‘The Bachelorette’ Contestant Erich Schwer Apologizes for Blackface Photo From High School Yearbook

“I was naïve to the hurtful implications of my actions to the Black community and those closest to me, and will forever regret my offensive and damaging behavior,” he said

Erich Schwer on the Bachelorette
ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

“The Bachelorette” Season 19’s Erich Schwer apologized for a yearbook photo of him wearing blackface circulating on the internet.

The 29-year-old competitor hopes to secure Gabby Windey’s final rose. He and Windey went on a Fantasy Suite date Monday before he remained the final man vying for her love. In the days following a viral Reddit post containing both a traditional yearbook portrait as well as a photo of Schwer in blackface as well as an afro wig surfaced — drawing questions and criticism.

Schwer apologized Thursday on Instagram, acknowledging the “insensitive” photo and “offensive and damaging” behavior. 

“I wholeheartedly apologize for the insensitive photo of me in Blackface from my high school yearbook that has been circulating,” he wrote.”What

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