BACHELOR Bob was in hiding after “The Bach elor” producers slapped him with a lawsuit for promoting his album without permission.

The suit claims that Guiney asked on three different occasions for permission to promote his CD, but was turned down.

Contestants on “The Bachelor” – and nearly all reality shows, for that matter – sign strict exclusivity contracts that allows the show to control their publicity and professional lives for up to one year.

The suit suggests the producers are worried that it now appears that Guiney was not genuine about his desire to find a new mate – the purpose of the show – but to advance his career as a singer.

Neither Guiney nor anyone who represented him would comment yesterday.