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Love is not finding someone to live with; it’s finding someone you can’t imagine living without. These words might ring true for many, but when it comes to Pascal Ibgui, the former contestant ofThe Golden Bachelorette, this notion becomes even more poignant.
Hailing from the romantic streets of Paris, Ibgui didn’t start life with a silver spoon in hand. Instead, he carved his own path to success in business, eventually finding himself settled in the vibrant city of Chicago, where he enjoys the fruits of his labor—a beautiful home, a thriving career, and a life filled with material comforts. But, as is often the case, the finest wine can’t quench the thirst for something deeper—true love.
Yet, in a season filled with dramatic moments, his quest for a soulmate took an unexpected turn, leaving audiences and Joan Vassos alike wondering what went wrong. Despite the magic ofThe Golden Bachelorette, romance wasn’t in the cards for Ibgui and Vassos. He had all the ingredients of a match made in heaven for Vassos—charm, charisma, and a shared desire for love—but as the weeks went on, something began to shift.
Who Is Pascal Ibgui?
Originally from Paris,Pascal Ibgui’s life didn’t exactly start life on Easy Street. Leaving his hometown in search of better opportunities, he took a leap of faith and headed to the U.S., where he eventually settled in Chicago (viaCosmopolitan). These days, he lives in a“beautiful home”, runs a successful beauty salon, and drives a luxury car. But it wasn’t always this way.
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His childhood was marked by struggle. He described money as always being“an issue” growing up, with little supportfrom his parents. Nevertheless, despite these early hardships, he forged his own path, building a life filled with the finer things—and a family he holds dear.
He is a“very proud father and grandfather”, Ibgui said, and it’s clear that his family is his heart and soul. During a heartfelt moment with Vassos, he shared a note from his son, which seemed to deepen their connection, showing that family values were something they both cherished.
Though his professional success is impressive, his heart still longs for something more. He’s“ready to say, ‘Eiffel in love!’” as hisGolden Bachelorettebio cheekily put it (viaDecider). But more than just a fling, Ibgui is on the hunt for a soulmate—someone passionate, full of life, and intelligent, with whom he can share his next chapter. He shared:
I’m fortunate that I’m able to travel. I drive the car I want to drive. I buy the clothes I want. I live in a beautiful home. And I would like to be able to have a partner to share my life with.
Yet, despite the chemistry and connection that seemed to grow between him and Joan Vassos, Ibgui’s heart couldn’t fully commit. In a move that surprised many, he made the decision toself-eliminate aftermaking a painful realization: He wasn’t in love with her. It was a mature, introspective choice—one that some viewers admired for its honesty. After all, love can’t be rushed, and when you know it’s not there, sometimes the best thing to do is step aside.
Why Did Pascal Ibgui QuitThe Golden Bachelorette?
What is love, if it’s not the spark that sets your soul on fire? If there’s one thing thatThe Golden Bachelorettecontestant Pascal Ibgui made crystal clear during his brief but memorable time on the show, it’s that he isn’t there for anything less than that spark.
For many fans, his exit from theFantasy Suitesepisode came as a shock. Joan Vassos, the woman he had been getting to know, seemed like a great match on paper, yet Ibgui felt no spark. In a recent chat withPEOPLEon July 26, 2025, Ibgui finally opened up about his time on the show, his decision to self-eliminate, and the lesson he’s learned about relationships—and about himself.
I need that spark. I need that sense. I need that smell. I need that touch. And that’s the combination of everything.
He stressed that chemistry—true, undeniable chemistry—can’t be faked or forced. He’s clear about his standards and unapologetic for wanting more than just the superficial. He acknowledged that yes, he enjoys the finer things in life, but he’s the first to admit that his success didn’t come handed to him.
“I wasn’t born with a golden spoon,”he said, pointing to the hard work he put into building his salon business. And while he enjoys the luxuries of his life, it’s his authenticity, generosity, and down-to-earth nature that matter more to him than anything else.
I’m high maintenance, but I’m also generous and real.
It’s clear that, for him, it’s not just about picking a partner based on attraction or convenience. It’s about feeling a real connection, a sense of ease and comfort that goes beyond mere chemistry. That’s why, when he didn’t feel that connection with Vassos, he didn’t hesitate to step away.
Pascal Ibgui inThe Golden Bachelor? Only if the Age Is Right
Well, they say age is just a number—but for some of us, it’s more like a suggestion. Pascal Ibgui, the 69-year-old Chicago entrepreneur, isn’t one to bend the rules when it comes to love. He knows exactly what he’s looking for—and when it comes to the age of his potential partner, there’s no room for compromise.
In an exclusive interview withUs Weekly, Ibgui admitted that while he might be open to leadingThe Golden Bachelor, there’s one major catch: the age limit would have to come down:
They will have to lower the age. Yes, I’m old, but I don’t go out with a 72-year-old woman.
Now, Ibgui isn’t saying that older women don’t have their charm, but he does have a practical approach to what he’s looking for. As a man who’s already established his career, his family, and his life, he wants someone who’s at a similar stage.
When you’re in your 20s like Joey [Graziadei] and Kelsey [Anderson]… you don’t have a pot to pee in. You don’t have a mortgage, you don’t have a home, you rent, you don’t have a car, you take Uber, you’re in between jobs, you’re trying to find an identity.
For Ibgui, it’s about finding someone who fits into his full, established life:
When you’re my age, I have my business, I have my home, I have my real estate, I have my friends, I have my kids. For me to pack up my stuff and move [somewhere else] is not going to happen. I want to wake up with somebody in the morning. I want to go to bed with somebody. I want to be able to walk down the street with her and go get coffee in the morning.
Ergo, there’s no point in putting on a front when you know deep down it’s just not meant to be.
Pascal Ibgui Wants to Lead a Life on His Own Terms—No Compromises
It’s the simple things that matter—things that come with stability, commitment, and, yes, someone in your age range who can share in those moments. So what does Pascal Ibgui think the answer is? He’s got a suggestion (US Weekly):
I think the concept of The Golden Bachelor needs to be modified. Make it The Golden Bachelor of Chicago, The Golden Bachelor of New York, Golden Bachelor of L.A., Golden Bachelor of Miami, of Dallas.
With“15 million people” in the Chicago metro area alone, Ibgui believes there’s no shortage of potential candidates in his preferred age range. Despite his preferences, he hasn’t completely ruled out taking on the role ofThe Golden Bachelorhimself.
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“I’m semi-retired, so I have a lot of time,”he admitted, adding that he’d love to see what the role would entail before fully committing:
If I know what time of commitment and what is involved and if it fits my schedule, yes, why not?
It sounds like Ibgui’s open to the possibility, but with his own set of terms. While he may not have found lasting love onThe Golden Bachelorette, his self-awareness and openness have already earned him respect among fans. He was one ofJoan Vassos’ top suitors, scoring a one-on-one date in Las Vegas and making it to her final three. But after a heartfelt bonding ceremony during episode 7, Ibgui realized that his feelings for Vassos weren’t quite as strong as hers were. In a poignant moment, he self-eliminated, telling Vassos:
I care very much about you and the last thing I want to do is to hurt you. And I just don’t think that I could get to the place where you want me to be.
For Ibgui, though, it wasn’t about playing the game or leading anyone on—it was about being honest with himself and with Vassos. Whether or not he steps into the role ofThe Golden Bachelor, we can’t deny that this is a man who will never settle for less than he deserves, and when it comes to love, he’s willing to hold out for the real thing!
You can watchThe Golden Bacheloretteon Hulu.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3309
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
