Bachelor In Paradise is back with a sizzling new season, this time set against the lush and exotic backdrop of Costa Rica. Former fan-favorite stars from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are getting a second chance to find their perfect match, this time in a stunning tropical getaway.

Just a couple of episodes in, and fans are already declaring Season 10 of Bachelor in Paradise one of the most dramatic seasons, largely due to a shocking second rose ceremony, where roses were handed out by the men. Call it the “rose ceremony from hell” after Justin Glaze did the unimaginable and handed his rose to his ex-girlfriend, Susie Evans, instead of Lexi Young, who he had formed a connection with.

Lexi Young And Justin Glaze Get Into Heated Exchange Online After Shocking Rose Ceremony

Episode 2 of Bachelor in Paradise put the power in the hands of the men, but it turned out to be a particularly difficult night for Justin Glaze. The former Bachelorette contestant was thrown for a loop when he discovered that his ex-girlfriend, and fellow Bachelor Nation alum, Susie Evans, had arrived on the beach, also looking for love. Her unexpected entrance added a whole new layer of tension, complicating Justin’s emotions just as he was preparing to hand out his rose.

Before Susie made her surprise appearance, Justin had made his strongest connection with Lexi Young. However, Lexi confessed to being hesitant to take things further because Justin and Susie had ended things just four months ago, and she worried he still may have feelings for her. Cue Susie, and Justin was tasked with making an extremely difficult decision during the rose ceremony when Susie was unable to find a connection.

In a surprising turn of events, Justin chose to give his rose to Susie — not to rekindle their past relationship, but in hopes of giving her a chance to explore new connections in paradise. However, Susie declined the rose, making it clear she wasn’t interested in staying under those circumstances. As a result, all three contestants, Justin, Susie, and Lexi, were sent home in one of the most unexpected eliminations the show has ever seen.

Things took a turn in the real world when a fan asked Justin on social media why he would “lead another very sweet girl on” if he “still [has] feelings” for an ex. The comments were shared by Instagram handle @bachelornation.scoop.

In short, Justin replied by stating that Lexi was giving him mixed signals, where she stated that a romance between them could not have been possible because of where they lived and questioned “if we wanted the same things out of life.”(This wasn’t shown on camera according to Justin). He also added that Lexi urged him to “pursue other women as she wanted to pursue other men.”

However, when it was time for the rose ceremony, he believed Lexi was just looking out for herself, adding, “The conversation before the rose ceremony was the first time I received any interest from her…” Justin also shared that he chose to “self-sacrifice” by giving Susie the rose because he didn’t believe Lexi was “genuinely interested” in him.

Lexi responded to Justin’s comments, and claimed that his “narrative” was not true at all. “I won’t let you twist my words or rewrite my truth. We both know the reality of what happened,” she said. “I genuinely hope you take this time to grow and heal so you don’t repeat this kind of behavior with someone else.”

Justin hit back at Lexi, sharing that she didn’t give him “a chance” to talk about things off-camera. “I absolutely value communication,” Justin wrote, adding that he tried to reconnect with her twice but to no avail.

Again, Lexi commented on his post. “You’re now using the points I raised about us having a relationship to justify not pulling me aside before the rose ceremony and sharing your concerns? … I asked you directly to come to me if anything changed, and you chose not to. That lack of respect speaks volumes.”

Fans React To Justin Glaze Giving His Rose To Ex, Susie Evans

On the same Instagram account that shared the heated exchange between Justin and Lexi, several fans believed that what Justin did during the rose ceremony — by giving his rose to Susie — was admirable.

“I admired Justin’s kindness and thoughtfulness towards Susie! He demonstrated selflessness because of his care for Susie. If I were Lexi I would take a step back and applaud his decision,” a comment read.

Another fan wrote, “I don’t think Justin did anything wrong. Lexi was giving extremely mixed signals the whole time she was there, and even acted hesitant after speaking with Susie. I think Justin’s intentions are pure.”

When Susie and Justin reunited on the beach for the first time since their breakup, emotions ran high, but there was no bitterness between them, despite ending their relationship just four months earlier. Justin expressed that he genuinely wanted Susie to have the best possible experience on the show. In return, Susie made a point to speak with Lexi, reassuring her that she had not come to Costa Rica to reconnect with her ex, but to find a fresh start.

When Susie arrived, she decided to go on a date with Jeremy Simon. However, he had formed a strong connection with Bailey Brown, and Susie felt that she would not be getting a rose from him. It put Justin in a complicated position, as he told Susie, “You are always the one giving, right, and you’re always the one that’s getting the short end of the stick. And it’s f****** tough, you know? I don’t want to think back to me and you on my sofa, and we pinky promised to protect each other and make sure we’re good.”

Bachelor In Paradise Season 10 couples after the second rose ceremony:

• Spencer and Jess
• Dale and Kat
• Jeremy and Bailey
• Brian and Parisa
• Jonathan and Alexe
• Jill Chin (received Justin’s leftover rose)

Justin appeared to stick to that pinky promise by choosing Susie at the rose ceremony. Although she did not accept his rose, she later dished on the Viall Files podcast that she was on “good terms” with both Justin and Lexi following the shocking ceremony fallout.

“We’re on really good terms. I have talked with Justin, I have talked with Lexi. Adore them both, I think they’re both really great people and yeah, good vibes all around,” she told Nick Viall.