BACHELOR Colton Underwood’s ex Tahzjuan Hawkins wasn’t shocked when he “bravely” came out as gay, as she insisted he “doesn’t owe” her or anyone else an apology.
Colton, 29, came out to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on Wednesday, revealing he “came to terms” with his sexuality earlier this year and has been “processing the next step.”
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, former contestant Tahzjuan Hawkins said she is “happy for him.”
She continued: “It’s important for people to live their lives the way they authentically want to. We’re all going to die so live your best life and be happy.”
Tahzjuan said she “wasn’t shocked” when Colton came out.
She explained: “He was the virgin Bachelor. You never assume. I went into the first night open-minded that I will meet him in person and make my own opinion. Based on our interaction, he’s a great person!”
On the Good Morning America interview, Robin said many may feel mislead by him joining The Bachelor, as he even apologized to the women who competed for his heart.
But Tahzjuan said: “When she said that, I didn’t feel misled. For him, if he had not gone through that process, that wouldn’t have gotten him to where he is today.
“Everything happens for a reason. That’s what he needed to do to get to where he is today. More power to him. I don’t feel mislead. People have to go through their own process.
“I don’t think he owns anyone an apology for being who he is. But we appreciate it!”
Also during the interview, Colton opened up about suicidal thoughts.
She said of his confession: “It’s disheartening when people struggle. There are negative connotations with sexuality and race. That’s in the back of people’s minds. I don’t want to be judged based on skin color and sexuality. It’s a fair assumption.
"It’s great that he has the support of friends and family to be brave and courageous and let the world know.”
As fans have called for a re-do of Colton’s season with him as the first gay Bachelor, Tahzjuan said it is a “great idea!”
Tahzjuan was eliminated week one and joined spinoff Bachelor in Paradise.
She said she has been “busy” since her reality TV stint.
She said: “I’m working my corporate 9-5. I am doing real estate. Who knows, you might see me on a TV screen here soon!”
Colton’s former Bachelor contestants have rallied around the star by praising him for coming out.
A rep for Tayshia Adams, who made the final four and was later The Bachelorette, told The Sun: "Tayshia is very happy that Colton is able to now live his life openly and without fear of sharing who he is.”
Elyse Dehlbom, who was on The Bachelor up until week five, “applauded” Colton for “living his authentic self.”
Kirpa Sudick, who was eliminated during week seven, exclusively told The Sun: “I saw the news about Colton and I’m happy he’s able to live authentically now and not have to hide that part of himself. Wishing him all the best!”
She added: “I hope this allows for him to be a healthier happier individual.”
Angelique Sherman, who was eliminated during the second week of filming, told The Sun: “I wish Colton nothing but the best and I’m so happy for him figuring out his truth. He has my support just like many others in the gay community.”
Revian Chang, who was eliminate night one, said: “It's sad to hear that he didn't feel safe enough to be who he is and explore who he is due to the environment he grew up in. It is a tale we hear all too much about people being pressured to stay within a box because of religion, family, or etc.”
Colton’s family members also shared their support of the former football player.
Colton’s grandfather Benjamin told The Sun: “We’re all proud of him and support everything he’s been through. I liked the interview. He knows we support him. He’s with us all the time.”
His grandmother Joyce continued: “We all love Colton and we are behind him 100 percent.”
Family member Sherri added: “I’m very excited and proud of him.”
Colton, who famously dated gymnast Aly Raisman, told Robin on Wednesday’s Good Morning America: "I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it, the next step, letting people know… I'm still nervous. It's been a journey for sure.”
He said of having suicidal thoughts: "I got into a place, for me in my personal life, that was dark and I can list a bunch of different things and they would be excuses.
"I would have rather died than say I'm gay and that was my wake-up call.”
The former football player continued: "Even just suicidal thoughts…driving my car close to a cliff, if this goes over the cliff, it's not that big of a deal…I don't feel that anymore.”
Colton told Robin that he first discovered he was gay when he was just 6 years old but didn't fully confirm it until high school.
Growing up in a religious household, he believed being gay was wrong and would try to "pray the gay away.”
Also in the interview, Colton addressed his relationship with Cassie, who he chose on The Bachelor, and said: "I would like to say sorry for how things ended, I messed up I made a lot of bad choices.
"I loved everything about her, and it's hard for me to articulate my emotions and going through that relationship with her because I obviously had an internal fight going on.
"I'm sorry for any pain and emotional stress I caused, I wish it wouldn't have happened the way it did. I wish I would have been courageous enough to fix myself before I broke anyone else.”
Demi Burnett, who was eliminated during week six and came out during Bachelor in Paradise, previously told The Sun: “I know how that feels and I’m very proud of him for that. But I do want to make sure everyone respects Cassie who has gone through a lot and been very hurt by Colton.”
Cassie and Colton dated for almost two years before their nasty split that resulted in the her filing a restraining order against him. She later dropped the legal order.
Demi continued: ”I know she would never have filed that restraining order unless she had no other choice. It must’ve been terrifying for her.
“And I don’t want anyone to forget about that. We can praise Colton for being brave and coming out but he needs to be held accountable for what he did to Cassie.”
Before the interview, Colton was spotted walking through the West Village in New York City with Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy and his dad Scott.
The ABC star returned to Instagram to thank those who have supported him.
He captioned a series of polaroid photos: "I have a lot to learn, but i have come a long way. to the people in my corner, i love you. without you i wouldn’t be here."
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