Erich Schwer Apologizes after His Blackface Photo Surfaces – See Pic
Not again!
Bachelor fans dug up an old picture of Erich Schwer in Blackface from his high school yearbook.
The Bachelorette finalist has been called out for the insensitive photo that has been surfaced and it’s not looking good for him.
In the photo, shared on Reddit, Erich can be seen wearing an afro wig and dark makeup on his face.
Take a look at the pic from his high school yearbook.
Here’s a closer look at the picture.
He later took to Instagram to issue a public apology.
“I wholeheartedly apologize for the insensitive photo of me in Blackface from my high school yearbook that has been circulating. What I thought at the time was a representation of my love for Jimi Hendrix, was nothing but ignorance. 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. I am deeply ashamed by my actions and understand that my apology is only the first step in taking accountability.”
Nate Mitchell, who was a co contestant with him on Gabby’s season, reacted to Erich’s apology.
“Appreciate you taking ownership bro, I can’t absolve you of this but I can attest to the man I’ve met and you have been nothing less than someone who I’d consider a friend,” Nate wrote under his apology post. “You aren’t the first person I’ve befriended with a similar past and the difference is not having an attitude of willful ignorance. Your school accepting this behavior and posting this to a year book tells me that no peers or faculty around you spoke out to guide you away from this issue. Kids do fall victim to their environments time and time again. Continue to grow and learn from your past and I’ll continue to support you and provide advice should you need/ask for it.”
“Takes a man to talk about his mistakes. guys who have met you know what kind of person you’ve been,” Logan Palmer replied.
Here’s his full Instagram apology.