The Real Reason Rachel Lindsay Deleted Instagram
Rachel Lindsay is leaving Instagram as the Bachelor Nation drama continues to intensify.
It all started with former Bachelorette Rachel interviewed seasons-long Bachelor host Chris Harrison on Extra. Referencing accusations that were taking the internet by storm, the former Bachelorette called current Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's past behavior racist.
Rachel brought the controversy to Chris' attention in the Extra interview, with the Bachelor host asking fans to have "a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion," towards Rachael and her past behavior. Viewers didn't take kindly to Chris' justification of the racist behavior, which eventually led to an apology and the host "stepping aside" from the franchise for some time.
Rachael, on the other hand, has received both support and backlash for staying quiet on the social media uproar. The Bachelor contestant, who is still in the running to get Matt James' final rose as of this writing, eventually took to Instagram to give a formal apology and admit to her wrongdoings.
The first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, however, seems to be getting the short end of the stick when it comes to support, with the former Bachelorette opting to leave Instagram altogether. Here's why.
Rachel Lindsay received "rude and hateful" messages
Co-host of Rachel Lindsay's podcast Higher Learning, Van Lathan, announced via Instagram that Rachel had to leave Instagram due to too much online harassment.
"My co-host on Higher Learning, Rachel Lindsay, disabled her Instagram earlier today," said Lathan (via People). "She did it because that's how much hate she's getting from Bachelor fans who are spamming her with all kinds of rude and hateful things to say."
The former TMZ star told fans to "get a f***ing life. Seriously," in defense of Rachel amid the ongoing hate she has received due to her revealing interview with Chris Harrison.
"Rachel is not responsible for Chris Harrison, a 49-year-old man who can't read the room in these 2021 times," continued Lathan. "She's not responsible for that. It's not her job to make excuses or provide cover for somebody who doesn't understand what the f*** triggers people in today's world. It's not. You're going after the wrong person."
Lathan closed out his video by sending love to his co-host. According to People, Bachelor contestants Tayshia Adams and Matt James have also publicly supported Rachel since her interview with Chris.