Entertainment TV Bachelorette Kaitlyn Laughs Off 'Brokeback Bachelor': 'They're Just Bros' The reality star weighs in on the controversy over the guys' friendship By Aili Nahas Aili Nahas Aili Nahas is the West Coast Deputy News Editor at PEOPLE. She is also the TV deputy in Los Angeles as well as the Weddings Editor. Aili has spent nearly two decades in the entertainment industry and 12 years at PEOPLE. People Editorial Guidelines Published on June 2, 2015 06:20 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: ABC The Bachelorette‘s Clint Arlis and JJ Lane are making headlines – but not for their romance with Kaitlyn Bristowe. Instead, the pair have the fans buzzing over their own budding friendship and to what extent it’s a made for TV publicity stunt. On the June 1 episode, architectural engineer Arlis joked about showering with former investment banker Lane, then later told the camera that “falling in love with a man never crossed my mind.” The Bachelorette’s take? Despite the creative editing, “I really think it’s just them having fun,” Bristowe tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I don’t think they’re [gay]. They’re just bros.” Chalk it up to boredom, potentially, says Bristowe: “You have a lot of downtime [in the house]. You find comfort in one person almost. I did that with [fellow Bachelor contestant] Becca Tilley. We joked about being the first lesbian Bachelorettes!” For much more from Kaitlyn, including her take on hurtful backlash, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday RELATED VIDEO: Chris Harrison Explains Why Kaitlyn Bristowe Is the Perfect Bachelorette The Bachelorette airs Mondays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.