‘The Bachelorette’: Jed Wyatt Comments on Hannah Brown’s Use of the N-Word
On May 16, Hannah Brown said the N-word during an Instagram Live as she sang along to DaBaby’s “Rockstar.” Several people in Bachelor Nation reacted to the video, and now Brown’s ex Jed Wyatt has commented on the situation.
Hannah Brown apologized for using the N-word
After Brown said the N-word while singing to “Rockstar” on Instagram Live, fans called her out in the comments. She then posted a half-hearted apology while laughing on her Instagram.
“I did? I’m so sorry… No, I was singing… I’m so sorry,” she said.
Brown later posted a short apology on her Instagram story.
“I owe you all a major apology,” Brown wrote on her Instagram Story on May 17. “There is no excuse and I will not justify what I said. I have read your messages and seen the hurt I have caused. I own it all. I am terribly sorry and know that whether in public or private, this language is unacceptable. I promise to do better.”
Bachelor Nation reacted to the situation
Rachel Lindsay, the first and only black lead in the Bachelor franchise, posted a long video to her Instagram IGTV page addressing the situation.
“I understand that an apology was made, but when I know what could have been done, when I know what I challenged someone to do, they did not do it. So I felt like I’ll use my platform to do it, because it’s easy to make a statement,” Lindsay said. “It’s easy to hide behind words. But when you’re bold enough to say the N-word on camera, on your platform… you need to be bold enough to use your face on camera and apologize in the same way that you said the word.”
Tyler Cameron seconded Lindsay’s comments, and posted about the situation several times on his Instagram story.
“Rachel hit the nail on the head,” Cameron wrote on his Instagram story. “Y’all need to go look at the comments. We have a long ways to go on this issue and a lot to learn. If you find yourself getting defensive, you are part of the problem. This is not about dragging HB. This is about using your platform for reasons like this. So we can educate those who don’t get it. This is bigger than HB. This is a societal problem.”
Cameron also encouraged people to lift Brown up through love instead of hate, as “She is learning and growing just like every single one of us.”
Jed Wyatt reacted to Hannah Brown saying the N-word
Mike Johnson, who competed for Brown’s heart on The Bachelorette along with Cameron and Wyatt, published an inspiring Instagram post about how he views the impact of words as a black man.
“Words are powerful. We are responsible for our words – the ones we use in error and the ones we choose carefully to build a path forward.
Through my writing, I work to reflect on my personal history as a black man,” he wrote on Instagram.
He continued, “I look forward to the days ahead when we have respectful conversations in this space, with an enriched sense of culture, a broader education, and a deeper understanding and love for all people.
Cancellation solves nothing. Conversation solves everything. Bottom line: let’s know the power of our words and use them to spread kindness, not hate. No one is perfect, we’re mearly mortals.”
Wyatt then commented on Johnson’s post, “Amen.”
While a small gesture, it seems Wyatt agrees with Johnson’s stance that words have meaning, and that Brown should be educated instead of canceled. So far, members of Bachelor Nation like Lindsay, Cameron, and Johnson have used their platform to start a conversation and educate others about racism, but Brown has not posted on social media since her apology on May 17.
