Transcript of Jillian's teleconference call:
Friday, February 20, 2009
ABC Television Network
PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE - ENTERTAINMENT - -
TRANSCRIPT 2/19 "THE BACHELOR" TELECONFERENCE WITH ELIMINATED BACHELORETTE JILLIAN HARRIS
TRANSCRIPT FROM THE FEBRUARY 19 "THE BACHELOR"
TELECONFERENCE WITH ELIMINATED BACHELORETTE JILLIAN HARRIS
"The Bachelor: Women Tell All Special" airs this MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
Cathy Rehl: Welcome, everybody and good afternoon. We are down to our final two women. Next Monday will be the always entertaining, Women Tell All special. And after that will be our finale and After the Final Rose and then on Tuesday, March 3, our other special, After the Final Rose, Part 2.
But today, first we have the last eliminated woman, Jillian Harris. And she comes to us obviously from Canada. And I'm just going to get started with the questions, with the question part of this. And please again, only two questions at a time.
Let everybody get a chance to talk and then you can come back and ask more questions. Thanks.
John Bracchitta: Hey, how you doing?
Jillian Harris: Hey, John. How's it going?
John Bracchitta: Pretty good.
Jillian Harris: Good.
John Bracchitta: Just to go on about the show. Based on how you thought your date in New Zealand went with Jason, is it safe to say you were surprised when you learned that you had been eliminated?
Jillian Harris: Yeah, I think it's pretty safe to say I was surprised. I think that it's a very unique situation that you're in and of course, no matter how hard you're falling for somebody, you always sort of wonder is this for real? And if he's the real one and you have questions in your mind and your heart? But when he let me go, I was sincerely really disappointed and surprised, yes.
John Bracchitta: Okay. Do you think that your comments on wanting to marry your best friend may have come off the wrong way with him? Based on the show, he kind of seems fixated on that.
Jillian Harris: I'm not sure if it affected his decision or not. It seemed like it did. I still stand by my word. I have a lot of mentors in my life that have very successful marriages. And the key is marrying your best friend and I still stand by that. It's still what I'm looking for.
Of course, I understand there has to be more. There has to be a spark but just seeing how my family got through marriage and my grandparents and cousins and family and friends, that's what I'm looking for. So if he's looking for something different, then he made the right choice.
John Bracchitta: Okay, great. I'll check back in later.
Jillian Harris: Great. Thanks, John.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Adam Zarlengo with Yahoo TV. (Adam), your line is open.
Adam Zarlengo: Hey, Jillian, how are you?
Jillian Harris: I'm great, (Adam). How are you?
Adam Zarlengo: Good, thank you. It seemed like your relationship had started to progress from being great friends to more after that overnight date in New Zealand. Why do you think Jason never felt that it was going to go beyond being friends?
Jillian Harris: I think that's the million dollar question. I feel the same way. I felt like we had so many different levels that our relationship had reached from being friends to being great partners to really understanding each other. And then in New Zealand, we sort of reached that spark and that level that we were both looking for. So I'm not sure he thought it wasn't going to be there.
I mean there's all sorts of things that my friends and family have told me. You know, maybe he couldn't keep up with you or maybe you need somebody with a little bit more zest. Or maybe he really just didn't feel that spark and if that's the case, that's fair enough. But yeah, that's a million dollar question. If you could find out, call me back and let me know.
Adam Zarlengo: I will definitely. So what's next for you post-Bachelor? And would you do the Bachelorette if you were asked?
Jillian Harris: Well, post Bachelor is, for me, just getting back home and getting back to work. And you know, making sure that my friends and family know that I'm okay and thanking everybody for their support.
And as I said on the show, you know I've got a very positive life back here in Vancouver. And I'm a very grateful girl for everything that has happened to me - or woman I should say. So I think I'll just continue to do what I've been doing because it's made me happy.
In terms of me doing the Bachelorette, that's something I haven't thought too seriously about. Biggest thing for me is just putting myself in a position that I'm happy and healthy and hopefully that'll attract my prince charming.
Adam Zarlengo: Great, thank you, Jillian, appreciate it.
Jillian Harris: Thanks a lot.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line Lorilee Craker with Grand Rapids Press.
Lorilee Craker: Hi, Jillian. How are you?
Jillian Harris: I'm great Laura Lee. How are you?
Lorilee Craker: Good. Listen, I'm a Canadian girl too. I'm from Winnipeg.
Jillian Harris: Awesome. Great to talk to you.
Lorilee Craker: Yeah, I know, I was really - everyone kept talking about your accent and I'm like what accent?
