The Bachelor ‘villain’ Keira Maguire has been taken off promoting the reality show after hateful comments on social media. Picture: Richard Dobson

Labelled the season four “villain” Maguire’s argumentative antics and withering put-downs have seen her the centre of tension both on and off the show.

And after yet another blazing row took place in tonight’s episode of The Bachelor, Maguire disappeared from the publicity trail. When contacted for comment about the incident — in which she visibly upset fan favourite Eliza St John in front of several onlookers — a Network Ten publicist declined any interview requests, saying that the polarising blonde was being “rested” in the wake of a storm of negative publicity.

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Fan favourite Eliza (far left) and Keira (third from left) clashed horns after The Bachelor’s group date. Picture: Supplied / Channel 10Source:Supplied

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However despite having been on the end of her wrath, St John is one of several contestants who have come to Maguire’s defence.

“At the end of the day, we go on the show knowing that everybody is going to be commenting on it,” the 31-year old event co-ordinator said.

“We’ve made up, we’re buddies and she’s a good girl at the end of the day who is on the road to finding love.

I applaud her courage to be so opinionated. Sometimes, sure, you want her do it in a more tactful way but everything is heightened.”

White rose holder Alex Nation was brought to tears in tonight’s episode after Maguire led the charge of contestants who turned on her for taking time with The Bachelor, Richie Strahan.

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Keira Maguire can’t believe what she sees on The Bachelor and lets rip. Picture: Supplied / Channel 10Source:Channel 10

But the single mum said that she is more worried about Maguire than herself after the show aired.

“I have reached out to Keira and offered her my support,” she said.

“I was very aware early on that Keira is who she is — and she’s unapologetic as well. She’s very opinionated and she’s very outspoken but more power to her. It’s great she can be like that because she’s just try to who she is.”

Nation also encouraged those on social media to give the 29-year old account manager a break.

“It’s okay to have healthy opinions but I cannot stress enough that people should really think before they post,” the 24-year old said.

“Because (negative) comments can be so detrimental to a person’s well being. Pushing someone to the point where every day they’re getting negative can become consuming. It can be so detrimental to someone’s health and well being. I’ve had my run ins with Keira and so did the other girls, but at the end of the day we’re all human beings.”

Keira Maguire is The Bachelor’s firebrand for its fourth season. Picture: Richard DobsonSource:News Corp Australia

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