The Bachelor's Victoria Larson has spoken out for the first time since her prior arrest report was released online.
The reality TV star, who is currently starring in season 25 of the ABC dating show, appeared on Good Morning America to discuss the moment she found out her 2012 arrest had resurfaced, admitting she felt "liberated" by it.
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"When initially the story broke I called my dad, of course, and he's like, 'How do you feel?' and I'm like, 'I feel liberated,'" she told the hosts. "Everything's exposed! I can tell my future husband, 'Google me — I have no secrets to hide.'"
© Photo: InstagramThe reality gave her side of the story on GMA
The report, obtained by GMA, detailed Victoria's arrest in 2012 in Florida for shoplifting makeup from Publix grocery store. After authorities were called, the TV star was allegedly placed in jail for 48 hours before being bailed for $1,000.
As well as Victoria making headlines for her previous arrest, the reality star, who's known as the "Queen" on the show, has also caused a stir for her fiery and brutally honest persona, which some viewers on social media have labelled as "bullying". Victoria defended herself against these claims, insisting that the things she says on the show are said in good faith.
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© Photo: InstagramVictoria is one of the most talked about contestants on the reality dating show
The 28-year-old told GMA: "It was all in good fun. If my words or actions hurt anyone, I sincerely apologise and I'll do better and hold myself accountable. I'm not a bully, I'm really not."
The tense moments on the show, particularly between Victoria and former contestant Sarah, also led a number of fans to question whether she's a real contestant or whether she was placed on the show by producers to create tension.
One person tweeted: "This Victoria girl on The Bachelor is a plant right? Like... put there by the producers to cause chaos." A second person had a similar view, writing: "I refuse to believe Victoria is actually like this in real life. She's got to be a producer plant, no one is this outrageous... right? #Bachelor."
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