Jillian Harris: I'm (unintelligible).
Lorilee Craker: Exactly "process" but anyway, now I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, actually.
Jillian Harris: Right.
Lorilee Craker: Which, as you might know, is Molly Malaney's hometown.
Jillian Harris: Yes.
Lorilee Craker: So, I guess my question is - my first question is what was your take on Molly and what did you - what kind of relationship did the two of you have?
Jillian Harris: Well, Molly and I - I became very, very good friends with Melissa and Naomi and a lot of girls in the house. You know, I think Molly is really what you see on TV. She is bright. She is funny. She is smart. You know, I would say that maybe in sharing emotions she's a little bit more reserved than I am.
And I saw that during the family day but that's not to say that that's right or wrong. I think to each their own and it sounds like she's got a great...
Lorilee Craker: Right.
Jillian Harris: You know, built a really great life for herself and good girl.
Lorilee Craker: Okay, all right.
Jillian Harris: Yeah.
Lorilee Craker: So and then I guess, my second question is how's - I mean obviously we've talked about how shocked you were and we were all shocked.
Jillian Harris: I know.
Lorilee Craker: ...to see you go. I mean I - you could have knocked me over with a feather but how has your dating life changed? Have you - I mean you're so beautiful and charming, I mean have you been flooded with offers from Vancouver guys?
Jillian Harris: That's funny. Well, thank you very much for the compliment first off. I have not been dating at all. I think it's just that a little bit overwhelming taking it all in and trying to get your head screwed on back straight and kind of figure out what happened back there.
Lorilee Craker: Right.
Jillian Harris: And just keep - for me, I think I needed a little bit of time to get back to the headstrong Jill.
Lorilee Craker: Right.
Jillian Harris: I've had a few calls for sure but nothing too crazy. Nothing that I can't handle yet.
Lorilee Craker: Good, well you know what? I think that this is going to lead you to the man of your dreams, and Jason was an idiot to let you go.
Jillian Harris: Thank you so much. Well, I really hope it does because I'm ready to share my life with somebody.
Lorilee Craker: All right. Well, God bless you, Jillian, okay?
Jillian Harris: Thank you so much. Good talking to you.
Lorilee Craker: All right.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Al Mellis with ******.
Al Mellis: Hi, Jillian.
Jillian Harris: Hey, sorry I missed your name.
Al Mellis: Al.
Jillian Harris: Oh, Al, how's it going?
Al Mellis: Pretty good. I'm actually from your part of the country, Peace River.
Jillian Harris: Oh wonderful.
Al Mellis: Yeah, I'm from Vancouver. I used to live up in Peace Valley.
Jillian Harris: Oh it's gorgeous. It's actually beautiful here today. The sun's shining. It's just gorgeous.
Al Mellis: Well, that's awesome.
Jillian Harris: Yeah.
Al Mellis: See the mountains obviously.
Jillian Harris: Yes.
Al Mellis: Jillian, I've got some easy questions for you to start off with.
Jillian Harris: (Unintelligible).
Al Mellis: What was it like for you during the meet and greet?
Jillian Harris: The meet and greet is obviously very overwhelming. I think it's so, you know built up all this excitement to what you signed up for and I think at the meet and greet it's the first sign of a very unique experience. The girls were all really great. I mean I'll say that over again and again.
I was blessed with how sweet the girls were to me the whole time. And the biggest thing that stood out in my mind during that meet and greet was just, you know, talking to Jason and grilling him on his hot dog toppings and realizing that I was actually attracted to this person.
Al Mellis: Now, I got a funny one. This was submitted by a fan.
Jillian Harris: Okay.
Al Mellis: They said, you seemed you to have formed some sort of bond with the host Chris Harrison. Please tell us that you were going to tell us a Chris Harrison goof up or something embarrassing for him to get back at telling the world that you didn't shave your legs when you got up on Jason's shoulders.
Jillian Harris: Oh my gosh. That was so funny when I actually - yeah that was hilarious. I don't have anything embarrassing to say about Chris Harrison, but I do have a funny story.
When we were in New Zealand, I heard that he was in the same little district as me. And I got up one day and went luging and Cathy, are you there? So, I just want to make sure that I'm able to say that.
Cathy Rehl: I'm sorry, I didn't.
Jillian Harrison: Okay.
Cathy Rehl: I didn't hear you. I'm sorry.
