The Bachelorette franchise’s “Men Tell All” episode is designed for big revelations, but Golden Bachelorette contestant Michael Stevens’ had less to do with drama on the show and more to do with his own personal health. The retired banking CEO revealed he’d been diagnosed with cancer prior to coming on the show — and, later, explained why he’d waited until the end to share the news.
“Just before I got the initial call about the show, I was diagnosed with cancer,” Stevens said on the episode, adding that his “immediate inclination” was to drop out, until he was convinced otherwise by his sons and daughter-in-law. “They had sent the application in,” Stevens explained. “And my doctor OK’d it, so I went ahead.” He went on to add that doctors caught the cancer early, and assured fans he’s “gonna be fine.”
A few days after the episode aired last week, Stevens hopped on Instagram to give viewers an update — and thank them for the support. “So many of you have written these really warm comments and messages with words of affirmation, which I greatly appreciate,” he said in a video posted Nov. 8, adding that words of affirmation is his “love language,” making it an extra bonus.
Stevens, 65, added that he’d gone “back and forth” on revealing his cancer, but ultimately decided he could raise awareness by opening up. “I thought, ‘Well maybe one guy out there watching decides to get a physical and that moves the needle,’” he explained. So why wait until the Men Tell All? That came down to doing right by the Golden Bachelorette herself, Joan Vassos.
“I knew I wasn’t going to do it on the series unless I had a one-on-one with Joan,” Stevens said. “Then it would be the right thing to do. But I would never use it to buy a ‘sympathy rose’ — I guess that’s what they call it on Reddit. That’s just not my style.” Stevens was sent home early in the show, in the week 2 episode, before he was able to get that alone time with Vassos.
The good news? While Stevens didn’t specify what kind of cancer he’s fighting, he did confirm he’s doing well, health-wise. “I’m almost done with treatment,” Stevens said. “Feeling good, prognosis is great. So, on to the next adventure.”
And Stevens had nothing but good things to say about his experience on the show. “What could’ve been a lousy, difficult year for me instead was kind of a great one because I got this amazing experience tucked into it,” he said on the Men Tell All. “… I just want to thank this terrific group of guys and I want to thank Joan, because I’m truly grateful for that experience. It came at just the right time for me.”
In his Instagram post, Stevens also shouted out the “friendship and fellowship” he’d formed with the other contestants on the show, which was clear to see — even in his own comment section, where fellow contestant Christopher Stallworth left a message of support. “Hey Michael my brother,” Stallworth wrote. “I so much appreciate your friendship and kindness to all of us. Thank you for being transparent in letting the world know about your condition. My prayers are for your full recovery. Be blessed!!!”
And Stevens’ response was just as cordial. “Christopher thanks so much for those kind words and beautiful sentiment my brother,” he replied. “Love you man!”
Science says that friendships can actually keep you healthy (by helping us deal with stress in healthier ways) and that men, more than women, struggle to form and sustain them. As Stevens and his fellow contestants work to change that, it can only help him — and all of them! — in staying healthy, while (hopefully) providing an example to help others do the same.
Before you go, read up on these celebs with rare and chronic illnesses: