EXCLUSIVE: Sunny Long has called out a ‘double standard’ on reality TV.

The Golden Bachelor’s Sunny Long has responded to a wild theory about why she won the show. Photos: Instagram/itssunnylong / Channel 9

The Golden Bachelor winner, Sunny Long, has responded to claims that she only won Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden’s heart on the reality show because she spoke about sex. The Channel 9 reality show ended with with Bear professing his love for Sunny in Cape Town, South Africa, leaving fan favourite Janette Bendle “blindsided”.

While many viewers were also surprised by Bear’s decision, Daily Mail columnist Amanda Goff claimed that she knew Janette “never stood a chance” against Sunny, simply because the South Korean contestant had told Bear that she was “very sexually active”. Amanda, who was previously known as Australia’s most high-profile escort, Samantha X, wrote that Sunny “knew precisely what Bear wanted to hear” because “men pick sexy over sensible every single time”.

But Sunny has since hit back at these claims, telling Yahoo Lifestyle that there was nothing calculated about her and Bear discussing their sexual compatibility, and it was a perfectly normal conversation to have with someone you’re dating.

“The fact that some people think I ‘won’ because I spoke openly about sex really shows how much stigma is still attached to sex, especially when it comes to mature women,” she said.

“When the truth is that it’s a normal, healthy part of many relationships at every age. There is nothing shameful about that.”

Sunny says sex is ‘a normal, healthy part of many relationships at every age’. Photo: Channel 9

Sunny calls out ‘double standard’

The 58-year-old CEO pointed out that young people speak about sex all the time on shows like Love Island; however, when older women have the same honest conversations, it’s suddenly seen as “too much”.

“There is definitely a double standard there,” she said.

“People also seem to forget that this wasn’t just Bear’s choice; it was mine too.

“We were on a show to find love, and as my feelings for him grew, I wanted to understand his feelings around intimacy — that’s a normal part of the kind of relationship I want, and it’s a perfectly valid thing for a woman to care about.”

‘I won’t apologise’

Sunny, who was praised throughout the season for wearing her heart on her sleeve, added that she would always be true to herself, even if it challenged people’s expectations.

“Yes, there is still a lot of slut-shaming out there, especially towards women who dare to speak up about their desires, but I refuse to be ashamed for that,” she shared.

“And I won’t apologise for being honest about who I am and what matters to me!”

Sunny previously told Yahoo Lifestyle that she had avoided reading comments on social media because a lot of it was “really hard to swallow”.

“I was confronted with blatant racism simply because I’m Asian, simply because I am a confident, outspoken lady,” she said.

“Hello, we’re living in 2025. Australia, we are so behind.”