Things got tense when Hakeem Moulton and Ricky Marinez reacted to a game where female contestants gave them negative ratings. Ricky, trying to joke about it, told Hakeem he was “vanilla,” despite his appearance. Hakeem took it personally, feeling put down by a friend, and asked the group if anyone actually liked being called “vanilla.” After their heated argument, both Hakeem and Ricky went home without a rose, clearly turning the Bachelor In Paradise women off.
Hakeem took to Instagram to share his thoughts, looking back on the highs, lows, and messy moments of his time on Bachelor in Paradise.
Hakeem wrote, “Walking out of Paradise a lot sooner than I ever pictured, but feeling so thankful for it all.” He added that while he was ready to push himself out of his comfort zone, he is now “crawling right back into my shell.” The reason behind this is because Hakeem facing rejection and goodbyes on national TV has humbled him “real quick.”
"I know I did the best I could, and I am still grateful for every single moment of this experience."
What Hakeem Moulton Being Embarrassed Means For Bachelor In Paradise
The Real Story Behind Hakeem’s Exit
Hakeem’s apology and Instagram message reveal a rare moment of honesty in reality TV. By admitting that rejection on national television humbled him, he showed a side of himself that many can relate to. He owned up to his emotional reactions and expressed a real desire to grow, making his exit feel more human than dramatic.
He also opened up about the loss of a friendship, likely referring to Ricky, showing that the fallout was more than just for the cameras. Instead of shifting blame, he reflected on how things unraveled and the emotional toll it took. For fans, it adds depth to a conflict that initially seemed petty and overblown.
Even though his time on Bachelor In Paradise was short, Hakeem ended his post with hope. He encouraged others to face rejection, feel the embarrassment, and still believe in second chances. His message was clear. This isn’t the end of his story, and viewers might see him return, stronger and more self-aware.
What Hakeem’s Honest Reflection Means For His Future
Hakeem reflecting on his time in Bachelor in Paradise, shows a refreshing level of honesty. Instead of deflecting, he owned his emotions, acknowledged mistakes, and even admitted to losing a meaningful friendship. It’s rare to see such vulnerability after a reality TV exit, and it makes fans hope this isn’t the last they see of him.
