The long-running “The Bachelorette” feud between Kaitlyn Bristowe’s ex Shawn Booth and Nick Viall has finally cooled, more than 10 years after it dominated the franchise’s most talked-about season.
Shawn Booth said he no longer sees Viall as an enemy, offering a clear update on their relationship today.
The comments came during an April 2 appearance on the “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast. The rivalry once defined season 11, where both men competed for Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Booth ultimately won the season and proposed in the finale. The tension between the two men became one of the biggest storylines at the time. Now, Booth is looking back with a very different perspective.
Booth Says Feud With Nick Viall Was ‘Real’ but ‘Very Exaggerated’
Shawn Booth did not deny that the conflict was serious during filming. Instead, he explained that it felt real at the time, even if it looks different now.
“No, not anymore,” Booth said on the April 2 episode of the “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast when asked if he and Viall are still “enemies.” “We were. That was real. It was also very exaggerated, but it was real on the show.”
Booth and Viall both competed for Kaitlyn Bristowe during season 11, which aired in 2015. Booth proposed in the finale, and Bristowe accepted. The couple stayed engaged for three years before splitting in 2018.
During the season, Booth often questioned Viall’s intentions. In one confrontation, Booth told Viall, “You’re manipulating, you’re arrogant and you’re just a cocky guy.” Booth also accused him of trying to fix his image after appearing on a previous season.
Looking back, Booth said the reality TV environment made everything harder to read. He said producers and outside voices influenced how contestants viewed each other.
“When you get off the show, you can’t tell what is real and what’s not real from what the producers are telling you, from what these people are telling you,” Booth said. “It’s like everywhere you turn and you don’t know what’s up and what’s down.”
Booth added that he believed he was protecting Bristowe at the time. “I thought that I was being the hero who stole the girl from this evil guy,” he said.
Nick Viall’s Response, Podcast Success & Where They Stand Now
GettyWhile the feud made headlines during the season, both men have moved on. According to People magazine, Viall addressed the situation in 2015 and reflected on how it came across.
“It was very unfortunate and frustrating,” Viall told People. “We looked immature and we looked petty. But I have no animosity toward Shawn. I really do wish him and Kaitlyn the best.”
Today, Viall has built a strong media presence. He hosts “The Viall Files,” a podcast that features reality stars and trending stories tied to the Bachelor franchise. Booth acknowledged that success during the same interview.
“Hey, I mean credit to him,” Booth said. “He’s been able to keep his name out there. Uh businessman, I guess like he’s doing something right to keep that podcast going strong.”
Booth also said the two men rarely communicate now. There is no ongoing conflict between them.
Booth also shared that his relationship with Bristowe has faded over time. He said they have rarely spoken since their breakup and have only crossed paths once in Nashville.
The takeaway is clear. The feud that once drove headlines across Bachelor Nation was real at the time. But years later, Booth sees it as something shaped by the pressure and storytelling of reality TV.
