Rachel Lindsay has deleted her Instagram after a Bachelor Nation harassment attack.
Amid ongoing discussions about racism around the ABC franchise and Chris Harrison “moving away” from the show, Van Lathan, co-presenter of Lindsay’s “Higher Learning” podcasts, announced that he has deactivated his account. on the social media platform Friday.
“She did it because it’s the hatred that‘ Bachelor ’fans have that make her rubbish with all sorts of rude and hateful things to say,” she said in an Instagram video.
He added, “You must have the life of a king. Really.”
Earlier this month, Lindsay, who was the first black “single” to hit the reality series in 2017, faced host Chris Harrison over the alleged racist behavior of past competitor Rachael Kirkconnell.
“I saw a photo of her at a brotherhood party five years ago, and that’s it, boom. This girl is now in this book, and she is now in this group, and I am like that, really? Harrison, 49, said he was defending Kirkconnell, 24. When Lindsay, 35, noted that it was a “pre-war party against the South,” Harrison replied, “Is that so? [not] looking good in 2018 or not looking good in 2021? “
After the interview, Harrison launched an apology admitting that he spoke “in a way that perpetuates racism” and soon announced that he would leave the show.
Lindsay said Harrison made the right decision to leave the franchise, but Lathan says the reaction has caused him to leave social media.
“Rachel is not responsible for Chris Harrison, a 49-year-old man who can’t read the room in these 2021 times. She’s not responsible for that,” he said. “It’s not their job to excuse or cover up for someone who doesn’t understand what triggers people in today’s world. It is not. You’re going to look for the wrong person. “
“Rachel, we love you, we’re with you,” he concluded.
Kirkconnell – who currently competes in Matt James’ season of “The Bachelor” – has also apologized for her previous behavior and asked fans to stop defending her this week.
“If you’re in my comments or defending me anywhere, telling people I haven’t done anything wrong, that there’s nothing to hurt, that there’s nothing to be angry about or offended about, please stop, “he said, adding,” This is not our place to tell people what you can and can’t offend. That’s wrong. And that’s part of the problem. So stop saying that I didn’t do anything wrong. That’s not true. “
James, 29, also broke the silence last week by saying it has been “devastating and heartbreaking” to learn of these situations.