Dina Reveals Real Reason Her Family Refused To Meet Grant During Hometown Episode

In a surprising moment on The Bachelor, contestant Dina Lupancu’s parents were absent during her highly anticipated hometown visit. Dina later shared that their decision stemmed from deeply held traditional values, making them uncomfortable with appearing on the reality show. As a result, Grant Ellis, the season’s lead, met with Dina’s close friends in Chicago instead.

The absence of her parents raised concerns for Grant, who has already been facing mounting challenges as the Bachelor. Fans have noticed signs of emotional strain and uncertainty in his decision-making throughout the season, fueling speculation about his ability to navigate the pressures of the role. Dina’s missing family only added to his struggles, ultimately playing a role in his choices at the rose ceremony.

Dina has now revealed the real reason her family refused to meet Grant during the hometowns episode.

Her family did not express interest in meeting Grant as her pastor father did not approve of The Bachelor dating 25 other women, but as Dina revealed to Parade, there is more to it.

“I think the focal point of the hometown episode was the fact that my family wasn’t there,” she admitted.

“My dad was actually for it. He thought that it was an interesting experiment; it intrigued him. But he [later] claimed that he didn’t know that there was an engagement at the end. He was like, ‘How could a guy go from dating 25 girls in such a short period of time, and make that type of commitment at the end of this?’ It just didn’t sit well with him, and also he wasn’t actually familiar with the dynamics of the show. He didn’t realize that there’s a camera the whole time.”

Dina, who is not currently a member of her father’s church, explained, “In his mind, he’s like, ‘I’m this figure in the church.’ And it’s important that he keeps a certain example for other families. So he thought the show was something it wasn’t, and that’s my fault for not explaining it. I kind of told [my dad] the basics. ‘It’s a guy and he’s a great guy and he’s got this and that going for him and he’s just looking for his person and it’s a little bit of an experiment.’ I might have glossed over the engagement part. I know I told him, but we weren’t going into great detail. He was like, ‘Oh, yeah, that sounds great. You’re going to be able to have an adventure and learn a lot about yourself. Hopefully you come home really happy with a man.’”

Dina explained that, coming from a large family, it was difficult to make sure everyone fully understood what The Bachelor involved.

“I just didn’t prepare them enough,” she said.

When the topic of hometown visits came up, Dina’s father reportedly expressed concerns about participating. He said, “‘Hold up. Hold the phone. She just left. What do you mean we have to meet Grant? She’s going to [potentially] get engaged in two weeks?’ That was a no go!”

Dina told Parade that her mother, who also grew up in Romania, didn’t want a hometown visit for another reason.

“My mom didn’t want to be on TV. That was a big one for her,” Dina explained. “She didn’t want to expose herself in that way. She’s a mother of 11 kids. She went through a lot in life and she’s like, ‘I don’t need to be put through one more [thing].’ For her, this would be the biggest hurdle. It’s so exposing for yourself and your family, and she was not happy about it. She wants me married, though, so that part, she was like, ‘Listen, if you find your man, more power to you.’”

Dina shared that as she starts searching for a new relationship, her father may take it upon himself to play matchmaker.

“My dad likes to set people up. He set up my oldest brother with someone in the Philippines that he adored and they have been married for 12 years so that worked out so he thinks that he has the magic touch so he’s always trying to set me up which means I have to get ahead of it and find someone before my dad tries to set me up. I don’t know how. I don’t know when.”

“Do I think that Grant ultimately was my person? No. That’s okay. I have to take everything I learned and make sure I’m open and vulnerable in my next relationship.”