Months before Bachelor in Paradise premiered its 10th season, ABC teased big changes. Fans initially thought the addition of golden contestants and a location switch was what the network was talking about. The changes were much bigger than that. Bachelor in Paradise season 10 added a prize element to the game. While the contestants sure seem happy about the chance to win $500,000, fans of the original dating show are not. They argue that it’s completely changed the dynamic, and at least one contestant agrees. Allyshia Gupta recently admitted that the addition of prize money completely changed how she approached her time on Bachelor in Paradise.

‘Bachelor in Paradise’ has added prize money, and fans aren’t happy

Bachelor in Paradise returned to ABC’s schedule after a year-long hiatus. The return was hyped by the network, and fans were excited to watch Bachelor Nation alums have some messy dating experiences on a beach. What they got looks very different than the show they remember from 2023. Fans were mostly vibing with the new location and the inclusion of an older age group. Bringing prize money into the mix, however, isn’t sitting right with loyal viewers.

Adding prize money, many fans contend, changes the entire purpose of the series. Viewers are no longer seeing The Bachelor and The Bachelorette castoffs hunt for love. Instead, they are watching them form alliances for money. While that might be a good show, it isn’t Bachelor in Paradise and has altered the entire spirit of the series.

Allyshia Gupta says it changed the way she approached her time in paradise

Bachelor in Paradise fans have bemoaned the addition of prize money, as it has altered the series’ purpose and the dynamic among contestants. Allyshia Gupta recently admitted they are 100% right. Gupta, who was one of the later arrivals to paradise, recently appeared on Bachelor Happy Hour and dished on how the prize money changed her approach to her time in paradise.

Gupta admitted that had the prize money not been introduced, she likely would have pursued Dale Moss more aggressively, despite his connection to Kat Izzo. Gupta admitted that the prize money made contestants more likely to stick with a partner than date around. She also said the game element kept everyone pretty separate and pushed her to pair up with Sean McLaughlin. Gupta’s arrival and her connection with McLaughlin sort of led to Jill Chin’s decision to self-eliminate.

The contestants didn’t know about it, either

The addition of a prize element to Bachelor in Paradise was a shock to fans, but it was also a shock to contestants. Gupta revealed that she was just as surprised as anyone else by the big reveal. During her podcast appearance, Gupta said she walked into a situation that was much different than the one she expected or was told about.

Gupta had not previously appeared on Bachelor in Paradise. She joined Bachelor Nation during season 29 of The Bachelor. She initially vied for Grant Ellis’s attention, but was eliminated during the second week of the competition. Based on what she said on Bachelor Happy Hour, she didn’t find lasting love on Bachelor in Paradise either.