Joey Graziadei from The Bachelor Stands Up for Maria Georgas During Show Drama: Describing Her as 'Misunderstood'

Despite being a source of drama in season 28 of The Bachelor, Maria Georgas continues to receive roses from Joey Graziadei. Joey, the bachelor himself, stood by his choices and defended Maria in a recent interview, conducted on Monday, February 26.

"I am unable to recount what happened [between Maria and the other women]," Joey, 28, informed Us Weekly. "What you are witnessing is no different from what I'm seeing. Every discussion I had was a one-on-one conversation. I didn't observe the group interactions. I believe that Maria is often misunderstood. She described herself as somewhat raw and was taken aback by her lack of rapport with many other women in the mansion."

Maria, 29, is amongst the last six women aiming for Joey's heart on the show. In a two-on-one date with Joey and Sydney Gordon earlier this season, she received a rose, an action by Joey seemingly indicating his allegiance as tension grew between Maria and Sydney.

"She formed a strong bond with me. In circumstances like this, I always focus on the connections," Joey clarified. "I have no control over what happens in the house. The only thing I can manage is the chance to comprehend these women as best as I can. Therefore, the ongoing presence of Maria, her continuity in the competition, is due to our burgeoning connection, which I wanted to explore further. So yeah, it's difficult to discuss this because I, along with the rest of America, haven’t seen everything. It's always like this."

The dispute between Maria and Sydney, 28, started when Sydney accused Maria of being dismissive of another contestant, Madina Alam's feelings about being the oldest participant on the show. When Maria learned about Sydney’s remarks, it triggered a face-off between the women. Sydney then informed Joey of the situation and labeled Maria as "toxic" and creating a "hostile environment" in the mansion.

Sydney was given the boot on the two-on-one date, but Maria’s quarrels persisted even after her adversary departed. Lea Cayanan was the next woman to clash with Maria and made her feelings known when she reproached Madina, 31, for her lack of distress over Sydney’s exit. During the sixth week, Lea, 23, was also eliminated. Maria's decision to spend extra time with Joey at a cocktail party, despite already having a rose, also annoyed Jess Edwards.

Earlier, Maria gave her side of the story regarding the current season’s events and vowed that things will be "unveiled” as time goes by.

"I want to clarify that I’m not innocent," she stated. "I consider myself a woman who isn't afraid to express her thoughts and will defend herself no matter the cost. That's how I was brought up. If given a chance to revisit the past, honestly, I would handle things differently. Particularly when your actions or words aren't going to please the other person. Next time, I’ll just keep quiet.”

The contestants will reassemble for the forthcoming Women Tell All special, likely to be filmed in the next week or two.