Reality star and attorney Rachel Lindsay, best known as the first Black lead on ABC’s “The Bachelorette” in 2017, is now facing a divorce filing from husband Bryan Abasolo after almost 3 years of marriage. Court records confirm Abasolo submitted dissolution paperwork in Los Angeles County on Friday, January 6th citing irreconcilable differences.
Lindsay first got engaged to chiropractor Abasolo during Season 13 of “The Bachelorette” finale in Spain, choosing him over runner-up Peter Kraus in a climactic ending to her historic turn on the long-running franchise. Their elaborate August 2019 Miami wedding was even broadcast as a special ABC special “Bachelorette: Rachel and Bryan Say I Do” capturing behind-the-scenes details leading up to the ceremony with over 200 guests.
Yet after months of online speculation from fans about their status after frequently spending time living apart, Abasolo formally sought to “dissolve the bonds of matrimony” just short of their third wedding anniversary this summer. The court filing notes the pair had separated back in September 2022 with no potential for reconciliation.
Passion Fizzles After Fairytale Finale
Lindsay reflected to Entertainment Tonight last spring that sustaining effort devoted during the start of a marriage was difficult after the non-stop excitement of getting engaged on The Bachelorette wore off.
“Life hits, things change and people show who they really are,” Lindsay noted, while insisting she had no regrets. “The high of finding Bryan has settled into the real world where it takes teamwork.”
Rumors Swirl Over Infidelity
Though neither have disclosed specifics, rumors have swirled for months that Abasolo became romantically involved with a reality TV actress after moving to Los Angeles to join “The Doctors” as a consultant back in late 2021. Lindsay remained based primarily in Texas where she passed the bar exam to practice law.
Anonymous sources claim Abasolo may attempt to cite infidelity as justification for pursuing divorce. Lindsay’s lawyer offered no comment on the speculation or potential defense strategies, only stating next legal steps were still under review regarding community property split and final separation agreements.
Another ABC Relationship Comes Crashing Down
Lindsay and Abasolo mark just the latest example of a winning “Bachelorette” coupling coming apart at the seams after cementing engagement through the hit franchise. Season 16 lead Katie Thurston split from fiancé Blake Moynes last year while many other leads did not even reach the altar.
Some fans expressed disappointment given Lindsay’s taxi ride confessionals to Abasolo during their Spanish proposal episode about desiring the deep love her parents shared for over three decades. But the fairytale is now definitively over.