Former ‘Bachelorette’ Kaitlyn Bristowe Denies Cheating on Ex Jason Tartick After Being Spotted With Zac Clark

Kaitlyn Bristowe is addressing rumors that she cheated on ex-fiancé Jason Tartick.

After video footage of Bristowe and Bachelor Nation's Zac Clark — who was engaged to former Bachelorette and Bristowe's friend Tayshia Adams before their split in 2021— surfaced from her New Year's Eve party, fans were quick to speculate the nature of their relationship and when it started. But, Bristowe was quick to shut down any cheating rumors.

"Hi! Here to say that there was never an ounce of cheating happening and I will not stand for this rumor," she commented on the post, which shows Bristowe with her arm around Clark. "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!"

Shortly before commenting on the rumors, Bristowe also took the time to confront a follower who referred to her on social media as "trash."

"You would think by now I'd be used to the hate," she wrote on her Instagram Story. "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. 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. 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."

She continued: "I am not one dimensional. What you see on people's social media does not mean you know them. And this part might sting … but I would never, ever want to switch places with you. Your life seems so sad. So I will not take the opinions of someone who I would not trade places with.

"Y'all wanna feel big round and important but you are small minded and sad. Thank you to everyone who is kind on my platform. Love you guys. You are the real ones. I wish I could just share my truth and tell you my side. It's hard to bite my dang tongue sometimes. But you just go on and continue to have your own little made up story in your head and believe what you want to believe. Social media la la land. Good lawwwddd."

Bristowe also included a screenshot of a text message she received, which read: "But like they don't know the truth or any backstory. It's wild."

Bristowe and Tartick started dating in late 2018 after she ended her engagement to her Bachelorette season's winner Shawn Booth. Meanwhile, Tartick was a contestant on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette. They got engaged in May 2021. 

In August, the pair announced that they had called off their engagement, sharing a lengthy joint statement via Instagram.

"After sharing the news with family and close friends first, and taking the time to properly process it ourselves, we are saddened with heavy hearts to share that we have decided to end our engagement," they began. "We are thankful for all of you who gave us the time and space to process this life altering decision as there are many emotions and changes to navigate." 

The former couple went on to write that "continuing our friendship is incredibly important to both of us" and that they "feel grateful to be ending our engagement with love and respect for each other."

They concluded: "We are beyond thankful for the memories made together, and for your support of us and the boys throughout the years. Moving forward we will always have that level of support for each other. We don't know what the future holds so please try to hold space for us in your hearts."

In November, the friendly exes reunited while attending Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima's wedding celebrations in Texas.

"Jason and Kaitlyn had not seen each other at all since the breakup. This was the first time," a source close to Tartick shared. "They were friendly, polite, kind and respectful to one another at the wedding. Jason had such a fun time celebrating Chris and Lauren, he was honored to be there."

Another insider echoed the first, adding, "Kaitlyn and Jason were friendly at the wedding and did make an effort to say hello to each other."

"They are cordial and are being mature about the situation," the second source continued. "They still have to tie up some loose ends with their businesses and financials that were combined."