First Same-Sex 'Bachelor' Couple Announces Split

Relationships forged through the fires of reality television are not always made to last.

Such was the case for the Bachelor franchise’s first same-sex couple.

Demi Burnett met Kristian Haggerty shortly before she left to take part in the most recent season of Bachelor in Paradise, and when producers discovered Burnett’s feelings for the other woman were getting in the way of her connecting with anyone on the show, they decided to bring Haggerty out to paradise.

The season finale, which aired mid-September, ended with three proposals, including one between this groundbreaking couple.

Unfortunately, Burnett shared on Instagram yesterday what fans had already begun to suspect — the relationship has come to an end.

“With a heavy heart full of love for one another we have decided it is best for us to take a step back from our relationship,” she wrote. “We ultimately want what is best for us in the long run and for us right now, that means being apart and growing individually.”

While Burnett’s post certainly hints at the possibility that the door may not be permanently closed on a romantic relationship between her and Haggerty, she also took the opportunity to address fans of Bachelor in Paradise who were impacted by what the couple represented.

“We will forever be proud of the impact our love story has made and we hope it has helped others feel more accepted and confident within themselves. We hope it reminded others they aren’t alone and don’t need to be ashamed of who they are.”