From outside the Big Brother house, Rylie Jeffries is defending his actions.

The 27-year-old, who was evicted from the CBS reality competition series Aug. 21, reacted to fans’ criticism of his behavior towards fellow houseguest Katherine Woodman during his time on the show.  

“I understand how things may have come across, but I speak with passion,” he told Entertainment Weekly in an interview published Aug. 28. “I love with my whole heart, and maybe that intensity was misunderstood.”

Rylie raised eyebrows numerous times on the show’s live feeds—which are streamed online throughout the season—for what many fans described as a “controlling” demeanor towards his showmance partner. On one such occasion, which has been circulated on X (formerly Twitter), he was heard telling Katherine, 23, “I’m being with you outside of this, whether you like it or not.”

However, the reality star denied the accusations, insisting that he would “never intentionally disrespect anyone, especially Katherine.”

“I respect her deeply, and she’s her own person, makes her own choices,” he explained to EW. “Some moments just don’t reflect who I truly am. My intentions have always come from a place of care and loyalty, not control.”

While Rylie may have felt his onscreen depiction differed from his authentic self, he said that those who knew him best could vouch for his character.

“People online don’t know me, but my friends, family, fellow Houseguests, and Katherine do, and that’s what’s important,” he continued. “I spent every day in that house with people who truly know me, who see the real me: someone who’s loving, funny, and full of heart.”

Rylie added, “It hurts to be painted as aggressive when all I’ve ever done is lead with passion and care.”

For a closer look at the cast of Big Brother season 27, keep scrolling.

Age: 22

Hometown: Lafayette, La.

Occupation: Bridal consultant

Age: 23

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Occupation: Carpenter

Age: 34

Hometown: West Hills, Calif.

Occupation: Unemployed

Age: 23

Hometown: Gwinnett County, Ga.

Current City: Columbia, S.C.

Occupation: Fine dining server

Age: 25

Hometown: Sarasota, Fla.

Current City: Washington, D.C.

Occupation: AI consultant

Age: 29

Hometown: Burbank, S.D.

Occupation: Web designer

Age: 33

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Current City: McKinney, Texas

Occupation: Dungeon master

Age: 50

Hometown: Wallace, S.C.

Current City: Charlotte, N.C.

Occupation: College sports podcaster

Age: 24

Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.

Current City: New York, N.Y.

Occupation: Aura painter

Age: 27

Hometown: Luther, Okla.

Occupation: Professional bull rider

Age: 23

Hometown: Paducah, Ky.

Current City: Provo, Utah

Occupation: Salesperson

Age: 27

Hometown: Cartersville, Ga.

Occupation: Marketing manager

Age: 43

Hometown: Stockton, Calif.

Occupation: Insurance agent

Age: 25

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

Current City: New York, N.Y.

Occupation: Attorney

Age: 35

Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.

Current City: Atlanta, Ga.

Occupation: Event curator

Age: 33

Hometown: Palm Springs, Calif.

Current City: Los Angeles, Calif.

Occupation: Gamer

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