, so
hopefully she was doing okay. I don't correspond with her,
but we're like fine.
Speaker 2 (20:18):
And then Mad James, so yeah, he's a single man. Now,
I'm assuming that you wouldn't want to go after that though, No.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
That he's definitely like not on my list at all.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
What was your take on the breakup and how it
was so sudden.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
I mean, I watched Rachel's interview. I feel bad for her.
We've all gone through that type of relationship and Matt
like I feel bad for him too, Like I don't
think anyone deserves like online hate. I was surprised actually
she went on a podcast. I guess she wanted to
have her side of the story out, But I mean
(20:59):
I would love to hear I'm on a podcast and
hear his side.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Too, well, Matt James, You're welcome to come on our podcast.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
Would love that.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
I think he's actually gonna stay quiet about this breakup though,
I think he knows that's what's probably best for him,
being that Rachel is really to steal your title living
a queen lifestyle right now, Like this girl is seen Rachel,
We're like bound down to her.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
She looks fabulous. Yeah, but it's also like, remember the
media did that with like, uh, what was it the
vander Pump, Like the scandabal like Marianna really took off,
and like, I mean, did you guys watch what was it? Traders?
With Tom Traders is hilarious? Well, Tom was hilarious on
(21:45):
that show. And it's like, as we were talking about earlier,
like everyone's a human being reading these comments. So whether
someone has a breakup or cheats or makes a mistake
or you know, like that's their own business. But we
live in a day and age where the whole Internet
just dissect it, which is insane.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
Yeah, I would. I would just say though, if you
sign up for multiple reality television shows, you're putting yourself
out there for praise and criticism. If you like definitely
don't want it, you don't do it.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
And what Jared always says is if you are not
being talked about, well then you're probably like kind of boring.
Speaker 1 (22:24):
Well, guys, that's why I posted the TikTok like I
am irrelevant, So I'm like, I didn't know it would
go viral, Like I just post on there chilling living
my life like post me and my dog hiking like
it's it was not that deep and it was kind
of scary, to be honest.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
It's it's it was. It was great timing unbeknownst to you,
Which is one of the most like comedic takeaways from
This Time with You today is that you had no
clue that at the same time that you're calling out
the show, the show is calling out themselves with mass
mass exodus and and the show will look very different. Now, Victor,
(23:03):
you got to look into this. This is this is happening.
Staff is leaving. We don't know what the Bachelor's going
to look like in a year or who's going to
be running it, and so your TikTok was wildly good
timing for you not planning it.
Speaker 1 (23:20):
I'm in alignment still with Bachelor Nation.
Speaker 3 (23:23):
It's right you somehow get it, Victoria. Next time you
have a big TikTok, come back on, let's talk about it.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
Yeah, and we wish you the best. We'll be tuning
into this movie announcement. It's a big deal. Congratulations. And
then also if you get the phone call for Paradise
and if you say yes, we would love to see it.
One more redemption story for Victoria Larson. Until next time,
I've been been.
Speaker 2 (23:52):
I've been Ashley, Victoria, last time, I was scared to
talk to you this time.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
Thank You're so nice. Goodbye bye to Ben and Ashley.
I Almost Famous podcasts on iHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you
listen to podcasts.
Hosts And Creators
Ben Higgins
Ashley Iaconetti
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