Ben Higgins Addresses Reignited Kaitlyn, Tayshia Drama Over Zac Clark

Ben Higgins‘ advice for those curious about Kaitlyn Bristowe and Zac Clark‘s rumored romance? Don’t “poke the bear.”

“At some point, people have to realize to not poke the bear of Kaitlyn Bristowe,” he urged during the Wednesday, March 5, episode of the “Almost Famous” podcast. “She has no boundaries and she’s so witty and she’s so unapologetic.”

Higgins, 35, called Bristowe “a very honest and truthful person,” adding, “We know that about her. We’re friends with her. She will say what’s on her mind, which gets her into trouble. And also that is what we love about Kaitlyn Bristowe.”

Despite the endless speculation, Higgins questioned why Bachelor fans were so determined to rile Bristowe up.

“Let’s say a scenario exists where her and Zac Clark have been dating for the last year — since they’ve been seen at a New Year’s party together and then seen consistently over the last year together,” he noted. “At some point, Tayshia — who I also think is great — would just say, ‘This isn’t a topic I want to broach any longer. Because when I say something, Kaitlyn comes in a thousand times harder.’”

Higgins weighed in after Bristowe, 39, reacted to Adams, 34, being asked whether dating a best friend’s ex was a pro or a con. After Adams said no, a fan tagged Bristowe, writing, “Take notes.” Bristowe replied, “They said best friend … ”

Bristowe and Clark, 41, have not publicly addressed their relationship status after sparking romance rumors on New Year’s Eve in December 2023. At the time,Bristowe did make a point to shut down speculation that she was unfaithful to ex-fiancé Jason Tartick before their split the prior August.

“You would think by now I’d be used to the hate. I’m not. Your words hurt. Your shaming hurts. Part of me feels a little sad and honestly embarrassed for you guys because this shouldn’t be how you spend day 1 of a new year,” Bristowe wrote via her Instagram Story in January 2024. “You should not be this invested in someone you don’t even know or respect. It’s actually scary, and I know looking inward might be even scarier for you. But the bullying is next level. You are allowed to have opinions and feelings.”

She continued, “But you don’t even know the truth, and your HATE should actually come with consequences. I truly worry about some of your mental health. It’s not OK. It’s. Not. Please. Please feel ashamed of yourselves for treating someone this way who you don’t know. I did not kill someone. I had a party with some of my favorite people. Shame. On. YOU. Not me.”

Responding to a separate post, Bristowe added, “Here to say that there was never an ounce of cheating happening and I will not stand for this rumor. Y’all are NASTY in here. Anywho. Swear on my dogs lives. No cheating went on. So we can just put that to rest. Thank you!! Happy new year everyone. Go donate some blood or somethin!”

Bristowe didn’t, however, deny there was anything romantic between her and Clark, who has remained more tight-lipped following his breakup with Adams. Clark and Adams got engaged on season 16 of the ABC dating show in 2020, but Us Weekly confirmed their split in December 2021. (Adams previously cohosted seasons 17 and 18 of The Bachelorette with Bristowe.)

“In the moment, it felt real, it felt right — it was all those things. I wouldn’t change anything,” Clark shared on “Almost Famous” in September 2023. “I don’t live in regret. It’s a very special moment in time and in my life regardless of what happened.”