'The Bachelorette' Finale: Kaitlyn Bristowe Says It's 'Not OK' That Erich's Blackface Scandal Wasn't Addressed

etonline.com:

Kaitlyn Bristowe has some thoughts on 's season finale. The former franchise lead and one-time host took to Instagram on Thursday to weigh in on the latest season of the show, and revealed the one thing she thinks should've been included during the three-hour-long, live finale.«The show, Erich, and Gabby, had a real opportunity to use their voice and acknowledge Blackface,» Kaitlyn wrote, referring to an old, resurfaced photo of Erich in Blackface.Erich previously apologized for the photo on Instagram, writing in part, «I was naïve to the hurtful implications of my actions to the Black community and those closest to me, and will forever regret my offensive and damaging behavior.»For Kaitlyn, the Blackface controversy could have replaced several portions of the finale that she deemed unnecessary.«I don’t think we needed to read texts from his ex, or set up a fake mansion for Zach,» Kaitlyn wrote, referencing the lengthy discussion of Erich's controversial text messages, as well as the new Bachelor, Zach Shallcross, meeting several women from his season during the live finale.«I think we needed to continue to evolve and show up with that many people watching.

Michelle, myself, and Becca were all under the impression this would be addressed,» Kaitlyn added of herself and her fellow former Bachelorettes, Michelle Young and Becca Kufrin, all of whom attended the finale. «It wasn’t and that’s not OK.»Kaitlyn's statement comes amid her friendship with Michelle, who who was the third Black Bachelorette after Rachel Lindsay and Tayshia Adams.«I don’t want to speak for Michelle, but I know she committed to being the lead with a promise of change.