THIS 'The Bachelorette' Finalist Breaks His Silence on Viral 'Insensitive' High School Photo
Reality star Erich Schwer gets vulnerable and speaks out on the viral high school photo that "canceled" him.
Erich Schwer is one of the finalists on the 19th season of the ABC reality show "The Bachelorette". He was one of the contestants trying to woo bachelorette Gabby Windey. Outside of the reality show, Schwer worked as a real estate analyst.
In a recent controversial tweet, the 29 year old reality star was under fire for a certain photo of him that was featured in their high school yearbook. "The Bachelorette" fans were able to dig up the old photo and post it on Reddit, which made its way to a tweet calling out Schwer on Twitter.
CW: racist Erich in blackface is reprehensibly disgusting 🤮 #thebachelorette #bachelorette https://t.co/eEsjx4Xf6v pic.twitter.com/dWDeY3XLK1
— In my voting era🗳️ Stop #Project2025 🚨KHive 💚🐝 (@realitynrose) September 8, 2022
The circulating yearbook photos show a younger Erich Schwer in high school, but for the alarming part, one of them features him in dark-skinned makeup and an afro wig with a bandana.
Now, the "The Bachelorette" finalist recently took to Instagram to speak out on the issue. Schwer posted a plain black photo, which may be in reference to the "Black Lives Matter" movement. In his caption, the 29 year old apologized and acknowledged his past actions.
"I am deeply ashamed by my actions and understand that my apology is only the first step in taking accountability." He expressed.
Additionally, Schwer provided more context on the "insensitive" photo. He explained that he had dressed up in reference to guitarist Jimi Hendrix, as he had idolized the musician.
"What I thought at the time was a representation of my love for Jimi Hendrix, was nothing but ignorance. I was naive to the hurtful implications of my actions to the Black community and those closest to me, and will forever regret my offensive and damaging behavior." Schwer explained in the caption.
'Bachelorette' Fans Initial Reactions
Following the viral tweet that sought to "cancel" the 29 year old star, some "The Bachelorette" fans expressed their own views on the resurfaced photos. Many netizens are in shock and wondering why ABC did not conduct background checks.
Are background checks not a thing anymore?! #BachelorNation needs to STOP turning a blind eye to racists and STOP allowing them onto their shows. This behavior is EXTREMELY HARMFUL! https://t.co/yx7xe5ynUr
— audrey 💞 (@strangeraud) September 9, 2022
Meanwhile, some fans go as far as accusing ABC and Warner Bros of "racism" and enabling these kinds of issues.
At this point, the consistent casting of players with racist pasts or who are actively racist speaks to a culture problem within casting, production, at ABC, and Warner Bros. No amount of adding more POC to the cast will fix this. #bachelorette #BachelorNation https://t.co/tBPs4LkPDm
— BK (@BKBachTakes) September 8, 2022
The nineteenth season of "The Bachelorette" first premiered on July 11 and is currently ongoing until September 20. The show is a spin-off of the original dating game series, "The Bachelor".
