We’re only two episodes deep into Bachelor in Paradise season 10, and the cast is already getting into some (on and off-camera) drama. It’s exactly what we’re tuned in for.

Tensions were high after a rose ceremony on the July 14 episode, where Justin Glaze had to make the tough decision between his budding romance with Lexi Young and keeping his ex, Susie Evans, in Costa Rica. Justin sacrificed his connection with Lexi when he saved his rose for Susie…who ended up declining the offer. Monday night’s episode then ended on a major cliffhanger as Justin walked off camera.

bachelor in paradise “1002” alli jo, parisa, jill and susie arrive in paradise with date cards, instantly turning up the heat. meanwhile, jesse reveals the next chemistry test; and later, old flames ignite as susie and her ex, justin, face unresolved emotions. monday, july 14 (8:00 11:00 p.m. edt) on abc. (disney/bahareh ritter) susie
Bahareh Ritter
Justin and Susie during the rose ceremony on Bachelor in Paradise.

He reflected on the difficult moment during a July 15 appearance on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, saying, “I feel bad for how that all went down. I mean, I stand by the choice that I made. I don’t have any regrets about it, but I do feel bad, and I do wish that we could have had a conversation beforehand... We weren’t allowed to.”

The Bachelor Nation alum, who’s appeared on ABC’s summer spin-off of the famous franchise twice now, admitted that he chose Susie over Lexi because he “was trying to do something selfless for someone who is selfless.”

As for why she turned down his rose, he revealed he “had no clue” that she would make that choice. He clarified that he had no intention of rekindling his romance with Susie, but he wanted to save her so she had a chance to connect with the next batch of Bachelor Nation men who would join the cast the following week.

As for where he stands with Lexi, Justin shared that he reached out to her twice after the show, but never received a response.

bachelor in paradise “1002” alli jo, parisa, jill and susie arrive in paradise with date cards, instantly turning up the heat. meanwhile, jesse reveals the next chemistry test; and later, old flames ignite as susie and her ex, justin, face unresolved emotions. monday, july 14 (8:00 11:00 p.m. edt) on abc. (disney/bahareh ritter) lexi, justin
Bahareh Ritter//ABC
Lexi and Justin on Bachelor in Paradise.

“I kind of wanted to just put it out there, like, ‘Hey, this is what I was feeling during the show. This is also what I’ve heard. These are all the things that led me to the decision that I made,’” he explained. “And just have that dialogue. But I totally understand not wanting to have that conversation, I guess. I respect that from her. But I tried.”

The pair then had a public heated discussion in the comments section of his most recent Instagram Reel, where a fan wrote, “Bro, totally fine if you still have feelings for your very sweet ex, but don’t lead another very sweet girl on. Just own your feelings and tell her that her intuition was right. Why waste her time?”

Justin replied with some behind-the-scenes context that wasn’t televised. “I had no intention to lead anyone on. I was very intentional with who I pursued,” he wrote. “But unfortunately the same interest was not reciprocated for days, where I was then informed that this person didn’t have interest in dating someone that didn’t live where she lived, was unsure if we wanted the same things out of life, etc...as well as telling me to pursue other women as she wanted to pursue other men, prior to ending things with me.”

Lexi fired back, saying that his story was “simply not true.”

She went on to add, “As someone who claims to value communication, I suggest you reflect on how you show up in that space, because this narrative isn’t it. I won’t let you twist my words or rewrite my truth. We both know the reality of what happened. I genuinely hope you take the time to grow and heal so you don’t repeat this kind of behavior with someone else. Wishing you clarity and accountability on that path.”

Justin doubled down on his statement from the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, saying that she hasn’t given him “a chance” to talk things through off-camera. “I absolutely value communication,” he countered. “I’ve tried to reach out to you twice post show in an effort to communicate in which I’ve received zero response from you. Nonetheless still apologize for what transpired and wish you the best.”

Lexi’s response: “I asked you directly to come to me if anything changed, and you chose not to. That lack of respect speaks volumes. I didn’t reach out after the show because, frankly, there was nothing left to say. I’m moving on with my life. Wishing you clarity and healing.”