The Moment We (All) Knew Clare Crawley and Dale Moss Were Doomed

Season 16 Bachelorette Clare Crawley and her fiance Dale Moss have called off their five-month engagement that began just a few episodes into Crawley's season, when she confessed that she'd fallen head over heels with Moss and exited the show to pursue a relationship with him off-camera. (Tayshia Adams stepped in to take her place.)

As for who would have thought such a thing could happen, let's just say there were signs — none more prominent than this awkward moment from the couple's ersatz exit interview with host Chris Harrison (at the 3:35 mark below):

Things got awkward when Harrison asked, "What is next for you guys? Moving in together? Wedding? What's up?"

Dale responded haltingly, "I think, you know, obviously..." at which point Clare interjected "Babies...?"

The cringey moment that followed saw a smiling Dale attempt to continue his previous thought. "Uh, really like..." When Chris Harrison interjected, saying "Dale, you just skipped right over that! Are we having babies first or are we getting married first?"

Cue Clare and Dale giving contradictory answers at the same time, with Clare saying "Whatever!" and Dale saying "We're going to get married first." Clare went on, "Whatever happens. We're just happy to, like, start our lives together and get to know each other more and more." To which Dale quietly responded "Yeah."

Bachelor Nation's response was less muted. A sampling:

you know dale was crying on the inside after she mentioned having babies... #TheBachelorette #bachelorette pic.twitter.com/emYctI5P19

— lindsey ? (@lindseyywright) November 11, 2020

 

Clare says “babies” and Dale’s look as he ignores her.... #Bachelorette pic.twitter.com/t20LnoJYtQ

— Taylor Henry (@TaylorHenry9) November 11, 2020

 

SHE ALREADY SAYING BABIES
Dale you have to get out now #bachelorette pic.twitter.com/8ZF4qrJhzy

— Sam (@sass_is_real01) November 11, 2020

 

Dale when Clare says she wants to have babies before the marriage:#bachelorette #TheBacheloretteABC pic.twitter.com/9suzUutT0p

— Amanda Ruja (@amanda_ruja) November 11, 2020

 

Dale talking to Clare about ‘babies’ #bachelorette pic.twitter.com/Rv9KcujQTF

— JawnBenét Ramsey (@giegsquad) November 11, 2020

 

Claire:I want to have babies with dale
Dale:#bachelorette #BacheloretteABC pic.twitter.com/Cpyxh1s8PG

— Kiki hovsepian (@kikihovsepian) November 11, 2020

 

Clare: “BaBiES”
Dale: #bachelorette pic.twitter.com/tyx89WLFG4

— crayola (@Brillia39524875) November 11, 2020

 

Clare: BABIES!!!!!!!!

Everyone (including Dale): ??#bachelorette #TheBacheloretteABC #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/zLnVXz9Rfo

— Lynn Swampscott (@danie9er) November 11, 2020

 

dale when claire said “BABIES” #bachelorette pic.twitter.com/s1aDfihxLH

— Paige Harrington (@pcharrington1) November 11, 2020

People are discussing Clare and Dale's breakup in our forums. Join the conversation. 

Jed Rosenzweig is the Founder and Publisher of Primetimer.