‘Bachelor’ Clayton Echard Says His Dad Is Pretty Upset With Him

Clayton Echard, a man not used to being in the spotlight, is receiving a crash course. The newest star on ABC’s “The View” The BachelorWhen he was on a rose-themed parade float, he noticed a person wearing a sweatshirt with the University of Missouri. “One person was wearing a Mizzou hoodie and I freaked out,” Echard tells Glamour. “I think he freaked out, too. He was like, “Why is he pointing at me and screaming?”

You might have heard Echard mention it once or twice (or maybe several times) during the premiere of The BachelorHe’s from Eureka in Missouri, a small suburb of St. Louis and a typical midwest guy. It’s not just a joke or meme, but it’s an important part of the story of the 28-year old. 

“I think I was mentioning that so often because growing up in Missouri my entire life, I don’t have a ton of experience traveling around seeing different things,” he admits. “I’m a guy who this is all new to. EverythingThis is a new experience for me. I’m just so used to being in this little bubble of Missouri my entire life and now I’m just out of my element doing all these wild things.”

Wild is an understatement. Not only is he dating multiple women—and apparently falling in love with at least three of them—but he’s doing it at a mansion outside of Los Angeles, with trips to lavish locations in Europe and Canada as well. 

Echard seems to be able to manage his new life even though his parents aren’t happy with the way he did things. But that’s the good news. The BachelorThe orthopedic sales account executive is determined that it will work for him. With one episode under his belt we Zoomed with Echard Los Angeles to find out about Teddi, the first impression rose-recipient Teddi and why he broke his own rules.

Glamour: What was the most surprising thing about the premiere episode? You don’t know much about what happens during filming.

Clayton EchardThe shock was all I missed. I would be filled in by my fellow women throughout my journey. Claire was my companion. Serene came and said, “Hey! She hates you!” Naturally, I was stunned to hear this. I had just met all these women the night before. It’s like, do you believe Serene? Or do you go talk to Claire? On night one, you don’t know anyone. I must be careful not to take too much into some aspects. However, I must also realize that I’m going now to start getting to know these ladies.

Did you ever discover what Claire’s deal was for you? Did she really mean to say that Claire hated you in order to create drama?

I don’t think that she hated me. I would be shocked if someone could have a hatred for someone after just five minutes. She was probably frustrated. People saw it on night one. It might have been all of  two or three minutes. Mara came in and took me away. Claire was probably frustrated by this because she wanted to have more time to get to know her. Although I understand that, there was another side to it. I didn’t get to speak to some of those women on night one. I spoke to them in the limo but didn’t get to sit down and have a conversation with them later in night. These women were still very appreciative of each other and didn’t say any hurtful words. I thought it was a bit outlandish for her to say this. It was already bad jujuju when I heard it. This is unacceptable. I am so lucky to have such amazing women around me night one. We just have to make our own paths.

I was still impressed that you seemed to be able to remember everyone’s name, as most of the women I saw looked similar to me.

It’s a lot. These stories are endless. The best thing about it is that they all had different stories. They didn’t all come from the same background. I felt there was a lot adversity among the women. I was able, because of this, to associate particular past experiences with these women’s lives, put a face on the name, then take that experience and add it to the name so I could remember them all. Even though it’s only night one, it’s a lot. It is difficult to get to know everyone in one evening.

You’ve seen memes that Susie looks like a cross between Hannah Brown and actor Debby Ryn.

Oh, yeah. I see everything, I think. I read everything online, much of it to my own dismay. It all is there. Yes. Yes. I’ve been compared with other people. Everyone is having fun. It’s nice to see that everyone is having a great time and laughing at me and others.