'Bachelorette' Finalist Erich Schwer Issues Apology for High School Blackface Photo

It’s been revealed that another contestant, this time involved in The Bachelorette franchise, donned blackface as part of a Halloween costume in high school.

The image resurfaced this week, where Erich Schwer is shown wearing blackface while dressed as what TMZ says is Jimi Hendrix—wearing an afro and makeup that makes Schwer’s complexion darker. The image is from his old high school yearbook.

Schwer, who currently appears in Season 19 of the show, is the last man who is competing for Gabby Windey’s heart. The image was discovered following the show’s latest episode, which saw 31-year-old Windey and 29-year-old Schwer spend time together on a Fantasy Suite date before he became the show’s final candidate.

Olumide Onajide, a contestant and fan-favorite from season 18 of the Bachelorette says that blackface is still treated as a form of entertainment that dehumanizes both Africans and African-Americans in the United States. “The franchise made a push to make us (Black people) feel included, but colorism still played a huge factor on the show where casting and finalists were concerned.”

Schwer responded to the image in an Instagram post, writing, “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.”

He continued, “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.”

Previously, a Bachelor contestant was outed for wearing blackface. Rachel Kirkconnell was mired in controversy when she wore blackface to an antebellum plantation-themed party in college.