Jillian Harris: Okay. Just to make sure that it's okay to say this but I went luging and halfway down that hill I decided it would be a great time to put on lipstick and rolled my luge. And of course, Chris came flying around the corner. "Are you okay?" And I was laughing so hard, and we had such a good laugh about it.
So maybe that's why he really liked me cause he always caught me in my most embarrassing moment.
Al Mellis: (Unintelligible).
Jillian Harris: Yeah, I always had a good laugh about it. The shaving my legs thing was actually quite funny because I didn't realize until after I got off of Jason's shoulders that they weren't hairy, but they were just a bit prickly. So I actually approached Jason and said, "I know that you know that my legs are prickly. Just so you know."
And we all had a good laugh about it. And the girls were, of course, making fun of me, but it is what it is.
Al Mellis: Well, Jillian, I'll give the others a chance to ask some more questions and I'll get back to you and...
Jillian Harris: Okay, thanks a lot. I appreciate it.
Al Mellis: You too.
Jillian Harris: Take care.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Debbie Chang with BuddyTV.
Debbie Chang: Hi, Jillian.
Jillian Harris: Hi, Debbie, how are you?
Debbie Chang: I'm good. I just wanted to say that you were one of my favorites. So I was really sad when you got eliminated.
Jillian Harris: Thank you. I know I was upset as well.
Debbie Chang: I - and I didn't catch your last name at the beginning of the call. Can you just repeat that?
Jillian Harris: My last name is Harris, H-A-R-R-I-S.
Debbie Chang: Okay, thanks. Okay, so here's my first question. So, you said in the episode that you were really beginning to fall in love with Jason. And now that you have some hindsight do you still think the same way?
Jillian Harris: I think naturally when you are rejected, for lack of better word, I try to find a reason why he would do, what he did or reasons why we might not have worked. It just sort of helps me cope.
And so, you know, I would say on a scale of one to ten, would he be a ten for what I'm looking for? Maybe not but out of all it, the men that I've dated in my life, he possessed the most qualities that I was looking for. And so I still love him, but I don't think I'm in love with him anymore.
I think that, you know you have to heal yourself and I'd wish the very best for him. And I think, you know, you just sort of have to get over it and move on. And it's like any other breakup and hope the best for the person.
Debbie Chang: And then how did you feel about Jason's concern that you might be too independent or too strong for him?
Jillian Harris: I guess it threw me back a little bit to hear him say that. And even to see it on TV. It's something that I always thought that was most attractive about me was that I worked so hard to pay my own bills and to support myself. And I did realize from watching the show that moving forward it's okay for me to let my guard down.
And it's okay for me to look for somebody that wants to take care of me. So I've learned a lot about myself during this adventure and that's one thing I have learned. But I am independent and I am strong and that's kind of the person I am. I just need to find somebody who's, maybe a little stronger than me and can handle it.
Debbie Chang: Okay, thank you so much.
Jillian Harris: No problem.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Monica Sotomayor with Flash News.
Monica Sotomayor: Hi, Jillian. Thanks for your time today.
Jillian Harris: Thanks, Monica.
Monica Sotomayor: So I know you're an interior designer and everything. So what was it like for you living in the Bachelor pad? I mean did you get any decorating ideas from living there or do you have any decorating tips for the Bachelor pad?
Jillian Harris: Oh, that's a great question. Actually, I am a restaurant designer.
Monica Sotomayor: Okay.
Jillian Harris: I specifically do more restaurants more than anything. I've never done residential but when I saw where I was going to be living I was floored. And I thought the mansion was absolutely beautiful, I wouldn't have changed a thing. It was a dream living there. I definitely got a lot of ideas that's for sure.
Monica Sotomayor: Okay great, thanks so much.
Jillian Harris: Thank you.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Lilly Rockwell with Austin American Statesmen.
Lilly Rockwell: Hi, Jillian. I'm a big fan of yours.
Jillian Harris: Oh, thank you so much.
Lilly Rockwell: Yeah, I really enjoyed watching you this season. We were all kind of rooting for you. So...
Jillian Harris: Thank you, I've been - people have been so wonderful. I don't think I would've gotten over everything so quickly if I didn't have all the support that I had.
Lilly Rockwell: Well, fingers crossed maybe you'll get to be the next Bachelorette but...
Jillian Harris: Oh right, yeah. You never know.
Lilly Rockwell: My question is this last episode there was a quite steamy little hot tub scene with you and Jason.
Jillian Harris: Right.
Lilly Rockwell: And I wanted to know what was it like to watch that hot tub scene back on TV and what was the reactions from your friends and family?
