Peter Weber’s Mom Barbara Responds to Backlash — Was She Too Harsh to Madison?

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ABC/John Fleenor

Every season of The Bachelor has a villain, but this year it looks like the villain wasn’t a contestant at all. In fact, judging by the reaction to last night’s Season 24 finale, the real villain of the season (for a lot of people) was Peter Weber’s mother, Barbara Weber.

Barb found herself in the hot seat following part one of the two-night finale, in which she essentially begged her son to pick Hannah Ann Sluss over Madison Prewett.

The mother of two addressed the criticism with an Instagram post following Monday’s episode. It all started when a follower defended her, saying, “Can people please leave her alone! Barb, I think you did the right thing.”

“Thanks but I ignore all negatives!!” Barbara responded on the social media outlet.

However, Monday night was only the beginning of the backlash, as Tuesday night’s finale episode showed Barbara in an even worse light. 

 

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Not only was she spotted rolling her eyes as Madison told Chris Harrison she hadn’t been able to eat following her split from Peter, but Barb also didn’t hold back her feelings when it was revealed her son still loved Madison. 

“The show last night didn’t show everything. I’ve gotten a lot of love in my DMs. But I will say, when I went for Hannah Ann, it’s because she’s the one who embraced me with love. She was just so loving towards me. I just loved her,” Barb said. 

“The next day we met Madison. It started on a rocky road. She had us wait three hours for her to come in, she didn’t want to meet us. We had just come across the world and we were exhausted. We were getting used to the time there. We had to wait three hours.”

And the criticism didn’t stop there. Later in the episode, Barbara revealed neither their family nor any of Peter’s friends believe he’ll be able to make a relationship with Madison work. “Chris, he’s going to have to fail to succeed. All his friends, all his family, everyone that knows him knows that it’s not going to work,” she said.

Needless to say, many fans were not happy with the way Barbara acted during the episode. Though she had a few supporters, the majority of viewers thought she was completely out of line. 

One person who did support her was her husband, Peter’s father, Peter Weber Sr. During the live finale, Chris Harrison asked the patriarch of the family to weigh in on the situation, and he did his best to second Barb’s sentiments about the situation while also explaining how difficult it was to be in the middle of his son and wife. But before all of that, some eagle-eyed viewers noticed Pete’s mom speaking in Spanish to her hubby:

So what did she say? Luckily, fans translated it for us, and what Barb muttered was something along the lines of “Say something bad, too, help me” in English. Yikes!

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  1. R

    RedCarrot

    As a therapist, I would say that this family is ‘enmeshed’, meaning they are way too close. The mom said in an interview that she is Cuban where multigenerations live in the same house and that her sons have no reason to move out. She said the four of them ‘are one’. She didn’t understand the goal of the show, she thought it was to find her the daughter she never had to add to their commune. No wonder Peter doesn’t trust his decisions, Barbara always told him what he liked and what he wanted, or manipulated him with tears to please her. I hope that Madison runs for the hills, because unless Peter is willing to detach from his mommy this relationship is doomed.

    26 2

    1. B

      BlueCactus

      I agree 100%! Haven’t seen it mentioned, but Barb sobbing uncontrollably after reuniting with Peter after just one week apart was a HUGE red flag...both girls should run for the hills!

      23

      1. C

        CyanScissors

        Yes, I thought the sobbing and tears were overkill for sure. Poor Peter didn't know how to act and he certainly couldn't control her. She was very embarrassing to him...the whole world was hurting for him. It seems he has been dealing with a controlling, negative, abusive mother his entire life. He needs to stand up to her and move to Australia. Living near her would be death to a relationship where Peter and Madison would love to be able to move on with their own lives. Like Meghan Markle...get me the hell out of here so I can have my family to myself!

    2. G

      GreenQuill

      Agree! just to clarify "being close" is not the same as being genuinely intimate and sincere - Peter has probably had Barb drowning out his own emerging sense of self for years and its hard for him to express his genuine self or to even know it! No wonder he was attracted to the strength of Madison. Barb may have unconsciously recognised Hannah Ann as someone who would enmesh with them better than the more individualised Madi!

      10 1

  2. P

    PurpleRing

    She's a complete NIGHTMARE!!! I'm sorry, if you're so religious, shame on you for how you are treating a young girl (With morals may we add & who chose not to sleep around) so terribly disrespectful. It was so hateful almost as if she were jealous! Maybe be a little embarassed how her son & she have been acting. Both girls seem lovely. It's not a normal dating situation. There were probably so many things running through their minds (in addition to all the cameras). Shame on her as a mother!!! Terrible, mean & non christian. Shame!

    24 2

    1. P

      PurpleRing

      ps. Hannah may have been the luckiest one to get out.

      15

  3. B

    BlueBullhorn

    I think Peter wanted Madison all along but choose Hannah because of Barbs interference. He never seemed happy once Madison left. And when they went to see Peters parents....Hannah lauded it on thick and it seems like his parent attacked Madison the minute she walked in the door. Just one thing to Peter. Follow your ❤️ And put you big boy pants on and tell Mom stay in your lane.....he’ll your a grown man. Parents are suppose to support their kids...not tear then down.

