The romantic facade of the fourth season of Ruža pre nevestu has fractured, as the drama has shifted from the curated scenes of a tropical paradise to serious allegations of misconduct off-camera. While the show is designed to chronicle a search for love, the latest developments have highlighted a darker undercurrent of boundary-crossing and psychological strain among the participants.
The production, filmed against the backdrop of Sri Lanka, follows 28-year-old real estate agent Adrián Chabada as he navigates a field of 20 women. Chabada, a former model originally from Sliača who now resides in Dubai, entered the competition with a specific vision: finding a Slovak partner who shares his cultural traditions and can integrate with his family. However, as the series nears its 24th and final episode, the conversation has pivoted from romantic chemistry to Ruža pre nevestu sexual harassment allegations.
The controversy emerged following the departure of Chiara, a dancer and early favorite who left the villa in the 18th episode. In a post-exit interview, Chiara detailed experiences that she describes as crossing the line from playfulness to harassment, specifically targeting the behavior of Nela, a Czech contestant known for her impulsive personality.
The Line Between Playfulness and Harassment
Chiara has spoken candidly about the environment behind the scenes, alleging that Nela’s perceived spontaneity was often a cover for inappropriate physical contact. According to Chiara, Nela frequently engaged in provocative dancing that involved touching other women’s faces with her intimate body parts.
“Ona je veľmi kontaktná osoba, hoci to nemyslí zle. Ja viem, že to bola ,sranda‘, ale bolo to sexuálne obťažovanie,” Chiara stated, explaining that while Nela may not have intended malice, the actions constituted sexual harassment. Chiara further noted that Nela seemed unable to comprehend or respect the word “no,” leaving several participants uncomfortable despite the edited version of the show portraying these moments as refreshing or eccentric.
These claims have sparked a wider debate among viewers regarding the role of production in managing contestant behavior. Critics suggest that the drive for “shocking moments” and high emotional stakes may have led producers to overlook red flags in the villa, contributing to a toxic atmosphere that transcends the scripted nature of reality television.
A Pattern of Voluntary Departures
The tension within the villa has not only manifested in allegations but in an unprecedented number of voluntary exits. For the first time in the show’s history, multiple contestants have chosen to leave the competition of their own accord, citing mental health and personal incompatibility.
Natália, one of the most recent departures, expressed a profound struggle with homesickness and a realization that her roots in Trenčín were more key than the potential relationship with Chabada. During her exit in the 20th episode, she told the bachelor, “Čím dlhšie som tu a spoznávam ťa – a veľmi sa mi páčiš, podľa mňa si úžasný chlap – som si dosť uvedomala, čo v živote chcem. Mám tie korene dosť zaryté v tom Trenčíne. Nechcem už zradiť seba a cítim, že by to bol kameň úrazu z mojej strany.”
Natália was not alone in this decision. Žaneta Morovská previously left the villa after concluding that she and Chabada were fundamentally different types, stating she refused to be in a position where she had to prove her own value to a partner. Similarly, Monika exited the show to protect her psychological well-being, citing the pervasive nature of intrigues and conflicts within the group as the primary catalyst for her departure.
The psychological toll of the environment was further exacerbated by contestants like Laura, who was described by many as the villa’s primary provocateur. Laura later admitted on camera that her goal was primarily to increase her public visibility, a strategy that eventually led to her elimination by the bachelor.
The Bachelor’s Polarizing Presence
While the women’s conflicts have dominated the headlines, Adrián Chabada himself has become a focal point of viewer criticism. Despite his success as a real estate professional in Dubai, his demeanor on the show has been described by audiences as “cold” and “emotionless.”
This perception peaked during Natália’s emotional departure, where viewers noted a lack of empathy in Chabada’s reaction. The disconnect between the high emotional vulnerability of the contestants and the bachelor’s reserved approach has led to a surge of negative sentiment on social media, with some viewers stating they have grown tired of his lack of emotional investment.
Despite the criticism, Chabada continues to narrow his search. Following a series of challenges—including a sensitivity game moderated by Krištof Králik—the field has been reduced to the final four women. The current finalists fighting for the final rose are Sabína, Miška (known as “Kvetinka”), Mercedes, and Nela.
The competition has seen moments of intense intimacy, such as the “sensory date” between Chabada and Miška, which provided a stark contrast to the coldness reported by viewers in other interactions. However, these romantic peaks have not been enough to shield the production from the broader scrutiny regarding the treatment of the women involved.
| Contestant | Reason for Departure | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chiara | Eliminated (Ep 18) | Alleged sexual harassment |
| Natália | Voluntary | Personal roots/Homesickness |
| Žaneta Morovská | Voluntary | Incompatibility |
| Monika | Voluntary | Mental health/Villa conflict |
| Laura | Eliminated | Intrigues/Visibility seeking |
As the series progresses toward its conclusion, the focus remains on whether the final choice will be a genuine romantic connection or merely the result of a process of elimination. The production is now under increased pressure to address the claims made by Chiara, as the line between entertainment and ethics continues to blur.
The final outcome of the season will be revealed in the 24th episode, which serves as the definitive checkpoint for Adrián Chabada’s search for a partner. Whether the winner can navigate the fallout of the season’s scandals remains to be seen.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the ethics of reality TV production in the comments below.