Jillian Harris: Well, apparently my dad just stared at the TV with his jaw open. When I watched it, I had a good laugh. I guess it's one of those things that in real life once you've gotten to that point in your relationship, that's probably what we all would be doing, but the difference here is there are cameras there. And it is now being shown to a lot of people. I don't know. I still don't really have any regrets. That was, you know, it happened and it was kind of funny to watch and it is what it is.
Lilly Rockwell: And a follow up question to that is when Jason decided not to give you a rose, he kind of said he felt like maybe you guys were more friends. And in light of, for the obvious chemistry you all have there in the hot tub, what do you think about him saying that?
Jillian Harris: Well, you know, like I've said before that's the million dollar question. I think when I watch it, there is a different part that he has with say Melissa between what we had and what Melissa had. I still think our relationship progressed similar to what it may have in real life.
So maybe he felt at that point in time that he wasn't as wrapped up in the idea of him and I but you know, I don't know why - I still felt like we had all those components to make it work. But you know, you never know. You can't never get into somebody's head and I wonder why they think differently.
Lilly Rockwell: Okay. Was there anything that surprised you from watching the show on TV?
Jillian Harris: I think the biggest thing that surprised me is while I was taping the show, I thought I had the cat in the bag and - but you still question about you know what relationship he has with the other girls. Aside from seeing how much chemistry he had with Melissa, I was actually surprised to see how well I really did seem to fit in his life. And how many things in common we did have and how much my fans and the general public thought I was a good match for him.
You know, at the time, you always question, you know am I good for him? And is he good for me? And when I watched it, I was surprised to see how good we actually did fit together and then he still let me go.
Lilly Rockwell: Thank you for your time.
Jillian Harris: No problem.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Tom Rose with Fancast.com.
Tom Rose: Hello, Jillian.
Jillian Harris: Hi, how are you?
Tom Rose: I'm doing great. How are you today?
Jillian Harris: I'm great.
Tom Rose: Thanks a lot for talking with us.
Jillian Harris: No problem.
Tom Rose: Hey listen, as far as hot dog theory goes, do you feel like you have to rework now? Or do you wish that Jason maybe had thrown some relish on there?
Jillian Harris: Oh, no actually I still stand by my theory. I think my theory is a little bit more complicated than I initially thought. But Jason might be having some hot dog topping denial. I think that he's - I don't think he's a sauerkraut. I don't think he's a bad guy but I think he's actually has a little bit of ketchup in him. And he's a little bit of a ketchup, mustard, and I need a little bit of a sauerkraut mustard.
If that makes sense, if you know the hot dog theory, you'll understand.
Tom Rose: I had never heard it before but I got very intrigued and did a lot of research on it afterwards. But it seems like you actually did - you were right.
Jillian Harris: I was right yeah.
Tom Rose: Now, as far as the fantasy suite. Can you tell us more about that? Did you spend the entire night with Jason?
Jillian Harris: Yeah, I did. Jason and I obviously had a great time in the hot tub. I've said before, Jason and I had great, great conversation and it was really great to have a lot of off-camera time with him. And to be able to chat about the things that we weren't able to chat about on camera.
I thought that that would have solidified things in his mind of whether I was the one or not based on those conversations and maybe it did. But it was - yeah it was great to have that time to be able to chat with him.
Tom Rose: That's great. Thanks a lot.
Jillian Harris: Thank you.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of John Bracchitta with Reality TV World.
John Bracchitta: Hey, I'm back again.
Jillian Harris: Hey, John.
John Bracchitta: After you got eliminated, who do you feel's a better fit for Jason, Molly or Melissa?
Jillian Harris: I can see reasons why both girls would be great for him, and I can obviously see reasons why they both might not. Like I said before, me and Melissa became very close in the house and her and I always talked about if she did win, how fun it would be for us all to one day get together and have barbeques and laugh about it.
So, you know, a little selfish part inside of me hopes that it's Melissa, but the bottom line is now that I'm not the one, I really hope that Jason chooses the right person and that he's happy and, hopefully, we'll see him again.
John Bracchitta: Okay and then, you know you had said after your elimination that he had - Jason had broken your heart. And I know you kind of talked about it little bit before but could you just talk about what the first moment was where you realized how strongly you actually felt about him?
Jillian Harris: I think the moment I felt most strongly about Jason was when I brought him home to my family and I saw how excited my parents were to meet him. What you didn't see was how excited my parents were about Ty and they had a lot of questions about Ty and they had gifts for him.
