Serene Russell, a familiar face from Bachelor Nation, is offering her support to Rachel Nance following the troubling racial backlash the season 28 contestant faced after the recent Women Tell All episode.
In an Instagram Story shared on Tuesday, March 19, Serene expressed her sadness over the situation, emphasizing the challenges of navigating the Bachelor experience while enduring racial and cultural attacks. The 28-year-old reality star underscored the difficulty of sharing personal thoughts and feelings on such a public platform, highlighting the ongoing prevalence of prejudice in 2024.
Serene, known for her appearances on Clayton Echard’s season of The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, commended Rachel, 26, for courageously speaking out on the issue despite its overshadowing effect on her Bachelor journey. She emphasized that Rachel’s worth extends far beyond the hateful comments directed at her.
Accompanying her message of support, Serene reposted a clip from the Women Tell All episode where Rachel tearfully addressed the racist hate she received for receiving a rose from Joey Graziadei over Maria Georgas.
Rachel bravely shared her experiences with hateful messages and racial slurs, expressing her frustration and sadness over the hurtful comments she received. Despite the backlash, Rachel stood by her actions, asserting that she would not back down from speaking her truth.
In response to the backlash, Rachel provided insight into the events leading up to the Women Tell All taping, shedding light on the genuine interactions between herself and Maria Georgas. She defended her actions during the ceremony, emphasizing the validity of her decisions and expressing disappointment over the unjust criticism she faced.
As Rachel navigates the aftermath of the Women Tell All episode, she remains resilient in her stance, refusing to be silenced by the negativity. Serene Russell’s vocal support serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against racism and supporting fellow members of the Bachelor community during challenging times.
The Bachelor concludes on ABC Monday, March 25, at 8 p.m. ET.