Kaitlyn Bristowe is speaking out about the lingering drama with her ex-fiancé Jason Tartick, claiming she feels “validated” after fans took her side in their recent public dispute.
During the April 28 episode of the Scrubbing In podcast, the former Bachelorette star, 39, reflected on her frustration after Tartick, 36, named his new dog Teddy — a name Bristowe had long dreamed of giving to her future child. Bristowe revealed that she and Tartick had discussed the name extensively during their relationship, making the move feel particularly hurtful.
“It’s messed up,” Bristowe said, acknowledging that while Teddy is a common dog name, its significance to her made Tartick’s choice sting. She shared that fans flooded her DMs with support, validating her feelings about the situation.
Bristowe suggested Tartick’s decision might not have been accidental. “It’s hard because I think he knew I would bring it up, and that it would bring more traction to his page,” she said, implying that Tartick may have been seeking attention online.
Bristowe and Tartick, who previously shared two dogs, Pinot and Ramen, ended their four-year relationship in August 2023. Following the breakup, Bristowe eventually became the sole caretaker of their pets after concerns arose about the dogs’ adjustment to moving between homes.
Tartick later adopted Teddy, a golden retriever, reigniting Bristowe’s frustration. Speaking on her Off the Vine podcast earlier this month, Bristowe recalled telling Tartick early in their relationship that she wanted to name her future child Teddy — a detail she says he could not have forgotten after five years together.
Reflecting further, Bristowe said, “I just have so many gross feelings from that because for so long I was made to feel crazy, and now I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m not crazy.’” She added that the situation highlighted the deeper misalignment between their life goals. “What I want out of life is not what he wants,” she said, emphasizing that their differences justified their breakup.
Bristowe asserted that her decision to end the relationship was firm, citing concerns that their partnership had become more about social media optics than genuine connection. “It felt icky to me. It felt like everything was for Instagram and numbers. I did not wanna be in it,” she said.
While Tartick has not publicly addressed Bristowe’s accusations, she maintained that many of his actions seemed “calculated.” Still, Bristowe emphasized that she has moved beyond the anger phase. “I’m definitely through the hate phase of the breakup,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Bristowe confirmed she has reentered the dating world, telling People on April 22 that she is “protecting [her] peace” and is “really happy” with where she is in life. The Dancing With the Stars alum added that she’s dating again but is being cautious about how much of her personal life she shares publicly.
Jana Kramer, another figure in the entertainment world, has voiced support for Bristowe amid the controversy, adding further public backing to Bristowe’s side of the story.