AceShowbiz - "The Golden Bachelorette" star Joan Vassos has come to the defense of her suitors after Martha Stewart made disparaging remarks about their appearance.

Stewart, 83, was asked on "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen" if she would consider appearing on the show, which features a group of 24 men competing for Vassos' affection. Stewart declined, saying, "Absolutely not."

When asked if she would do it for $1 million an episode, Stewart doubled down, saying, "No, the guys aren't hot enough."

Vassos, 61, responded to Stewart's comment in an interview with Access Hollywood, saying she had sent Stewart a direct message (DM) to express her disagreement.

"I DM'd her last night. I don't know if she's read it yet but I did," Vassos said. "I said, 'Dating is hard out there and I had a great group of guys.' She doesn't know 'em like I know 'em."

Vassos went on to defend her suitors, saying that she got to know them on a deeper level than just their physical appearance.

"I got to know the inside of them as well as the outside, and both are wonderful," she said. "The team did a great job of picking them. What they're about and their backstories, they're all so wonderful."

Vassos also suggested that Stewart may not have seen the full potential of her suitors.

"I guess Martha Stewart didn't watch or didn't see what I saw in them. Maybe you have to be in person? They are special guys," she said.

Vassos concluded by saying that she is waiting for a response from Stewart and that she may even invite her to the show's finale.