'Bachelorette' Katie Thurston Apologizes to LGBTQ+ Followers After 'Offensive' Post
'Bachelorette' Katie Thurston Shines in Red Gown in First Look P…
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Get an Exclusive First Lo…
Tayshia Adams Teases Michelle as ‘Bachelorette’ and Messy 'Bache…
Here's a First Look at the 'Star Trek: Lower Decks' Season 2 Fin…
Here's Your First Look at Lifetime's 'The Fight That Never Ends'…
Here's Your Intriguing First Look at Peacock's Teen Mystery Dram…
'Queens' First Look: Brandy, Eve, Naturi Naughton and More Dish …
Hattie, Marie and Nia Are Back at It Again for ‘Twenties’ Season…
The Wanted Tease Reunion Tour and First New Single in Seven Year…
‘Sex Education’: Asa Butterfield on Otis and Maeve’s Future and …
Samira Wiley Makes Emmys 2021 a Date Night and Talks ‘The Handma…
Watch Brendan Hunt Interrupt Kathryn Hahn’s Interview to Ask ‘Wa…
Emmys 2021: Jason Sudeikis Opens Up About ‘Ted Lasso’s 20 Nomina…
Catherine Zeta-Jones Explains Why She’s Excited to Play Morticia…
Angela Bassett Shares 'Black Panther 2' Update After Letitia Wri…
Nick and Vanessa Lachey Say ‘Love Is Blind’ Seasons 2 and 3 Are …
Mj Rodriguez on the Importance of Her Emmy Nomination (Exclusive)
Tracee Ellis Ross Admits She's Already Crying Over End of 'Black…
Emmys 2021: Evan Peters and Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown…
Katie Thurston issued an apology to her LGBTQ+ followers.
The upcoming season 17 Bachelorette was criticized after she shared a photo of herself getting a kiss on the neck by her friend, Casandra Suarez. In the since-deleted pic, they are sitting in front of a neon sign that reads "Girls, girls, girls," per a screenshot taken by TV Shows Ace.
Thurston captioned the shot, "Whatever floats your boat," with a purple heart. Suarez left a comment that reads, "So did Katie actually end up with me, yes or no?"
The post didn't sit well with members of the LGBTQ+ community, with Thurston later taking the photo down and expressing that the photo was not meant to question her sexuality.
"I did not intend for this picture to be a statement about my sexuality. This is simply a friendship post. I've never spoken publicly about my sexuality nor am I doing so with this picture," she reportedly wrote in the comments section. "Nothing but love for everyone."
She then took to her Instagram Story to issue an apology.
"To my followers: I've removed my most recent post after realizing how many people from the LGBTQ+ I hurt. I am so sorry," per a screenshot captured byE! News. "I've read the comments and better understand why my post was offensive. Will continue to learn from my mistakes. I want to always be an ally and today I'm sorry I let you down."
The 30-year-old Washington native will begin her Bachelorette journey and hand out roses to her 34 potential suitors -- who were revealed in March -- starting June 7.
Thurston appeared on the 25th season of The Bachelor, and was known for repeatedly standing up against bullying and negativity. The bank marketing manager from Renton, Washington, was announced as one of the next two Bachelorettes during Matt James' After the Final Rose special. The other leading lady announced was Michelle Young, whose season will air this fall.
See more in the video below.
RELATED CONTENT:
'The Bachelorette' Katie Thurston Shines in Red Gown in First Pics
'The Bachelorette': Katie Thurston Is Ready for Love in First Promo
Katie Thurston's Potential 'Bachelorette' Contestants Revealed
Related Gallery
