'Bachelorette' star "feels bad" for couple

Former Bachelorette contestant Wes Hayden has claimed that he "feels bad" for this year's couple Jillian Harris and Ed Swiderski.

The reality stars, who became engaged in the season finale, have been plagued by allegations that Swiderski had a girlfriend while he was on the programme.

Speaking to People, Hayden said: "I had no clue whether Ed had a girlfriend... while we were on the show. I really didn't know about any of it.

"But if it's true, I feel really bad for Jillian. I don't know what to believe, to be honest with you. I feel bad for Jillian and for Ed. But if in fact he was doing what everybody's been saying, then man up and deal with it."

He added: "I have a hard time grasping that any of the show's intentions are genuine. If Jillian and Ed and their relationship is truly genuine, if she honestly came on the show looking for love and thought that she found it and then found out that it was all made up and Ed was cheating on her, then that's awful."

Harris and Swiderski recently denied reports that they were close to splitting and admitted that they were eager to escape the spotlight.