Former Bachelor star Colton Underwood came out as gay in an interview with news anchor Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on April 14, and he has since received a huge outpouring of support from Bachelor Nation. Colton, who was formerly an NFL football player, first appeared as a contestant on season 14 of The Bachelorette in 2018, followed by a stint as a contestant on season 5 of Bachelor in Paradise the same year, eventually landing the lead spot in The Bachelor season 23, which aired in 2019.
"I've ran from myself for a long time," Colton said on GMA. "I've hated myself for a long time. And I'm gay. And I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it. And the next step in all of this was sort of letting people know."
During his season of The Bachelor, Colton gave his final rose to contestant Cassie Randolph, whom he dated for several months after their season ended. Cassie who at one time had a restraining order against Colton due to what she called "unsettling behavior," took to Instagram to explain that she planned to take a break from YouTube in the wake of Colton's announcement. But many other members of Bachelor Nation have spoken out with nothing but kind and encouraging words for Colton, who also told Robin that his much talked-about status as a virgin while he was on the show was due to the fact that he was still coming to terms with his true sexuality.
Here's what some of his fellow Bachelor Nation members have had to say about Colton Underwood coming out:
Cassie Randolph
While Colton's ex-girlfriend Cassie has not directly commented on his coming out, she did thank her fans for being supportive. "Thank you everyone for all the kind comments and messages," she wrote on Instagram the Friday after the GMA interview. "It means so much."
During the interview, Colton publicly apologized to Cassie saying: "It's hard for me to articulate exactly what my emotions were going through that relationship with her, because I obviously had an internal fight going on … I would just say I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart. I'm sorry for the pain and emotional stress I caused."
Tayshia Adams
"Tayshia is very happy that Colton is able to now live his life openly and without fear of being his true self," a rep for The Bachelorette star told E! News. Tayshia, who was the lead in the latest season of The Bachelorette, was a contestant on Colton's season of The Bachelor in 2019.
She's Moved On
"There is absolutely no ill will — only support for Colton, his willingness to share his truth and the additional representation for the LGBTQ community," Tayshia's rep asserted. Tayshia, of course, wasn't Colton's final choice during season 23, but she's moved on and clearly wishes the best for him.
Chris Harrison
"Very proud of you today @coltonunderwood Happy to see you stand up and openly live your truth," wrote former Bachelor host Chris Harrison. "You have my love and support my friend." Chris served as The Bachelor host since its first season in 2002 until February 2021, when he was involved in his own scandal, resulting in his replacement.
Hannah Godwin
"I support Colton for having the courage to finally be able to live his life authentically," said Hannah Godwin who compete for Colton's affection on season 23. "Nobody should have to hide from who they really are. I'll always wish Colton the very best and hoping he has found his peace."
Emily & Haley Ferguson
"We are so proud of Colton for being brave and sharing such amazing news this morning!" twins Emily and Haley Ferguson, who were on season 20, said in a joint statement after Colton's Good Morning America interview. "His courage to be his true self will be an example for many other people. We are excited for his future."
Great Suggestion
"We wish him the absolute best and want to support him anyway we can," said the twins. "Truly, so happy for him. We hope that the franchise will give him the opportunity to be The Bachelor again, when he's ready, because we would love to watch his new journey of finding love."
Kirpa Sudick
Kirpa Sudick, who was also a contestant during season 23 of The Bachelorette, commented: "I'm glad that Colton is able to be his authentic self now and doesn't have to hide that part of himself anymore. I can't imagine how hard it was for him having to keep that secret. I wish him all the best."
Demi Burnett
"Welcome to the community brother," said Demi Burnett who was eliminated by Colton on season 23 of The Bachelor on the sixth week. "Of course I was surprised but not in a negative way at all, definitely in a positive way," said Demi who is bisexual herself. "I support anyone who's going to be brave enough to come out publicly. I did it myself."
Onyeka Ehie
"I'm in full support of Colton!" said Onyeka Ehie who also competed on season 23. "I know it wasn't easy hiding himself for all this time and he probably feels a strong sense of relief. The LGBTQ community needs support now more than ever and it's important to stand by him and accept him for who he is."
Sydney Lotuaco
The Bachelor alum and podcaster Sydney Lotuaco said: "I'm wishing Colton all the best! I believe people should and be able to live their truth and I'm happy for him that he finally gets to. I hope with his announcement he can finally feel like his true self and find happiness."
Bekah Martinez
"I'm really happy for him that he can finally live his truth!!" said the supportive 26-year-old mom of two Bekah Martinez, who was a contestant on The Bachelor in season 22 and went on to find a new boyfriend whom she started a family with shortly after being eliminated from the show. Bekah recently spoke out supporting the idea of having an open relationship, so she definitely approves of nontraditional relationships.
Elyse Dehlbom
"I hope that Colton choosing to publicly share his journey into discovering and acknowledging his sexuality will connect with others who feel that their upbringing or circumstances have hindered them from coming out and know that there are people ready to love them, celebrate them and support them!" said Elyse Dehlbom, who was the oldest contestant during Colton's season.
Tia Booth
"@coltonunderwood knows how I feel," said former Bachelor in Paradise star Tia Booth "Love who you wanna love." Tia had a fling with Colton during their season of the show. Her reaction came after fans on social media were pressuring her to make a public statement about him coming out.
DeAnna Pappas
"Live your truth @coltonunderwood," wrote DeAnna Pappas on Instagram. "Be free. Happy for you!" DeAnna was a contestant on season 11 of The Bachelor and the lead on season 4 of The Bachelorette. It must feel great for him to have so much support from the Bachelor Nation.
Blake Horstmann
Blake Horstmann wrote on Instagram: "I can't imagine — it's impossible for me to imagine what he went through. I'm proud of him for being true to who he is. I hope he is able to give a lot of other people courage to do the same." Blake was a contestant on season 14 of The Bachelorette.
Tahzjuan Hawkins
"I commend you @colton for speaking your truth," wrote Tahzjuan Hawkins on social media. "In the world we live in today, show kindness it's free." Tahzjuan was the first person eliminated on Colton's season of The Bachelor and went on to compete on Bachelor in Paradise later the same year.
