The Instagram DM That ‘Almost Killed’ Demi Burnett: Ruby Rose, Demi Lovato, and a Mortifying Misunderstanding
Reality television personality Demi Burnett, known for her candid and vibrant presence on *Bachelor in Paradise*, recently shared a truly unforgettable, and ultimately hilarious, celebrity encounter. In a revealing podcast interview, Burnett recounted a time she was left utterly starstruck – and subsequently mortified – after receiving an unexpected direct message on Instagram from none other than *Batwoman* star Ruby Rose. What made the situation even more extraordinary was the surprising involvement of global superstar Demi Lovato, adding a unique twist to what Burnett described as an “almost died” moment. This captivating anecdote, filled with excitement, anticipation, and a healthy dose of embarrassment, offered fans a peek into the often-unpredictable world of celebrity interactions and social media.
During the January 10 episode of the popular podcast *We’re Having Gay Sex*, Demi Burnett, 25, openly discussed the surreal moment Ruby Rose, 34, slid into her Instagram DMs. Burnett, who has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and identity, confessed that the initial message from the prominent Australian actress and model left her absolutely breathless. “She DMed me one time and I almost died,” Demi dramatically revealed on the podcast, emphasizing the sheer shock and excitement she felt. For Burnett, who bravely came out as bisexual during Season 6 of *Bachelor in Paradise* in 2019, Ruby Rose holds a special significance. Rose, a renowned figure in the LGBTQ+ community, has long been a visible and celebrated icon. Demi playfully teased that Ruby was “the catalyst of every girl that goes gay,” highlighting the immense admiration and inspiration Rose provides to many, including herself, navigating their identity. The confession immediately resonated with the podcast hosts and listeners, setting the stage for a story that blended celebrity crush fantasy with an unexpected dose of reality.
Recounting the specific details of the digital exchange, Demi painted a vivid picture of her internal struggle to maintain composure. “It was really funny, because she said, ‘Hey,’ and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s sliding in.’ I was like, ‘This is it.’ Like shaking,” Demi elaborated, perfectly capturing the rush of adrenaline that accompanies a message from an idol. The mere sight of Ruby Rose’s name in her DMs sent Demi’s heart racing, leading her to believe that perhaps a romantic overture was underway. Despite her surging excitement, the reality television star made a conscious effort to appear casual and unaffected. “I was like, ‘Hi, what’s up’ or something and she said, ‘Sup.’ I was like, ‘Oh my god, what do I say?’” she continued, describing the universal dilemma of trying to play it cool while internally panicking. The pressure to craft the perfect, intriguing response to someone she so deeply admired was immense, creating a comedic tension that many social media users can relate to when interacting with a crush or a public figure.
At the time of the fateful DM, Demi admitted she “was actually doing something cool” but quickly clarified it wasn’t “THAT cool” in the grand scheme of celebrity happenings. She candidly shared, “I was at WWE, so I said, ‘I’m just filming on set right now.’” This seemingly modest yet still notable detail was Demi’s attempt to convey an air of busy importance. Little did she know, the true purpose behind Ruby Rose’s unexpected message was far removed from any romantic intentions she might have imagined. The subsequent revelation dramatically shifted the tone of the exchange, taking Demi from cloud nine to a slightly more grounded, albeit still starstruck, reality. The *Orange Is the New Black* actress had a very specific, and rather amusing, reason for reaching out, a reason that would soon become clear and lead to Demi’s ultimate embarrassment.

The moment of truth arrived when Ruby Rose clarified her intentions. “She’s like, ‘I was just messaging you because Demi Lovato told me to,’” Demi Burnett revealed on the podcast, mimicking the casual tone of Rose’s message. This single sentence instantly deflated Demi’s romantic aspirations but brought an entirely new layer of star power to the interaction. “I was like, ‘Oh,’ because me and Demi Lovato are good friends, and Demi knows I’m obsessed with her, so Demi was probably like, ‘You should DM her, she’s going to love it.’” This playful intervention by Demi Lovato, a long-time friend of Burnett’s, showcased the genuine camaraderie and humor within their celebrity circle. Lovato, understanding Burnett’s deep admiration for Rose, orchestrated the DM as a thoughtful and amusing gesture, knowing how thrilled Burnett would be, even if it wasn’t a direct romantic approach from Rose herself. This twist transformed the potentially awkward situation into a heartwarming testament to friendship and mutual celebrity appreciation.
It was at this precise moment that Demi Burnett’s initial romantic notions shattered, replaced by a wave of intense mortification. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. I thought she was hitting on me,’” Demi admitted, her voice undoubtedly conveying a mixture of embarrassment and laughter. The realization that her idol was simply following a friend’s suggestion, rather than expressing personal interest, led her to find the entire situation “embarrassing” and “mortifying.” Despite the blush-inducing misunderstanding, Demi’s ability to share this personal moment with such humor and self-awareness is part of what makes her so endearing to her fans. This candid celebrity anecdote offers a refreshing glimpse into the human side of fame, reminding us that even reality stars and their celebrity friends experience relatable moments of awkwardness and misinterpretation, especially in the fast-paced world of social media DMs. The story became an instant hit with podcast listeners, celebrating the humor in personal vulnerability.

Beyond her memorable celebrity interactions, Demi Burnett has carved out a significant place in the history of the *Bachelor* franchise. She made headlines and garnered immense praise for becoming part of Bachelor Nation’s first-ever same-sex couple. Her journey on Season 6 of *Bachelor in Paradise* saw her bravely exploring her bisexuality and finding love with fellow contestant Kristian Haggerty. Their relationship blossomed on screen, captivating audiences and breaking new ground for LGBTQ+ representation on mainstream reality television. The couple’s love story culminated in a heartwarming proposal during the season finale, which aired in September 2019, leading to their engagement. This historic moment was widely celebrated for its impact on inclusivity and visibility within a franchise traditionally centered on heterosexual relationships.
However, despite the joyful engagement, Demi and Kristian announced their amicable breakup shortly afterwards, by the end of October 2019, confirming that their paths were diverging. Their split, though saddening for fans, highlighted the real-world complexities that can affect relationships, even those formed under the unique circumstances of reality TV. Since their breakup, both Demi and Kristian have moved forward in their personal lives. Kristian Haggerty eventually found love with her childhood best friend, Taylor Blake, with whom she has built a new chapter. Meanwhile, Ruby Rose, the accidental catalyst of Demi Burnett’s “almost died” moment, has also moved on in her romantic life and is currently dating *Arrow* actress Caity Lotz. This web of celebrity relationships and personal journeys adds an interesting layer to Demi Burnett’s already rich narrative, reminding us that life, like love and Instagram DMs, is full of unexpected twists and turns.