Media personality Rachel Lindsay, who was the first black star in the “The Bachelor” franchise in 2017, deleted her Instagram account due to the harassment and hatred she received from fans of the show.
The online harassment follows Lindsay’s “Extra” interview with “The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison, during which he defended current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who is being criticized for having resurfaced photos of her at a formal themed fraternity party before the war. After apologizing, Harrison announced that he is “moving away” from the franchise for “a period of time”, causing some fans to direct hateful comments at Lindsay.
On Friday, co-host of Lindsay’s “Higher Learning” podcast, Van Lathan, released a clip on Instagram confirming that Lindsay has disabled his account and condemning the attacks.
“My ‘Higher Learning’ co-host Rachel Lindsay turned off her Instagram earlier today,” said Lathan. “She did it because it is how much hate she is getting from the Bachelor fans, who are spreading it with all kinds of rude and hateful things to say.”
In his video, Lathan said people should “have a f —— life” and are misdirecting their anger at Lindsay, when they should be outraged at Harrison for his defense of Kirkconnell.
“Rachel is not responsible for Chris Harrison, a 49-year-old man who cannot read the room these 2021 times,” he said. “She is not responsible for this. It is not her job to make excuses or cover for someone who does not understand what the hell unleashes people in today’s world.”
Lindsay and Harrison’s representatives did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment.
Former franchise contenders have shared their support for Lindsay following her departure from social media.
Former student of “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” Nicole Lopez-Alvar wrote, “Rachel Lindsay didn’t get Chris Harrison fired. He did it.”
Another member of the franchise, Alexis Waters, added: “If you don’t like her opinion, KEEP F —— ROLLING … BULLYING SOMEONE IS NOT THE ANSWER.“