And it was really wonderful to see how comfortable I was with Jason in front of my family and how well he fit in, and how much my grandma adored him. At that moment, for me, I saw him fitting in with my family perfectly, and that's when I think I fell for him hard.
John Bracchitta: Okay, great. Great, thanks a lot.
Jillian Harris: No problem.
Operator: Your next question from the line of Al Mellis with ******.
Al Mellis: Hi, Jillian. It's Al again.
Jillian Harris: Hey, Al.
Al Mellis: I got a two-parter question for you.
Jillian Harris: Sure.
Al Mellis: Everybody that does a reality show has a scene they wish they had never made the air and they have a scene they wish had have made the air. What are you two?
Jillian Harris: See, that's a hard question to ask because there are a few scenes that I cringed at but there are a few scenes that I cringe at, but I'm a no regrets girl. So I probably wouldn't take anything back.
There's one thing that I wish wouldn't have aired was there was maybe a bit too much detail about my family history and I wish I would've considered my family a little bit more when I was, you know, divulging so much. But my family has been so supportive and my mother has just been an absolute inspiration as she is so strong. You know, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
So you know, that would maybe be the only thing, but other than that, I have no regrets. As far as a scene that I wish they would've shown, I wish they would've - me and Jason had a really great conversation at the General Hospital date. That was never aired. And it was just a lot about family and friends and losses and children and about, you know, finding somebody that you can share your life.
And I was disappointed that that didn't make it to air because I thought it was just one of our best conversations.
Al Mellis: I got a - there's a follow up to that then.
Jillian Harris: Okay.
Al Mellis: Everybody had been wondering where did Jason get this idea during the General Hospital scene that you were a really strong woman? It must've been in that conversation.
Jillian Harris: Well, what had happened that day actually is I think all the girls were - had a lot of anxiety with seeing him kiss other girls and I had had that wonderful conversation with them that I was just on top of the world. When we got to the restaurant, everybody was you know they were drinking quite a bit and we were having - starting to have a lot of fun.
But it was the first real sign that a lot of girls were getting a lot of anxiety about him and about the situation. Just because of the way I am, I have no problem breaking down as long as I know there's somebody else around that maybe can support me. But I think a lot of the girls were having a tough time with it that night, and you saw that Melissa cried and you saw that Naomi had a tough time with it.
And then we saw that scene with Lauren, you know, demanding the rose and Shannon crying. And so when Jason wasn't talking to the girls, I was telling the girls, you know it's okay and this is going to be tough. And I was one of the only ones who didn't cry. I think there was a few other girls who didn't cry and you know, I think I wanted to but I was just so overjoyed with my conversation and my day with Jason that I didn't feel the need to get emotional.
And I think he came up to me at one point and said, "You know are you okay?" And I said, "No, I'm fine. Things - you know everybody's having a tough time with it." So I think he just saw that I didn't get emotional that day and I think that's what he was referring to.
Al Mellis: Okay. One last question. Tell us something that we would surprised about, about the final two women.
Jillian Harris: Something that you would be surprised about the final two women.
Al Mellis: About Molly and...
Jillian Harris: Honestly, I think you guys got to know them as much as I did. I mean we - I keep on saying me and Melissa became excellent friends throughout it. I'll tell you something you'd be surprised. If Melissa was the winner, her and I would be friends and I would be a part of their life. That is a surprise. Other than that, you know I think they're both great, wonderful girls. And I wish them both happiness and I can't wait to see what happens.
Al Mellis: Cool. Well, thank you very much, Jillian, and if I can fit in another question, I will later...
Jillian Harris: Great wonderful.
Al Mellis: Okay, you have a good day now.
Jillian Harris: Thanks a lot.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Adam Zarlengo with Yahoo TV.
Adam Zarlengo: Hey again, Jillian.
Jillian Harris: Hey, Adam.
Adam Zarlengo: Was there a reason in your final video to Jason you didn't mention anything about falling in love or being in love with him?
Jillian Harris: I think that's part of me having my guard up. I mean I don't think anybody knows how tough it is to continually open up to somebody and to continually let them know how much you feel about them. And knowing that they can't really reciprocate those feelings or words back to you.
And so, you know, I'm used to being the one that's wooed. I'm used to being, you know, a guy telling me first that he loves me and I think it was just the anxiety of knowing that if I tell him I love him, he would break my heart, which ultimately happened. So I think I was just - I couldn't move that quick, and I was really worried that he didn't love me back which he didn't.
Adam Zarlengo: Yeah. You did a lot of cool stuff on the show from the Robin Thicke concert to the helicopter ride. What was the favorite thing for you that you got to do during The Bachelor?
