Photo: ABC
Erich Schweris apologizing after an old yearbook photo showing him wearing blackface surfaced on the internet.
Just a few days later, high school photos of Erich began circulating on the internet. In addition to a traditional yearbook photo, the viral Reddit post also showed an image of Erich wearing blackface and an afro wig — and it quickly garnered criticism.
On Thursday afternoon, Erich issued a statement on Instagram, where he apologized for his actions.
“I wholeheartedly apologize for the insensitive photo of me in Blackface from my high school yearbook that has been circulating,” hecaptioneda photo of a blank black square, adding, “What I thought at the time was a representation of my love for Jimi Hendrix, was nothing but ignorance.”
Reps forThe Bachelorettedid not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
“All it takes is admittance and repentance. Keep at it, continue to be better!” wrote one follower, while another added, “The best thing you can do now is just prove you mean what you say about taking accountability. That’s the correct way to apologize. I wish you luck”
Still, on Twitter, Erich faced lots of criticism as fans weighed in on the controversial image.
“I get Erich apologized for his blackface in high school but let’s be honest if that photo never resurfaced he would have never apologized #bachelorette,” one fanwrote.
Other fans withdrew their previous support for Erich, with onetweeting, “Upon recent news of Erich doing blackface. I take it back. I can’t support such nonsense.”
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“Thankful for everything you’ve done for me,” Erichposted on InstagramJuly 9. “We are gonna miss the hell out of you Big AL. I love you so much dad.”
The Bacheloretteseason 19 finale airs Tuesday (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.
source: people.com
