• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

'The Bachelor' contestant Sarah Trott explains her sudden exit from the show

0:58
‘Bachelor’ star Matt James shares how his mom inspires the type of love he wants
Craig Sjodin/ABC
ByGeorge Costantino
January 21, 2021, 5:23 PM

Sarah Trott's abrupt exit from "The Bachelor" on Monday was something nobody saw coming, and now the 24-year-old journalist is explaining her decision.

Trott, who appeared to be one of the frontrunners for Matt James' heart, said several factors drove her decision -- including her inability to stay in touch with her father, who suffers from ALS.

Related Articles

MORE: 'The Bachelor' recap: Night of drama ends with shocking departure

"A couple of people told me that I would be able to talk with family," she told Entertainment Tonight. "I thought I would be able to communicate with my parents and have access to a phone and talk with them, but some of those things turned out differently once I got there."

Sarah is a contestant on ABC's "The Bachelor."
Craig Sjodin/ABC

Another factor was her rapidly deteriorating relationship with the other women, who thought her fainting spell at a recent rose ceremony, interrupting a group date to speak to James and isolating herself from the group was a ploy to get the Bachelor's attention.

Editor’s Picks

'The Bachelor' star Matt James on advice his mom gave him on finding love

  • Jan 04, 2021

5 things to know about new 'Bachelor' star Matt James

  • Jan 04, 2021

Meet the 32 new 'Bachelor' contestants

  • Dec 11, 2020

Sarah told a fellow contestant that she was going to leave to be with her dad, but as fans discovered during her emotional goodbye to James, Trott cited the women as her reason for leaving, accusing them of being "cruel and malicious."

Related Articles

MORE: 1st deaf 'Bachelor' contestant Abigail Heringer opens up about connection with Matt James

As for her future plans, Sarah said she's currently focusing on "being a caregiver to her father, working as a freelance journalist and splitting her time between Los Angeles and San Diego."

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Related Topics

  • The Bachelor

Editor’s Picks

'The Bachelor' star Matt James on advice his mom gave him on finding love

  • Jan 04, 2021

5 things to know about new 'Bachelor' star Matt James

  • Jan 04, 2021

Meet the 32 new 'Bachelor' contestants

  • Dec 11, 2020

Up Next in Culture—

Kylie Minogue says she received 2nd cancer diagnosis in 2021, says 'all is well' now

May 20, 2026

Quinta Brunson to star in Betty Boop feature film

May 20, 2026

'The Testaments' renewed ahead of season 1 finale

May 20, 2026

'Grey's Anatomy' spinoff series set in Texas ordered at ABC

May 19, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News