Joan Vassos' children assisted her in fending off inappropriate direct messages and unsettling demands on social media as the "Golden Bachelorette."

Joan Vassos, the star of "The Golden Bachelorette," disclosed that she received numerous direct messages on Instagram following her appearance on "The Golden Bachelor," some of which were sexually suggestive.

In the first season of the reality show "The Golden Bachelor," a 61-year-old private school administrator vied for the affection of Gerry Turner, but she left the show after three weeks due to a family emergency.

Vassos, the first-ever "Golden Bachelorette" on the show, received an influx of messages from potential suitors after the "Golden Bachelor" episodes featuring her aired.

"Vassos stated that he struggled with navigating the process because the individuals involved were strangers. He resides in Maryland, and most of them lived in different states. He didn't engage with them much, or he would have pleasant conversations and express gratitude, such as saying, "Thank you, you're so flattering.""

She continued, "None of the options seemed suitable or comfortable for me, and some of the DMs were strange."

"Vassos remembered how he received dick pics and had people with foot fetishes who wanted him to send them pictures of his feet and would pay him for it. One person even offered to buy all the shoes he wore on 'Golden Bachelor.' It was terrifying."

Vassos' children intervened to stop their mother from receiving inappropriate messages.

She said to the outlet, "My kids were like, 'Give us your phone, mom. We're blocking all this.'"

Several other "Golden Bachelor" alums, in addition to Vassos, experienced unusual social media interactions.

In an interview with EW in January, April Kirkwood, 65, remembered the creepiest encounter he had, which was with an old man who was "yucky." Right after, his wife messaged him and proposed a threesome. Kirkwood was shocked and taken aback by the proposal.

"Leslie Fhima, 65, the "Golden Bachelor" runner-up, revealed to an outlet that someone wanted to be her sugar daddy and listed out everything they would pay for. She stated that she has been hit on by more young men than men her age."

"My kids were like, ‘Give me your phone, mom. We’re blocking all this.'"  — Joan Vassos

Edith Aguirre, 60, exclaimed, "Wow, I can't believe how young these men are! They're in their mid-30s. I'm a little shocked. I might give it a try, but I need to investigate them a bit more first."

Nancy Hulkower, 60, was surprised by the interest of younger men in dating her.

"I've been contacted," she said. "Some younger men were a lot younger, and that didn't work for me. And some who were a lot older."

EW reported that Hulkower was more moved by the suitors who contacted her outside of the show.

"I received some handwritten letters. Although it's rare nowadays, I was touched by the sentiment behind them. Similarly, young girls may ask me to meet their uncle by showing a photo."

In the final episode of "The Golden Bachelor," Turner, 72, proposed to contestant Theresa Nist, 71. The couple got married in a televised wedding in January, but announced their divorce three months later.

In May, Vassos was named the star of "The Golden Bachelorette." She will give roses to 24 potential suitors aged 57 to 69.

"The Golden Bachelorette" is set to premiere Sept. 18 on ABC.