Did Brendan and Pieper James Date Before ‘Bachelor in Paradise’?

Brendan and Pieper were spotted together as early as April of 2021, which was a few months before filming for Season 7 kicked off at the Playa Escondida resort in Sayulita, Mexico. While the relationship between Brendan and Pieper may have been strictly platonic, many fans believe that the couple may have been a thing long before they arrived in paradise.

In early June, a source told Us Weekly that Brendan and Pieper had been “dating for a few weeks,” and were working overtime to make their long-distance relationship work. The source claimed that the two were “getting to know each other,” and “just having fun,” which doesn’t necessarily mean that the two were ever in a committed relationship.

Still, some viewers speculated that Brendan and Pieper concocted this maniacal plan to con the other contestants, and it didn’t take long for Demi and Victoria Paul to stir the pot in the Aug. 23 episode of BIP. Rumors of Brendan’s alleged relationship with Pieper spread like wildfire among the castmates, who, rightfully, demanded answers.

One viewer tweeted, “I wanted this to blow up because if Pieper comes to paradise and just ends up with Brendan — I’m gonna be pissed. Brendan’s literally wasting people’s time.”

Rumors of their relationship are only confirmed by recently resurfaced photos of Brendan and Pieper posted by Reality Steve, which were reportedly taken after their time on Bachelor in Paradise. But do Brendan and Pieper end up engaged in the season finale? Read on to find out.