This morning, former Bachelor lead Colton Underwood came out as gay on Good Morning America.
JUST IN: Former “Bachelor” star @Colton Underwood speaks his truth and comes out to @robinroberts: “I’m gay. And I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it… I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life.” https://t.co/PoYJUAPBpA
The response has been largely positive — but many are bringing up the fact that his ex, Cassie Randolph (from Colton's season of The Bachelor), issued a restraining order against him due to his alleged stalking and harassment.
They later came to a private agreement and Cassie dropped the charges.
Colton did address his behavior toward Cassie in the GMA interview, apologizing for "any pain and emotional stress I caused," saying he wishes he'd been "courageous enough to fix myself before I broke anybody else." But he didn't seem to address the specific allegations.
Many were understandably frustrated that so little of the interview and response has focused on these allegations.
This is all I have to say on this whole Colton thing! Shoutout to this Reddit user for summarizing my thoughts on this! #TheBachelor #bachelornation
Others say that we can hold Colton accountable while still being happy for him and holding empathy for both Colton and Cassie.
this is exactly how I feel re: Colton. Two truths can be held simultaneously. Context matters. https://t.co/sgNeGiQEPT
People were also frustrated at those suggesting Colton be the first gay lead of a new season of The Bachelor, suggesting he's hardly a representative of the community.
why are people already asking for colton to be our first gay bachelor?!! the lgbtq community deserves someone better!!! #TheBachelor #bachelornation
Well, it looks like Colton isn't doing another season of The Bachelor anytime soon — however, according to Variety, he is getting his own reality show at Netflix.
The show will feature Colton navigating life as a newly out gay man, led by Olympian Gus Kenworthy as a sort of "gay guide."
Some people were NOT happy, suggesting Colton doesn't deserve the platform.
@PopCrave @Variety Just gonna leave this here
Others were a little bummed to see that the show would be led by two cis white men rather than having more diversity.
@PopCrave @Variety can we have non-cis white people representing the lgbtq community
And lots of people remarked that Gus and Colton basically look the same.
@PopCrave @Variety
Well, I guess we'll have to hold out judgment until we see the show. In the meantime, Colton, Billy Eichner is happy for you!
I’m happy for @colton. If you’re gay, be gay! I’ve been gay forever & I love it! https://t.co/vuDWy7HVap