Sean McLaughlin’s Bachelor in Paradise journey has been anything but steady. The 28-year-old software sales rep first appeared in season 9, where he was eliminated in Week 2. He returned for season 10, quickly became a frontrunner with Allyshia Gupta, but shocked fans by quitting with her in Week 7. By episode 8, which premiered on August 18, 2025, speculation ran wild about their sudden exit.
Many believe the decision was tied to McLaughlin’s public image, being the son of politician Steven McLaughlin, whose past controversies, including allegations of s*xual misconduct (via The New York Times), have resurfaced and dragged his name into Paradise discourse.
Even Andrew Spencer weighed in during an appearance on The Viall Files,
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What’s about to unfold in Paradise is insane regarding Sean’s behavior. Sean might be the greatest Bachelor in Paradise villain of all time. It was unexpected. I didn’t see [it coming].”
For fans, the debate now stretches beyond McLaughlin. Some see his father as a “hero” since McLaughlin’s early exit prevented a Paradise win. Others call Steven the real “villain,” believing his shadow pushed McLaughlin to walk away at the peak of his game.
Who Is Sean McLaughlin’s Dad?
For those wondering who Sean McLaughlin’s dad is, well, he’s a seasoned politician from New York with a long career in public service. Steven McLaughlin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and is now 61 years old, serving as the County Executive of Rensselaer County, New York.
Before taking office, he had a varied professional background. Apparently, he worked as a banker and a pilot for America West Airlines and US Airways. He attended the Florida Institute of Technology, earning commercial and instrument aircraft ratings, studied finance at Arizona State University, got a BA from Empire State College, and completed an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Steven was also a former Republican New York State Representative and Assemblyman who held office from 2011 to 2017. Like many long-term politicians, his career wasn’t without controversy. Most notably, he was once disciplined for s*xual harassment. While details were scarce and he never publicly commented on the matter, the incident still casts a shadow over his political legacy.
Fans of Bachelor in Paradise have turned their attention to Steven because of McLaughlin’s strategic gameplay on the show. With McLaughlin plotting and maneuvering against other contestants, some viewers speculate that he might be drawing inspiration or tactics from his father’s political experience. The combination of a politically savvy father and a calculated son has led some fans to jokingly call Steven the “hidden mastermind” behind McLaughlin’s moves.
Moreover, his journey is part of why viewers are curious about how McLaughlin might approach challenges on Bachelor in Paradise. Though Steven’s influence made McLaughlin a villain on the island in Bachelor in Paradise episode 8, we know for sure that the McLaughlin name carries weight, strategy, and plenty of drama, both off and on the screen.
How Did Sean McLaughlin’s Strategy Make Him A Red Flag On Bachelor In Paradise?
Sean McLaughlin became a red flag on Bachelor in Paradise during episode 8, and fans quickly noticed his intense strategic gameplay. On the August 18 episode, McLaughlin and his girlfriend Allyshia Gupta worried the other contestants by openly plotting to reach the finale. They made it clear that their focus wasn’t just on love but also on the $500,000 cash prize, which raised eyebrows.
McLaughlin explained to Allyshia,
I think a lot of the couples do see, not only do we have the compatibility as a couple, we’re pretty strategic, intelligent, smart, funny, attractive, humble. They might put a target on our back because of that, you know. So I’m always thinking about, ‘How can we protect ourselves?’
McLaughlin also credited his politician father, saying he
…learned to be able to think and operate in a certain way that really gives me a leg up. I think about things kind of diabolically.
Of course, McLaughlin’s plan involved forming strategic alliances with other strong couples, including Dale Moss and Kat Izzo, as well as Jeremy Simon and Bailey Taylor Brown. However, as McLaughlin began sharing his intentions, castmates grew suspicious. Bailey remarked,
If you’re only focused on the money, then you’ve lost the plot.
On the other hand, Keith Gordon echoed concerns, noting that McLaughlin was “scheming too much,” though he understood McLaughlin’s perspective that the game was no longer just about love but about winning.
Tensions escalated when Kat doubted their friendship, leaving McLaughlin feeling betrayed. Though Allyshia tried to caution him, saying their behavior “does come across” as sneaky, McLaughlin insisted that the strategy was the only way forward.
At the rose ceremony, the couple decided to take control rather than risk being voted off. Allyshia addressed the group, saying,
Sean and I came into Paradise looking for love. The one thing we’re not willing to compromise is our character and integrity… we would like to make the decision to leave together on our own accord.
To this, McLaughlin added,
I think you guys just voted off the strongest couple here. I did not vote for at least.
In the end, McLaughlin and Allyshia walked off the show together, choosing to protect their relationship and integrity rather than fight for money. Their exit left a mix of shock and respect among castmates, proving that even the most calculated players can opt for love over strategy, and giving fans plenty to discuss about McLaughlin’s mix of villainous plotting and honorable exit.
What are your thoughts on Sean McLaughlin’s clever gameplay in the reality show and his dad’s role? Let us know in the comments below.
Bachelor in Paradise season 10 is currently streaming on Hulu.