    21 1

  4. O

    OrangeAirBalloon

    I think Barb was out of line. She should have said that she would give Madison a chance if it makes Peter happy. Since, his happiness was her concern. She said things that should have been discused off camera, when the whole family could have sat down and said how they felt and why. Madison doesnt have a fighting chance with his mother. Her mind is made up and any women will tell you that you never win in a relationshipe when the son has to be in the middle.

    18 1

  5. P

    PurpleButterfly

    Peter's never going to leave overBEARing Barb! I would never marry a man whose mommy won't let him live on his own. I bet if she ever lets him get married, she'll call him first thing in the morning and check in on him all day long. And, she'll probably insist on having dinner at her house every Sunday. She's a manipulative nightmare.

    16

  6. G

    GreenApple

    If peter and Madison have any chance of this working they’d better plan on living somewhere FAR always from peters ridiculous mother.

    14

  7. C

    CyanBucket

    Madison's team

    13 1

  8. O

    OrangeScissors

    It is so disappointing to see a mother who is so full of hate and not giving Peter and Madison a chance. At the end of the day, Barb lived her life and Peter and Madison should go for it and make it work! Who cares what Barb thinks?? She is WRONG.

    14 2

  9. G

    GreenQuill

    Team Madison all the way. Barbara was hateful not only to her son’s girlfriend, but her own son. Disgraceful!

    11

  10. P

    PurpleSubmarine

    For a woman in her 70’s. She should focus on her own husband’s inability to dress. For God’s sake...what man wears a gold chain...or do you control your dreadfully dressed husband like your son?!

    10

    1. B

      BlueCone

      Pretty sure she does. He sat there with his head down.

      2

  11. G

    GoldPizza

    Run!

    10

  12. G

    GreenQuill

    What a nightmare! Even if she didnt like Madison at the first meeting, even if Madison rubbed her up the wrong way inadvertently (because Madison was struggling with her feelings after the talk) Barb's hardened stance is a sign of a vindictiveness, self righteous negativity and disrespect for her own son's boundaries. No wonder Peter sometimes seems a little confused about his own feelings, after growing up with such an egotistical mother who actually thinks she's helping him. Yikes.

    8

  13. R

    RedCupcake

    the weber family is so dysfunctional. The mother is a manipulative nightmare and rules the roost. She is living through her children and that is just down right wrong. Great example of what not to be as a mother.

    6

  14. G

    GoldMustache

    I think barb was way out of line it’s allright to voice concerns she may have but in the end if she really loved her son she would let him make his own decisions and bless any decision he makes instead of trying to get the daughter she never had she’s a very selfish lady only thinks of herself she put her son through so much turmoil and you could see the turmoil in his fathers eyes on the show last night we all make good and bad decisions but let him make his own and bless him for whatever decision he may make

    5

  15. R

    RedCupcake

    She is a horrible mother

    5

  16. G

    GreenTurtle

    Team Madison. All. The. Way. Grace and kindness get you much farther in this life than scorn and hurtful words. Curious - Hannah Ann said to Peter "words matter Peter". And Ms. Weber clapped. Ummm...anyone see the hypocrisy of then how Ms. Weber used her disrespectful words towards her own son and the woman he loves? And she claims to be a Godly woman? Wow. I know he loves his mom and she loves him...but she needs to be supportive of him and not tear him down. It can get awkward if you love someone that your family does not like ...BUT...at the end of the day, it is Peter and Madison's relationship and NO ONE ELSE'S. Period. End of Story. Peter and Madison - follow your hearts - work hard at your relationship together if that is what you feel - nothing worth having is not filled with hard work and determination....because when you get to the top, it can be beautiful and so much more rewarding when you have done it together. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3:5-6.

    3

    1. O

      OrangeFries

      Beautifully said and I agree 100%

    2. P

      PurpleTeepee

      She didn't claim to be a Godly woman, she said she is more "Spiritual", which could mean whatever she wants it to mean at the time. That's why she doesn't understand Madison's Godly standards.

  17. O

    OliveClover

    I agree, this family is enmeshed and mom is the leader. She spoke as she/family was marrying Hannah Ann and she did not bond w/ Madison. Peter needs to 'leave and cleave' and I think Madi will try to reinforce this but it will come w/emotional pain for Peter. He's been manipulated by mom's tears and emotions for so long it feels normal and he can't detach with out getting backlash from this enmeshed family. The family needs to get a life.

    3

  18. B

    BlueDice

    So glad Madi is moving on from this mama's boy. She deserves a real man, not one who is still clinging to his mommy.

    1

  19. O

    OliveRadio

    Why is only Madison to blame for being late. It's shameful to bully and put down a young woman on national tv. Barbara you are terrible. What did this girl do to you that's so bad for you to hate her and abuse her in front of the world. On top of that, you whisper to your husband to say something bad about Madison to help you out. Disgusting!!!!!!

    1

  20. O

    OliveUmbrella

    Barb will be a Monster In-law to who ever Peter is Married to. I had a Monster Mother In-law. She told me when we were married that she always wins. I said right back at her "so do I" lol. She had met her match in me.

