Bachelorette's Lee Garrett Apologizes For Sexist, Racist Tweets, Twitter Is Dismissive
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Weeks after ‘Bachelorette’ Season 13 Contestant Lee Garrett came under fire for his offensive tweets including racially charged insults and misogynistic statements, the 30-year-old issued an apology Monday. However, the internet did not seem to be buying his apology at all.
In the reunion "The Bachelorette: Men Tell All", Garrett was put on the hot seat and made to respond to racism and sexism allegations made by his fans. The hosts of the show Chris Harrison and lead Rachel Lindsay pulled him up for his racist behavior.
Read: Who Is Lee Garrett? ‘Bachelorette’ Season 13 Contestant Tweets About ‘White Privilege’ And Trump
Eventually, Garrett apologized in a seemingly vague manner saying: "I'm sorry for saying things when I was not educated and ignorant in those subjects.
He also added that he had a lot to learn and that he was “very disappointed in the things he had put up.”
Lindsay openly criticized him for his sexist remarks saying: “You had such an amazing opportunity to be surrounded by different people and different cultures, and you didn’t take advantage of that. She also added: “I hope that in watching it back you realize that you were a part of something so great. But in case you didn’t, please know that you can exit stage left and meet me backstage. I’d be more than happy to give you a black history lesson and a lesson on women’s rights.” Many praised Lindsay for her stance.
YES RACHEL PUT LEE IN HIS PLACE!! Let him know that racism, sexism etc won't fly #MenTellAll #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/7TBTK2oQk1
— breyanna davis (@breyannachenal) August 1, 2017
Garrett, the 30-year-old singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, is still on the dating show, vying for Lindsay’s heart. Though his Twitter account is not verified and is private, his bio column describes him as “pleasantly offensive.” Garrett’s alleged tweets — which were unearthed by a Twitter user — were posted by him in 2015 and 2016. In one of the tweets, Garrett appeared to support the idea of deeming Black Lives Matter as a “terrorist group,” while in another, he can be seen asking:“When is the last time you actually saw a pretty feminist? There is a reason for this.” Referring to Hillary Clinton and O.J. Simpson, another tweet reads, “Hillary is the millennial’s version of O.J."
Gotta love how @BacheloretteABC casts Lee...wonder how @TheRachLindsay feels about it? #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/RX6lkGpgyB
— Erika (@emesola) May 31, 2017
Many were glad that he was being fired for his tweets.
Me watching Lee's racist self get dragged on #MenTellAll #theBachelorette pic.twitter.com/ziRuQLVAek
— Tara Blagg (@tarablagg) August 1, 2017
LEE GETTING ROASTED AND CALLED OUT BY EVERYONE.
— BB 🌙💙 (@_uwubb) August 1, 2017
I AM ALIVE. #MenTellAll #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/Bm2idSDFew
However, a lot of people did not appear to believe his apology.
I don't believe a WORD Lee says. #mentellall #TheBachelorette
— Kelly Dee (@kellyydee) August 1, 2017
I don't believe Lee for a second he is a snake! #MenTellAll
— Shay💞 (@ShayKellere) August 1, 2017
I truly believe some people think Lee is fixed and suddenly not racist. It must be nice to live in denial. #MenTellAll
— noelle (@noellekelly7) August 1, 2017
While ABC was praised for casting the first-ever black lead on “The Bachelor” franchise this season, it landed in soup for choosing Garrett as a contestant two weeks into the season of “The Bachelorette” ever since his tweets surfaced online.
Not to denounce Lee's unforgivable tweets, but also why doesn't the casting people check candidates' recent offensive posts??? #MenTellAll
— Dana (@AnglophileDana) August 1, 2017
However, some said Garrett was being ‘used’ to get ratings for the show on ABC and was grilled on topics like racism and sexism. They also thought he was being ganged up on.
ABC knew it hit the jackpot with racist ass Lee and they know it, they got exactly what they wanted with him #TheBachelorette #MenTellAll pic.twitter.com/VewBPMdyBj
— 𝙷𝚞𝚜𝚔𝚢𝚅𝚎𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗 (@HuskyBro_Inc) August 1, 2017
#MenTellAll what was the point of calling out and ganging up on lee for racism, fu_k U ABC and fu_k U Chris Harris and fu_k U Rachel, Never
— Scratch (@Scratchitman) August 1, 2017
Shockingly, one user called his tweets a ‘mistake.’ Another said that they were old and that Garrett was being wronged.
Some even said that he was not being given a chance to talk and explain himself.
I don't agree with or condone anything Lee said/tweeted. However, I wish they'd let the guy talk. #MenTellAll
— Me (@Bojica87) August 1, 2017
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