Bachelorette: Erich Schwer Apologizes For Racist Yearbook Photo

The Bachelorette season 19 contestant Erich Schwer posted an apology on Instagram in regard to an old racist yearbook photo of his that recently resurfaced. Erich had been a front-runner for Gabby Windey all season long, since receiving her second one-on-one date of the season including her Grandpa John. Their strong connection continued to form steadily up until hometowns, where Gabby hit it off with Erich’s family. Later on that day, Gabby and Erich both admitted that they were falling for one another.

Erich later made it to fantasy suites, where he and Gabby shared a fun date cliff jumping and swimming together. Later on in the evening, they chose to stay the night together in the fantasy suite, and it appeared that both had a great time. However, after the date, Erich began to get in his head about Jason Alabaster and Johnny DePhillipo still dating Gabby as well. Johnny and Jason both ended up self-eliminating later on in the week, which left Erich as Gabby’s last contestant. Once Erich was her only man left, Gabby and Erich both admitted that they loved one another.

Erich has recently issued an apology on Instagram regarding a racist high school yearbook photo of him that was recently found online. The photo features Erich posing in a blackface, leaving it difficult to recognize that it is even him in the picture. Erich simply posted a black screen, and wrote that he wholeheartedly apologized for the photo. Erich added that he was deeply ashamed of his actions, and that he knew apologizing was just the first step in taking accountability for what he had done.

Erich also added that his reason for doing this at the time had to do with his love of Jimi Hendrix. He explained that while he thought he was showing love, it was ultimately nothing but ignorance. For the most part, fans in the comment section were supportive and forgiving of Erich. Many fans thanked him for apologizing and recognizing his wrongs. Others, however, still felt that it was unacceptable Erich had been cast on the season with information like this being public.

Unfortunately, Erich’s yearbook photo is not the only recent incident in which a contestant is found to have posted racially offensive content online. Rachael Kirkconnell, who competed on and won The Bachelor season 25, was called out for being photographed in college at a plantation themed party. After apologizing and reflecting on her actions, Rachael was able to successfully rekindle a relationship with Matt James. Erich was Gabby’s final pick, and some fans wonder if these new revelations will affect the couple, if they are still together. Fans can watch the ending to Gabby and Erich’s journey during The Bacheloretteseason 19 finale over the next two weeks.

The Bachelorette finale airs Tuesday, Sept. 13 and 20 at 8pm EST on ABC.

Source: Erich Schwer/Instagram