Trista Sutter is no stranger to the rigid constraints of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). During the January 21st episode of Jennie Garth's podcast, "I Choose Me," the 52-year-old original Bachelorette opened up about the challenges she faced in keeping her participation in "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" under wraps. Prior to the public announcement of her role in the military training show, rumors of marital strife with her husband, Ryan Sutter, began circulating after he posted a heartfelt message on Instagram expressing his longing for her, while she was in Europe filming the third season of "Special Forces."
"You just have to bide your time," she shared about keeping the show's details confidential. "You sign away your freedom, agreeing to keep everything hush-hush. And it's not my first encounter with such secrecy clauses," she admitted.
Recalling her "Bachelor" days, she said, "I remember signing the contract, and they warned, 'If you spill the beans, we'll sue you for $5 million.' I thought, 'Good luck with that; I don't have that kind of money!' But the threat of legal repercussions or the fear of lawyers instills a sense of obedience, and you think, 'Alright, I'll keep quiet.'"
Jennie Garth added, "Zip it!" to which Trista simply agreed, "Absolutely."
In May 2024, fans speculated that Ryan and Trista's marriage was on the rocks when Ryan revealed that she was taking some "time off" to find herself again. He posted on Instagram, expressing his desire to talk to her, hear her voice, and be there for her, but acknowledging that he couldn't at that moment because she needed her space.
"I want to support you, encourage you, and cheer you on. I want to be there for you, but I can't. And that's okay because I know you need this time—time to rediscover yourself," he wrote. "So, I'll wait here for you. I'll be here when you return. I'll listen to you, smile with you, maybe cry with you—I'll be here to love you…forever."
A week later, Trista addressed the rumors, putting an end to any speculation about marital troubles. "Geez, people. Can't a gal have a nervous breakdown, a trial separation, a midlife crisis, death, or divorce in peace?" she posted on Instagram.
"In all seriousness, for those who are concerned, I'm safe, sound, happy, healthy, in love, and grateful," she clarified. "For those who prefer to be critical and search too hard for the negative, good luck with that."
"Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" airs every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
