Peth knew about Burnett’s girlfriend, Kristian Haggerty, early in the show. As his relationship with Burnett began to grow, she was honest about Haggerty, and how they were in a non-exclusive relationship at home. Though Burnett told Peth, and a few of her friends, even when venting about his connection with her, Peth never revealed Burnett’s sexuality to others. It was a conscious decision, he explained on Twitter, and an important one.

A fan praised Peth for keeping Burnett’s confession close. “Also, I truly love that in all the convos @PethDerek has had about his feelings he has never once shared what Demi is going through bc you can tell he wants it to come from her and that it isn’t his truth to tell them!!!! #BachelorinParadise,” wrote @chandlahhmarie on Twitter Tuesday night.

Peth responded. “This was important to me and I wouldn’t have known this but for learning from my LGBTQ friends over the years. I’m retweeting in hopes that a few people who haven’t considered the importance of this before now will.”

The fan-favorite knew Burnett’s relationship wasn’t his to tell, seemingly because of how sensitive a coming out can be. Burnett explained to Bachelor In Paradise viewers that she feels no need to officially define her sexuality. Instead of calling herself “straight” “gay” or “bisexual,” she noted she “likes who she likes.”

Haggerty arrived on Paradise Tuesday night, and fans had wildly mixed reactions. Some were ready to see the show’s first same-sex relationship unfold, while others wanted nothing to do with the narrative. Burnett broke down in tears when Haggerty showed up, and it was then up to Burnett to choose between Haggerty and Peth.

Some viewers were upset that Peth would likely go home because Haggerty, who was never on a franchise show, would take his place. Throughout Haggerty’s arrival, and even after the show, though, Peth has been nothing but respectful and supportive to Burnett.

Peth was on Bachelor In Paradise Season 4 and even got engaged to Taylor Nolan at the end of the series. They broke their engagement in June 2018.