    1

  21. R

    RedTurtle

    How come NO ONE MENTIONS it was Chris Harrison who stirred things back up with Peter, when it was supposedly over? Chris knows Barb & Pete Sr. He knows Barb would go ballistic. It was all for good tv and love or hate Barb we loved IT!

  22. O

    OrangeFries

    Madison

  23. B

    BluePlanet

    Barbara is hideous !! Both Hannah Ann and Madison should run for their lives !!!!!

  24. C

    CyanBasketball

    I think they should hire Barb to be the bartender on "Bachelor in Paradise"! She'd be perfect at giving unsolicited advise to the contestants on who they should choose. Yes, she is controlling and manipulative. Yes, her family is dysfunctional. However, she is spot on with assessment of Peter and Madison. It just won't work! Would love to see her flat out say what everyone else is thinking when she watches the couples interact on Paradise. It will be great TV! LOL!

    2

  25. G

    GoldScooter

    I was Madison all the way but she only gives 25% if compromise with Peter. Peter gave only 25% of himself to Hannah Ann. If a daughter-in-law can’t get along with your mom she will drive a wedge between Barbara & Peter. Madison is selfish she talks about the past in the past well on the show the over nights she wouldn’t let go for in the past. Barbara’s maternal instincts are spot on! 3 hours late & no apology is wrong no manners ignorant

    5 10

    1. P

      PurplePuzzle

      Seriously ? Did you not just see and hear Barbara on that episode. You can’t possibly be that blind? As she mentioned before timing is kind of out of her hands, she likely didn’t know they had been waiting that long , Madison is allowed to have feelings and thoughts just like peter. You seem to have forgotten they are in a relationship? If Your idea of a relationship is only one person gets to set standards then I hope you’re ok...

      10 1

    2. G

      GoldChilli

      She should have apologized for the delay, but that is NO excuse for how she was treated. NONE. She answered the questions posed to her honestly. Had he not been chasing every available tail, there would have been no issue. There's no rule that says you HAVE to have sex in the Fantasy Suite. For the life of me, I don't understand how a man can sleep with three woman over the course of what, 3-5 days, then purport to love them.

      3 1

    3. O

      OrangeFries

      Deciding to have sex before marriage isn't something you compromise over...everyone that supports Terrible Mother of the Decade seems to be making assumptions because Madi didn't compromise sex that she didn't compromise anything. Get real, you have no idea!

  26. O

    OrangeBottle

    Team Barbara. Looking out for her son. Mother knows best and we are the ones who suffer for and with our children when they fall.

    6

  27. C

    CyanScissors

    I am on team Barb. From one mom to another. You go Barb!!!

    1 7

  28. G

    GreenPretzel

    Team Barbara - Madison had no business giving Peter an ultimatum. Well played on her part, but definitely dirty dealings. That was like offering him forbidden fruit.

    2 11

    1. B

      BlueFan

      Hey, if I were in the same position as Madison I’d wonder how a man that cared about me could gave sex with someone else. And I’m not a virgin!

      12 1

    2. O

      OrangeFries

      Um, no it wasn't too much to ask for. This is her life too and she like the others had to assume how he felt, she said if you love me you won't and that would give her an indication he doesn't care as much. He did it and then she doubted him, it was hard to move passed and honestly if some guy you were dating slept with someone one night and 2 nights before going on the date with you who he supposedly loved, would you believe him? Would you require him to take an STD test? He shouldn't be sleeping with everyone and that's what his mother should be saying instead of being like that is so cool to be intimate with everyone you're dating or even interested in

  29. B

    BlueHelmet

    I am with Barbara.. Madison and Peter are so different when it comes to religion and such. I appreciate Barbara!! Who only wants the best for her son!

    1 11

    1. P

      PurplePuzzle

      thats not a way a mother should act, if you don’t agree with a decision that doesn’t mean trying to force your son into the decision you approve of and then acting that immature on tv and attacking a girl who hasn’t said one word against you, I think you need to stand back and rethink it 🧐

      13

      1. P

        PurpleCorn

        I agree! My husband and I could not believe how this mother acted. Madison acted way more mature than mommy. By the way, I saw some definite narcissistic qualities in Peter's mom and Peter is not man enough to stand up to her. Probably will live with her forever! I lost all respect for Peter and his mommy. All the other girls are lucky to be rid of him and hopefully Madison will be too!

        8

      2. G

        GreenQuill

        Yes, Barb is trying to run her son's life. Moreover she has shown she is capable of judging and hardening against another human being after ONE meeting, a meeting in which Madi was highly stressed as well. In addition, being so rude and negative on TV - what a lack of graciousness and kindness. How can one trust a person like Barb - if she decides she doesnt like you, you are dismissed and she's hard about it. That's very unattractive in a human being.

        6

    2. G

      GoldChilli

      Maybe so, but please don't tell me you think it was appropriate for her to have acted the way that she did. I haven't seen anything that terrible since the Mean Girls in high school.

      4

    3. B

      BlueCone

      What Barb did goes waaayyy beyond wanting the best for your son. She trampled on, ran roughshod over both Madison and Peter. That's just wrong.

      4