THE Bachelor star Kit Keenan has hit back at Rachael Kirkconnell after the ABC hopeful was accused of attending a "racist plantation party."
Kit, who is vying alongside Rachael for Matt James' heart, took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the furore, which arose after pictures of Rachael at the party in 2018 surfaced.
"Yes, 2020 has spurred greater awareness of white privilege. That doesn't mean racist behavior of the past should be excused nor does it mean our work here is done," wrote Kit.
"For people of color within the bachelor franchise, viewers, and beyond, I see you and I hear you.
"Silence is complicity."
Bachelor Nation has recently dug up alleged social media activity from the Georgia native, including pictures from 2018 showing her attending an “Old South” plantation party in an Antebellum dress video, and in a Native American costume.
The ensemble included a beaded feathered headpiece and matching brown fringe dress.
The reality show contestant’s controversial social media past has come back to haunt her after pictures depicting “racially insensitive” content resurfaced this week.
Show host Chris Harrison was also forced to apologize after he was slammed for “perpetuating racism” as he “defended” Rachael to former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay .
In an interview Tuesday with Rachel Lindsay – the first Black lead in franchise history – the host said: “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion."
Chris then said it will be “interesting” when Rachael does speak as he “thinks she'll be able to give an eloquent enough reason for most reasonable people."
In response to the criticism of his words, he shared an apology which read in part: “What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry.
“I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not listening to her better on a topic she has a first-hand understanding of, and humbly thank the members of Bachelor Nation who have reached out to me to hold me accountable.
"I promise to do better.”
Rachael has yet to speak out but sources close to the star told The Sun that she is “mentally drained” after receiving horrific death threats.
The intense backlash has taken a “huge toll” on the reality star, with the family insider – who wished not to be named due to fear of retribution – admitting some of Rachael’s past “mistakes” are “wrong” but added the response has gotten out of control.
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