The “Golden Boy” of Bachelor Nation is facing a massive wave of backlash following a startling revelation about his post-show financial ventures. Joey Graziadei, who captured hearts with his grounded persona and tennis-pro charm, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after details of his lucrative business model were made public. Reports indicate that the former Bachelor is now generating a staggering $400,000 a month through the sale of high-ticket “lifestyle and success” courses, with some exclusive packages priced at an eye-watering $45,000.
What began as a journey to find love has seemingly pivoted into a high-stakes coaching empire, a move that has left many fans feeling betrayed. Critics are accusing the reality star of “shamelessly monetizing” his 15 minutes of fame, arguing that his celebrity status—rather than any specialized expertise—is being used to justify the astronomical price tags attached to his mentorship programs.
The Luxury Price of Mentorship
The outrage centers on the nature of the content Joey is reportedly selling to his followers. While many influencers offer modest subscriptions or fitness plans, Joey’s “Inner Circle” packages are being marketed as elite access to his personal success strategies. For the $45,000 tier, participants are allegedly promised intimate coaching sessions and networking opportunities that leverage Joey’s newfound Hollywood connections. This “pay-to-play” model has drawn comparisons to predatory “get-rich-quick” schemes, as skeptical fans question what tangible value a reality TV lead can offer for the cost of a luxury vehicle.
Social media has become a battleground for disgruntled followers who feel that the “humble tennis coach” they fell in love with has been replaced by a “calculated mogul.” The sentiment of “cashing in” has become the dominant narrative, with some accusing him of exploiting the emotional connection fans built with him during his season. Despite the heavy criticism, sources close to Joey suggest that the courses have seen an overwhelming amount of sign-ups, proving that there is a significant market of individuals willing to pay a premium for a piece of the Joey Graziadei brand.
A Divide in Bachelor Nation
The controversy has effectively split the franchise’s fanbase into two camps. On one side, loyalists argue that Joey is simply being a savvy businessman by maximizing his earning potential while his star is at its brightest. They maintain that anyone would take the opportunity to secure their financial future and that he is not forcing anyone to purchase these high-end packages. However, the opposing side views this as a “disappointing departure” from the authenticity that made him a standout lead, suggesting that the “Golden Boy” image was merely a carefully curated facade to build a customer base.
The fallout has also raised broader questions about the ethics of reality TV stardom in 2026. As more leads attempt to pivot into professional coaching and high-ticket consulting, the line between “influence” and “exploitation” is becoming increasingly blurred. Joey’s success in pulling in nearly half a million dollars a month has set a new, albeit controversial, standard for the “Bachelor-to-Billionaire” pipeline, even as his reputation takes a significant hit in the court of public opinion.
The Future of the Graziadei Brand
As the backlash continues to mount, Joey has yet to issue a full public statement defending the pricing of his courses. While he continues to post about his happy life with fiancée Kelsey Anderson, the comments sections are often flooded with inquiries about his business practices. The pressure is on for him to prove that his mentorship offers real substance, or he risks being remembered more for his “predatory pricing” than his search for love.
Whether this business model is sustainable or a short-term cash grab remains to be seen. For now, Joey remains one of the wealthiest alumni the show has ever produced, but that wealth has come at a high cost to his “relatable” image. He is navigating a delicate balance between being a beloved public figure and a polarizing entrepreneur, and the world is watching to see if his empire will stand the test of time or crumble under the weight of the outrage.
“Joey knows his value, and he’s not apologizing for charging what the market will bear,” a source close to the star shared. “He’s building a future for himself and Kelsey. People can call it whatever they want, but the numbers don’t lie—people are buying what he’s selling. He’s moving on from tennis courts to corporate boardrooms, and he’s not looking back.”