Jillian Harris: Let me just think about this here for a second. I did the Robin Thicke day, oh definitely the Keep-A-Breast date. And that was actually one that I was a little bit nervous about because as everybody knows, I'm not that well endowed up there but I had so much fun and really helped me to take those walls down.
And I realized how important the women are in my life that have helped me shape who I am and to be able to do something for a greater cause. It put me out of my comfort zone but I had so much fun.
Adam Zarlengo: That's awesome. Thank you again, Jillian and best of luck.
Jillian Harris: Oh thanks a lot. I appreciate it.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Tom Rose with Fancast.com.
Tom Rose: Hey, Jillian, back again. You had mentioned yourself that you see a lot of sparks flying between Melissa and Jason but you know, the show giving us some peeks at a monkey wrench being thrown by DeAnna Pappas showing up. Did you see her while you were there or did you interact with her at all?
Jillian Harris: I can't really comment on that but she hasn't been shown yet on any of the episodes that I've been in. So I think it's pretty safe to say that no I did not see her.
Tom Rose: Okay and then can you tell us about your story for getting on the show? How did you get on?
Jillian Harris: It was a funny story. I've been a huge fan of the show for years. I've always wondered how the girls can fall in love so quick, but at the same time, in the back of my mind I secretly wish for my fantasy fairytale ending. And one day during a Matt and Shayne season when Matt proposed to Shayne and of course, I had tears in my eyes. I said to my girlfriend, "I'm going to apply for this show."
And I really didn't say too much in my application. And they - I don't know what I said or what I did, but they called me right away and before I knew it, I was on a show and now talking to you.
Tom Rose: That's great. Thanks a lot.
Jillian Harris: Yeah, no problem.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Lauren Strupp with US Weekly.
Lauren Strupp: Hi, Jillian. Thanks so much for taking the time.
Jillian Harris: No problem, (Lauren).
Lauren Strupp: I just had a quick follow up to The Bachelorette question.
Jillian Harris: Okay.
Lauren Strupp: Have you been approached at all for it?
Jillian Harris: I haven't been approached by it at all unless you want to count my mother as somebody who's asked me if I would do it. You know but of course my friends and family ask, you know would you do it? But nobody has officially asked me, no.
Lauren Strupp: And I know you said you weren't considering it too seriously but would you?
Jillian Harris: There's - I think there's some pros and cons. I guess the biggest thing is I always want to protect my family and I really am very serious about finding somebody. I guess it would be I would really have to think about it. I don't want to be really famous, and I don't really want to be an actress.
I pay my own bills. I guess what I'm trying to say is part of me wants to stop while I'm ahead. I think I did a great job at representing myself on this last little adventure, but the other part of me really does want to find somebody. And the other part of me thinks, you know Jill, you gave it a shot once now maybe your prince charming is just right around the corner.
So, I don't know. I really would have to think hard about it, and now I'm having all these questions asked to me. It's making me think about it more, but I'll have to wait and see if actually anything serious pops up. And if somebody asks me, I'll have to have a little conversation with my parents and see what the family says.
Lauren Strupp: All right, well thank you so much.
Jillian Harris: No problem.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of John Bracchitta of Reality TV World.
John Bracchitta: Hi, I'm back, Jillian. I had a few more questions.
Jillian Harris: Not a problem, John.
John Bracchitta: Could you talk about just your family a little in general? It just seemed like there were a bunch of characters in that house.
Jillian Harris: Oh my gosh. My family and I've always known how unique my family is but watching the show just melted my heart. We're all comedians. And we've realized in life that sometimes life isn't always easy and it isn't always exactly how you've planned, but how we've gotten through it is just humor.
And as you see my family is full of emotion. We don't mind crying. We don't mind laughing. And 100% we're always there for each other no matter. My grandma is one of my best friends. Her and I often - I'll go up to Colona and her and I will sit and play Yahtzee and drink Caesars all afternoon. And my dad will have to come and pick up the pieces and say, "Okay girls that's enough."
But yeah I've got a really, really outstanding family, and I'm just so lucky that I've got such great people behind me.
John Bracchitta: Okay and then you don't have to go into detail about anything except that you mentioned your mom and her past. What did - had you meant to bring that up or did that come after you wanted to explain more about your background and your character?
Jillian Harris: Yeah, I actually believe it or not was really excited to bring it up. I don't think my mom was as excited when she saw it air. But for me and I think my family realizes this now, believe it or not, I don't understand the stigma of you know what our family went through with being like dirty laundry or something that is a secret.
