Sam M. on ‘The Bachelorette’: Instagram, Job, Bad Edit Controversy

Sam emphasized that he wanted her to be “comfortable with being uncomfortable” and conquer her fears, but Jenn felt that he was dismissive and unsupportive. The date turned around, however, and ended with a dinner during which Jenn said she felt confident in their emotional connection and hopeful for their future together.

Can their relationship go the distance? Here’s everything you need to know about Sam M. and his relationship with Jenn on ‘The Bachelorette.’

Sam M. is a general contractor in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Sam, 27, is one of five children. He attended Socastee High School where he was on the football, baseball and wrestling teams. After graduation, he attended Wofford College.

According to his bio on the ABC website, outside of his current work as an entrepreneur, Sam enjoys “riding motorcycles, playing golf and watching ‘Sons of Anarchy.’ Based on his Instagram profile, he also seems to be a dog lover.

Before “The Bachelorette,” Sam was single for almost a year.

During the season premiere, he explained that his fiancé, whom he had known since middle school, had cheated on him and that “there was no fixing that relationship.”

“It was definitely the biggest crush I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

Despite this, Sam is still determined to fulfill his dream of being a husband and father.

Jenn gave Sam her first impression, grew after feeling an ‘undeniable connection’

Sam didn’t have an over-the-top limo entrance, but Jenn was immediately impressed with his looks and “southern charm.”

During their one-on-one conversation the first night, Jenn and Sam bonded over their similar approaches to dating; they both appreciate being intentional and vulnerable in relationships.

“Sam M. makes me feel excited,” Jenn said. There is an undeniable connection, and I don’t know what it is. I look at how hot he is and I definitely want to kiss him, but it just doesn’t feel right at the moment.”

After chatting with the other men, Jenn gave Sam her first rose impression, which she said she couldn’t stop thinking about all night. They shared a passionate kiss, making Jenn even more confident in her choice to give her the rose.

“I feel like I’m floating on cloud nine,” she said. “This kiss is wild. The kiss was really, really good. I feel like I made the right decision waiting because this was the kiss that built up all night. It was definitely worth the wait.”

Sam’s family has defended him on social media since the season began airing

After their New Zealand date aired, Sam and his family accused the show of giving him a bad edit. A teaser for the aforementioned episode, posted on Instagram by the official “Bachelorette” account, resulted in Sam’s siblings coming to his defense in the comments section.

“Crazy how they can cut out so much detail to make one person look shallow while making others look like a king…” wrote Seth McKinney, Sam’s brother.

“Let’s see all the footage @bacheloretteabc…. I’m waiting ⏱️,” said Hannah McKinney, his sister.

Hannah responded to further comments, telling one user that Sam “isn’t a bully and never has been” and the show left out the “true context” of the situation.

“I will defend my brother day in and day out like anyone else would,” she said. “Especially when they’re portrayed as someone they’re not.”

Sam, in turn, commented on the teaser, “💨 and 🪞,” apparently likening it to a smoke and mirrors situation.

Sam’s parents, Susan and Jeff McKinney, also appeared to defend him and criticize the show in comments that have since been deleted from their Facebook profiles.

Jenn reacted to allegations that Sam received a bad edit during a recent appearance on the ‘Love to See It With Emma and Claire’ podcast.

“No one can give you a villain edit in a way that people claim,” Jenn said. “You have to take ownership of your words, because no one is putting words in your mouth. You are the person saying those things. What I will say is that sometimes you have to take responsibility for the things that come out of your mouth.”

New episodes of “The Bachelorette” season 21 premiere Monday on ABC and air the next day on Hulu.