April Kirkwood Opens Up About the ASKN Feud and Her Decision to Step Back

In a recent episode of the She’s All Bach podcast, April Kirkwood, a beloved alum from The Golden Bachelor, shared her perspective on the rumors surrounding the alleged feud within the ASKN group. April, 67, revealed that she believes her fellow members—Susan Noles, Kathy Swarts, and Nancy Hulkower—were upset with her decision to pull out of their planned trip to St. Martin in early 2024. She emphasized that while she doesn’t know who exactly was behind the social media messages she received, she noted that the messages originated from Texas, a state where she knows a limited number of people.

April explained that her inability to join the trip was due to a combination of work, family obligations, and financial constraints. She acknowledged that her decision may have been misinterpreted as a rejection of her friends, which she deeply regrets. “I think giving them the benefit of the doubt now and stepping back, they took it personally that I rejected them,” she said. “I did reject that, but I had a lot going on at the time, as well. I had some house issues, I had a job, and they were already fed up with me from being gone so much. And then, it was a money issue [regarding the cost of the vacation].”

The Decision to Step Back and the Importance of Authenticity

April further elaborated on her decision to back out of the trip, stating that it was a difficult but necessary choice. She admitted that she had to make a “value statement” and prioritize her own needs at the time. “I’m really not a heavy drinker or a heavy partier like on some of the shows,” she said, suggesting that the trip’s social dynamics didn’t align with her personal preferences.

April also reflected on her journey of being authentic, a trait she has emphasized throughout her life and career. While she believes in staying true to herself, she acknowledged that this approach doesn’t always yield positive results. “I’ve spent my whole life… trying to be authentic—and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it helps me and sometimes it hurts me. I’m not advising that for everybody,” she said.

The ASKN Group and Their Bond on The Golden Bachelor

The ASKN group—comprising April, Susan, Kathy, and Nancy—formed during their appearance on Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor in 2023. Their friendship deepened as they reunited on Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor, where they even hosted a group date together. However, the dynamics within the group began to shift when April decided not to join the trip to St. Martin.

April expressed regret over how her decision was received, acknowledging that it may have hurt her friends’ feelings. “I think it got to be obvious that there was me backing out, and I think it hurt their feelings,” she said. She clarified that her withdrawal was not meant to be personal but rather a necessary step to protect her own well-being. “I would like to publicly apologize because it wasn’t personal and I was just salvaging my identity,” she said.

The Current State of the Feud and Hopes for Reconciliation

While the remaining members of the ASKN group have not publicly addressed April’s claims, she revealed that she reached out to them directly before sharing her side of the story on social media. April expressed hope that the group could eventually mend their friendship. “I could work with them anytime,” she said. “I mean, I love them and I’m a professional. I love Bachelor Nation and what they did for me, and I would be more than happy to put my best foot forward and leave that behind and be positive.”

She also acknowledged the challenges that can arise when strong personalities come together, saying, “I did call them and tell them I was going to back out. I think you get five women [or] four women together and s—’s going to go down.” While she doesn’t shy away from the reality of group dynamics, she remains optimistic about the possibility of reconciliation.

Reflecting on the Experience and Moving Forward

In reflecting on the situation, April emphasized the importance of learning from life’s challenges. She acknowledged that her decision to step back from the trip was not taken lightly and that it weighed heavily on her. However, she stood by her choice, emphasizing that it was a necessary step to prioritize her own life and commitments.

April’s openness about the situation highlights her commitment to authenticity, even when it leads to difficult conversations or outcomes. While she regrets any hurt caused, she hopes that her friends—and fans—can understand her perspective. By speaking candidly, she aims to clear the air and move forward in a positive direction.

Conclusion: A Message of Love, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward

April Kirkwood’s recent remarks on the She’s All Bach podcast offer a nuanced and heartfelt perspective on the ASKN feud. While she acknowledges the pain and misunderstanding that arose from her decision, she remains committed to authenticity and integrity. Her willingness to apologize and express her love for her former group members highlights her desire to mend their friendship and move forward with grace.

For fans of The Golden Bachelor and Bachelor Nation, April’s story serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, honesty, empathy, and forgiveness can pave the way for healing and reconciliation. As April herself said, “I love them and I’m a professional,” a sentiment that underscores her dedication to maintaining positive relationships, both on and off the screen.