From left: Arie Luyendyk Jr., Dale Moss, Tayshia Adams and Colton Underwood.Photo: getty (4)
Several former stars fromTheBachelorandTheBacheloretteare explaining why they were approved forCOVID-era loans from the federal government specifically designated to help keep businesses afloat during the pandemic.
Tayshia Adams,Colton Underwood,Dale Moss,Arie Luyendyk Jr. andLauren Burnhamall sought loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, sparking debate among critics and fans online.
Moss, 32, was approved for the same amount of money for his sole proprietorship.
Luyendyk Jr., 39, and Burnham, 29, were approved for $20,830 for their company Instagram Husband. The married couple’s Arizona-based business has two employees, records show.
A spokesperson for Adams said in a statement to PEOPLE that “as a business owner, television and podcast host, and brand ambassador, Tayshia obtained a PPP Loan that enabled her to hire an employee (someone who was previously unemployed), to whom she offers market-based pay and benefits.”
The spokesperson said that “since exhausting the PPP Loan funds, but in light of the growing economy,” Adams “has committed to retaining her employee for the foreseeable future.”
Underwood’sColton Underwood Legacy Foundationreceived $11,355 through the pandemic relief program, records show.
A spokesperson for the Season 23 Bachelor, 29, said he had applied for the PPP loan for his foundation “after their annual fundraising events were cancelled due to COVID.”
The representative said “none of the PPP went directly to” Underwood and that all the funds went to people who have cystic fibrosis. (TMZwas first to reporttheir statements.)
Reps for Burnham, Moss and Luyendyk Jr. did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
PPP was launched last year in the early days of theCOVID-19 pandemicand provided more than 11.8 million loans, according to the Small Business Administration’s latestreportin May.
Nearly $800 billion was disbursed through the program.
The SBA said PPP loans were mainly intended for businesses with less than 500 employees who would use the money to avoid job cuts. (The program ended in May.)
Last summer, some major corporations and wealthy entrepreneurs —from Kanye West to Shake Shack— were criticized for applying for loans many viewed as a lifeline for small businesses. “Even The Los Angeles Lakers Got A PPP Small Business Loan,” read one NPRheadlinelast April, underscoring the backlash. (The Lakers returned their money.)
Bachelorstars were not the only ones making headlines for PPP money this week: Documents show that embattled attorneyTom Girardi’s firm was approved for a $1.5 million loan last year.
The news that someBacheloralums sought PPP loans sparked debate among fans online.
Season 21 starNick Viallcalled the discussions “interesting,” as he weighed in on Monday.
“What’s legal isn’t always right. What’s illegal isn’t always wrong,” Vialltweeted. “Don’t know everyone’s situation, but my gut tells any alum applying for a PPP is both savvy and s—–. Interesting debate.”
source: people.com
