Sam From ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Has Called Ex-Fiancé Tara “Physically Abusive”
Content warning: This article discusses domestic violence.
Following last week’s comments from Tara Pavlovic that her Bachelor In Paradise relationship with Sam Cochrane was “toxic”, Sam has alleged that Tara was verbally and physically abusive during their time together.
In an interview with Woman’s Day, Sam has accused Tara of excessive drinking, as well as verbal and physical assault.
Sam has said that following his move to Queensland in February, Tara’s behaviour changed.
“The first time it happened, one of her friends was visiting and I’d booked a restaurant for the four of us, but she got blackout drunk, abused me and passed out,” he said.
“On weekends it was this binging thing and then it would be the put-downs and the verbal attacks. But the next day the Tara I really liked was back and she didn’t remember what she’d said, so we’d recover.”
He continued, saying he tried to convince Tara to seek help.
“I begged her to stop drinking and get counselling. You think it’s going to get better and I kept telling myself we were under a lot of pressure,” he said, adding that when he told her he wanted to move back to Sydney, she threatened to end the relationship.
“She told me if I did that the relationship would be over. I was too ashamed and embarrassed to tell my friends and family because everyone was so excited we were engaged and there was the added pressure that the show hadn’t aired.”
While Tara hasn’t replied to Sam’s allegations, she did upload the following message to her Instagram story:
Sam went on to say that once Bachelor In Paradise finished airing, their relationship got worse.
“As soon as the show wrapped everything spiralled. The relationship took a back seat, the drinking kicked in and then the violence started.”
He then went on to describe verbal and physical abuse following nights out. “She’d call me a loser in front of friends, telling me I’m not starting my life,” said Sam.
It was after their engagement party in May that Sam alledges Tara became physically violent after he returned late to their hotel. “As soon as I walked in she punched me square in the face, twice,” says Sam. “I managed to calm her down and we went to sleep but a pattern developed.”
Sam said on another night out that Tara bit his “hand, face and back” and that he didn’t realise how bad it was until he saw himself in the bathroom mirror. “She did show remorse in the morning when she saw me and said she’d never do it again,” he said.
Sam concluded the interview by saying he hopes Tara seeks help.
“I never wanted to tell this story but ultimately I wish she would get some help. She doesn’t think she needs it but she’s in an environment that condones it. She would say I don’t hit my friends, I don’t bite my friends, trying to imply that I’m the reason things got so bad, but I’m not.”
Tara is currently holidaying in Europe and we’ve reached out to her for comment.
You can read the full Woman’s Day interview here.
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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.