The Bachelorette's Erich Schwer Responds to Controversial Blackface Photo

Erich Schwer, a finalist on the current season of The Bachelorette, is speaking out in response to a controversial photo from his school years.

Earlier this week, a high school photo of Erich spread online and it shows him wearing blackface and an afro wig. He quickly received criticism from fans and he released an apology statement on Instagram.

Click inside to check out the apology…

You can see the photo here.

Erich posted a black square on his Instagram page on Thursday (September 8). He wrote, “I wholeheartedly apologize for the insensitive photo of me in Blackface from my high school yearbook that has been circulating. What I thought at the time was a representation of my love for Jimi Hendrix, was nothing but ignorance. 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. I am deeply ashamed by my actions and understand that my apology is only the first step in taking accountability.”

Erich is currently the last man standing for Gabby on this season of The Bachelorette as we head into the final weeks.