Bachelorette’s Garrett Yrigoyen says he’s sorry about offensive Instagram ‘likes’

Just days after Garrett Yrigoyen’s social media history came under fire, the Bachelorette frontrunner has issued a formal apology.

When Becca Kufrin gave Garrett Yrigoyen the first impression rose during the Bachelorette premiere, it was clear they had instant chemistry.

However, the initial glow of a potential relationship quickly faded when Garrett’s Instagram history was put under the microscope.

In case you haven’t heard, Garrett deleted his Instagram after screenshots of his Instagram “likes” were shared on Twitter by former Bachelor contestant Ashley Spivey.

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Some of the posts he “liked” mocked survivors of a mass shooting, transgenders, immigrants, and other minorities.

Amidst rumors that Garrett makes it really, really far this season, many fans wondered when he would speak out about the situation.

Just one day after both Becca and ABC exec Robert Mills addressed concerns over Garrett’s social media activity, the 29-year-old surgical technology consultant posted a lengthy apology on his new Instagram account.

“I am sorry to those who I offended, and I also take full responsibility for my ‘likes’ on Instagram that were hurtful and offensive … I have learned an extremely valuable lesson and am taking steps to grow, become more educated, and be a better version of myself … I am not perfect, and I will never be anywhere close, but now I will always be more informed and aware of what I am liking and supporting, not just on Instagram, but in life … I am not the negative labels people are associating me with. I do not want my social media to define who I am, and I will take better care moving forward to support all walks of life.”

Clearly, ABC — or Becca — told him to speak up now. It’s a smart move on his part because the controversy would have overshadowed the rest of the season.

Perhaps Garrett didn’t realize he would be under the magnifying glass when he signed up to be part of the Bachelorette cast.

Hopefully, it’s a lesson learned for not only Garrett and the other Bachelorette contestants, but for anyone who uses social media.