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The executive producers of ABC's The Bachelor issued a statement on Wednesday saying that they are "inspired" by former contestant Colton Underwood coming out as gay.
"We are so inspired by Colton Underwood's courage to embrace and pursue his authentic self," the statement, which was sent to Newsweek, said. "As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton's journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way."
In addition to the statement issued by the show's producers, ABC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television issued a joint statement sent to Newsweek that said, "We applaud Colton and celebrate his strength and courage to live his truth."
Both the statements come shortly after Underwood came out as gay during an interview with ABC News' Good Morning America.
"Obviously, like, this year's been a lot for a lot of people and it's probably made a lot of people look themselves in the mirror and figure out who they are and what they've been running from or what they've been putting off in their lives. And for me, I've ran from myself for a long time, I've hated myself for a long time and I'm gay," Underwood said during the interview. "And I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it."
He added, "I'm emotional, but I'm emotional in such a good, happy, positive way. I'm like the happiest and healthiest I've ever been in my life and that means the world to me."
When asked by Good Morning America host Robin Roberts why he waited till now to make this announcement, Underwood said, "I can list a bunch of different things, but they'd all be excuses; but I think, overall, the reason why now is because I got to a place where I didn't think I was ever going to share this. I would have rather died than say, 'I'm gay'."
Underwood first competed in the 2018 season of The Bachelorette, which was led by Becca Kufrin.
He then appeared as the lead for the 23rd season of The Bachelor in 2019. His virginity was a topic of the season, but he eventually fell in love with contestant Cassie Randolph. Underwood and Randolph started dating after the show's finale and their relationship lasted until April 2020. Prior to his time on The Bachelor, Underwood played in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders.
During his interview with Good Morning America, Underwood apologized for the women he hurt during his time on The Bachelor.
"I would like to say sorry for how things ended.… I messed up. I made a lot of bad choices," Underwood said but noted that he "loved everything about" Randolph during the show.
About the writer
Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more