“The Bachelorette’s” Erich Schwer has come forward to denounce problematic actions from his past.
Schwer, 29, was one of Gabby Windey’s frontrunners on the season with fellow ‘Bachelorette’ Rachel Recchia.
Schwer has advanced far enough to reach the coveted “hometown” week in the ‘Bachelor’ franchise, and viewers have recently been captivated by the Schwer family’s heartbreaking experience navigating Schwer’s father’s battle with cancer. Windey was able to meet patriarch Schwer on camera before he passed away in July.
Now, just after Bachelor Nation saw Schwer and Windey struggle with major communication issues on one of two episodes of “The Bachelorette” this week, Schwer is making headlines for a certain off-camera transgression.
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What is happening?
On the eve of “The Bachelorette” finale, Schwer had to face some of his past choices.
Photos of Schwer from his high school days began circulating on the internet. The photo featured Schwer wearing blackface, which, as Bachelor Nation later revealed in his Instagram apology for the incident, was a tribute to the late Jimi Hendrix.
According to People, the photo features Schwer wearing an “afro wig” in addition to black face makeup and has started making the rounds on Reddit.
The outlet also reports “traditional high school photos” have also surfaced.
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How Does Schwer Apologize?
Windey’s last man standing soon seized the opportunity to talk about the photographs and provide further insight into his actions.
Schwer took to Instagram yesterday and posted an empty black square.
Schwer issued an apology in the caption of the photo where he took responsibility for his past actions and claimed it came from a past perspective of ignorance.
He began his note, “I sincerely apologize for the insensitive photo of me in Blackface from my high school yearbook that has been circulating,” he said.
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“What I thought at the time was a representation of my love for Jimi Hendrix, nothing but ignorance,” Schwer continued. “I was naive to the painful implications of my actions for the Black community and those closest to me, and will forever regret my offensive and destructive behavior. I am deeply ashamed of my actions and understand my apology is only the first step in taking responsibility.”
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How Will The Bachelor Nation React?
The comments section of Schwer’s post revealed many encouraging comments, praising him for taking responsibility for his past.
Schwer’s fellow ‘Bachelor’ contestant Logan Palmer, who abruptly left the show following a COVID-19 diagnosis, offered his friend support.
Palmer commented, “takes a man to talk about his mistakes. men who’ve met you know what kind of person you’ve been.”
Nate Mitchell, who was also in the market for Windey’s heart on the show, also received Schwer’s apology positively.
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“Appreciate you taking ownership bro,” Mitchell began. “I can’t absolve you of this but I can attest to the man I met, and you’re nothing less than someone I consider a friend. You’re not the first person I’ve befriended with a similar past, and the difference is not having the attitude willful stupidity,” he continued. “Your school accepting this behavior and posting it to the yearbook tells me that no peers or faculty around you are speaking up to guide you away from this issue. Children do become victims of their environment over time. Continue to learn and grow from you past and I will continue to support you and give you advice if you need/ask for it.”
Schwer will be featured in the two-part season finale of “The Bachelorette.” Part one will air on Tuesday, September 13, and the final and second parts will air on Tuesday, September 20. (via Bustle)
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