To me it's the same as somebody who's had cancer. And I more or less wanted to tell Jason not because it was a secret and it was something negative, but I think it was something that I was so proud that our family was able to go through something so profound and yet come out of it ahead. And I think speaks volumes about the character of our family and how I would deal with stress in a real life situation.
There's something about going through a storm or dealing with adversity and turning it into something positive that I think - I hoped that would've said something really positive to Jason about myself and my family.
John Bracchitta: Okay and then I had just another really quick question. Aside from - well, is there anyone that you thought was going to go further on the show, any of the bachelorettes who didn't?
Jillian Harris: Okay, let me just think about everybody. I really - one person I don't think got to show her true colors was Kari. And I think that she is just so gorgeous first of all. She's such a beautiful girl. She's so fit. She has such a good head on her shoulders.
And you know, without the cameras there she actually had a really great sense of humor and had a great personality but unfortunately, I don't think Jason got of the see that. That's somebody I was surprised that didn't go as far.
John Bracchitta: Okay. Well, great. Okay, thanks a lot and good luck with everything.
Jillian Harris: Oh, thanks a lot. Take care.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Carrie Bell with People Magazine.
Carrie Bell: Hey, Jillian.
Jillian Harris: Hi, what's that? I didn't hear Gary did I?
Carrie Bell: No, it's Carrie.
Jillian Harris: Oh Carrie. I'm like well, Gary, your voice is so high.
Carrie Bell: I'm so womanly. No, Carrie like the...
Jillian Harris: Hi, Carrie.
Carrie Bell: Okay. So I have a question for you which I know, you know, it's going to be a little hard for you to answer because it's kind of a futuristic question.
Jillian Harris: Right.
Carrie Bell: But you know, some information came out yesterday on a blog about The Bachelor and how you know, these two specials and you know, he asked Melissa but they dumped Melissa and he goes with Molly. And when you hear things like that do you kind of feel like, wow, thank God he didn't pick me? Do you think that Jason is capable because I mean no one's saying that's what happening or if that's true?
Do you think Jason is capable of that stuff and based on how close you became with Melissa and you just mentioned, I will be a part of her life. She will be my friend. How do you think, you know, how will you be a part of that recovery process if that's the case?
Jillian Harris: Right. Well, I mean I don't know very much about these rumors. And I've just been hearing. I don't have time, to be frank, to read a lot of the blogs.
Carrie Bell: Right.
Jillian Harris: But I did hear a little bit about it. I pray that that's not true. I think that I would have to wait and see and I hope that it's not true. And I don't think Jason is capable of that. If in fact it is true, then I would just go back and blame it on the fact that is a very unique situation and puts people in a really tough spot.
I hope it's not true, but if it is, I'll obvious stand by my friend 100% and also, you know, Jason and whoever else involved I think everybody just - I hope that they all find happiness whatever - even if there is a bump in the road and we'll just hopefully wait and see.
Carrie Bell: I see.
Jillian Harris: I still believe that he is a really genuine character that was truly looking for love. And whether or not it is true, I hope everybody respects his decision and hopefully turns out as planned.
Carrie Bell: Yeah, I mean it just really seems like to me, when I read that stuff yesterday I thought, well that doesn't really seem like him. I mean he has seemed to be, throughout the process very respectful almost of what the girls are going through and he'd been through it himself.
And you know, kind of what people are going through but then at the same time, he's also like you said he has made no bones about the fact that he is there to find a wife. He is there to find a stepmom for his kid, someone who fits in with his life.
And so, you know, it seems like it would be a very difficult situation. You know, there's all these people fighting for one person's attention and you know, he said I'm falling for three women. I didn't think it was possible. So it also makes sense that there could be a moment where you go, wait, maybe I made the wrong decision and you know, that kind of thing. It's definitely interesting. It'll be interesting to see.
Jillian Harris: Now that I'm kind of done and I've had a chance to regroup, I am really excited to see what the outcome is of my new friends including Jason.
Carrie Bell: Right.
Jillian Harris: And all I can say is I hope that everybody's happy, and I hope that the rumors aren't true. And if they are, I hope that everybody, you know, takes an opportunity to kind of see why and where and all the details. I can't say what, of course, I know nothing.
Carrie Bell: Okay. Wonderful. That's what I needed thank you.
Jillian Harris: Okay, thanks a lot.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Lilly Rockwell with Austin American Statesmen.
