Juan Pablo Galavis' former The Bachelorette co-stars are coming to his defense after the reality star was slammed for controversial comments about the gay community.

Mikey Tenerelli and James Case, who appeared on the ninth season of The Bachelorette with Galavis, spoke to E! News about the situation Saturday.

Tenerelli said, "I spent four weeks with Juan Pablo in the mansion and shared a room with him. We had lots of off-camera conversations. He's an extremely accepting person that loves everyone."

Tenerelli also confessed that Galavis, who is Latino, often vented to him that the language barrier frustrated him.

"He's insecure about it and it makes him nervous. But he doesn't stereotype and he doesn't hate against groups. He's very loving," he said.

Case added that while he hasn't spoken to Galavis about the statement, he will stand up for him.

"I know my friend. He's a beautiful person and has a good heart. In this situation, you're dealing with someone who isn't used to being in the limelight and having their words picked apart," Case said.

Galavis has been caught in a scandalous whirlwind since telling The TV Page on Friday that he believed openly gay contestants should not be allowed to do The Bachelor.

"I don't think it is a good example for kids to watch. Obviously people have their husband and wife and kids and that is how we are brought up...Two parents sleeping in the same bed and the kid going into bed...It is confusing in a sense...Where do you put it on a scale? You have to respect everybody's desires and way of living. But it would be too hard for TV," he said.

Listen to the interview below:

The TV star issued an apology via Facebook on Saturday.

Tags
The Bachelor, ABC, Reality TV