Lilly Rockwell: Hi, my first question is actually for Cathy sort of following up on what Carrie was bringing up. You know, the rumors on blogs that sort of thing, particularly one which I'm sure you're familiar with, Reality Steve. Does ABC have any sort of comment on these rumors and whether they're accurate or not?
Cathy Rehl: No, of course not. We have no comment. There's millions of rumors out there about what's happened and we're not going to comment on any of them. And we hope everybody tunes in to find out what actually happens. So no, we don't have any comment.
Lilly Rockwell: Okay. And then, Jillian, hi.
Jillian Harris: Hi.
Lilly Rockwell: I wanted to ask you. Do you and Jason ever get a chance to talk about sort of real world things like your careers and that sort of thing?
Jillian Harris: Actually, that was - there isn't a lot of time off-camera but it's funny because you guys see about five minutes of an eight-hour date but during those eight hours and the time that I spent with Jason.
That was a big topic for me and one thing I kept on reiterating to him was how important it was for me to ensure that if I did fall in love with him, I was falling in love with a Jason that I would know back in Seattle.
And I always joked and I always said, you know I just wish I would've met you in a pub in Seattle with peanuts on the floor because I think then, you know, he would've got the opportunity to see you know that I am strong. I am confident.
I am career woman but I'm also a homebody and I spend a lot of time gardening. And I spend a lot of time, you know outside and in nature and having dinner with my friends and I would've really loved for him to see that despite of all the things I tried selling him, for lack a better word, on me.
That I am a balanced person and I'm not that adventurous, but we did talk a lot about my career and how that would work and what he did for a living. One of my favorite conversations with him was we started talking about how he was painting his house or his fence and that led to a conversation of how much we loved Costco.
And before we know it, we started laughing and we said, oh my gosh, here we are talking about Costco memberships. And for me, that just felt real life. That just felt like something you would chat your potential boyfriend.
Lilly Rockwell: And one quick follow up. How difficult was it when you returned back home after filming to sort have to respond to strangers' questions and family's questions and friends' questions about what had happened?
Jillian Harris: I'm sorry could you repeat the question?
Lilly Rockwell: How difficult was it to respond to people's questions about what happened? Not being able to really reveal much.
Jillian Harris: That was actually been more difficult than I anticipated because I wear my heart on my sleeve. And as you guys have seen, I'm very open. I don't have much of a filter when it comes my feelings. And so it was really hard to, you know, put on a straight face and get back to work and tell everybody, oh you'll just have to wait and see. And try to say it with a smile. That was difficult but thankfully, I was able to open up a little bit to my mom and my cousin, (Torre). And they really supported me so much that it helped me sort of get through all those questions.
Lilly Rockwell: Okay, thank you so much for your time again.
Jillian Harris: No problem.
Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Al Mellis ******.
Al Mellis: Hi, Jillian. I'm getting beat up by the girls in the office here.
Jillian Harris: Hey, Al, no problem. Tell them I said hi.
Al Mellis: They all wanted to know because they think you look so beautiful at all the rose ceremonies. Where you got your - where did you get your outfits?
Jillian Harris: I am thrifty shopper. My favorite store shop at in Vancouver is a local store that's owned locally called Aritzia. And I buy most of my staples from there and believe it or not, my second favorite place to shop is Target. And the always famous FOREVER 21 but I would say most of my dresses were, you know, I got some dresses - a few of them were Guess, Marciano. A few Forever 21 dresses and a few of them were from Aritzia.
Al Mellis: Okay. Well, the ladies at the office are already clapping.
Jillian Harris: Yeah and just tell them Target all the way.
Al Mellis: I'm going to ask a follow up question of all these tough conspiracy questions about Reality Steve.
Jillian Harris: Right.
Cathy Rehl: I really don't think she's going to be able to talk about it. I think she's said everything she's going to have to say about that.
Jillian Harris: Yeah, I don't really. I don't know anything.
Al Mellis: That's fair enough.
Jillian Harris: Yeah.
Al Mellis: That's fair. That's good.
Jillian Harris: Okay.
Al Mellis: Anyhow, Jillian, you (unintelligible) all that sunshine today.
Jillian Harris: Thanks, guys. Okay, thanks a lot, take care.
Cathy Rehl: I'm going to call for some last questions please.
Jillian Harris: Okay.
Operator: And you have no further questions.
Cathy Rehl: Okay great. So we've taken care of everybody. That's great. We will have a transcript up tomorrow of this and again, The Women Tell All is Monday night and you'll get a chance to see a lot of the women confront Jason and see what some of his answers were to those tough questions. And how the women get to relate to one another one last time.
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