June 24, 2021 • bachelor insider
Tayshia, Mike & Bibiana Applaud Katie for Speaking Out About Sex and Consent on 'The Bachelorette'
On this week’s episode of “Click Bait with Bachelor Nation,” Tayshia Adams and guest co-hosts Mike Johnson and Bibiana Julian praised Katie Thurston for sharing her story of a nonconsensual sexual experience on “The Bachelorette.”
As viewers will recall, Katie detailed the encounter during an emotional group date that saw the franchise star and her men opening up about difficult times that have since inspired personal growth.
“It was just so beautiful of her to open up,” said Tayshia, who serves as co-host and mentor to Katie on Season 17. “I don’t think she was prepared to open up about that story. I don’t think that was something that she would have predicted was going to happen on a group date, to be so vulnerable like that.”
She added, “But I think things always happen when they’re supposed to and, honestly, I think it just made us all fall in love with Katie a little bit more.”
Mike — who recently spoke with Katie about her brave admission on his “Talking It Out” podcast — agreed, saying, “The beautiful thing about her is… she wanted to be equal with [her contestants]. I love the fact that she made it an equal playing field and leveled it. That was just beautiful of her to do.”
Bibiana was equally impressed by Katie’s vulnerability and strength. “I think it was extremely brave of her to share something like this,” she said. “It’s comforting to see more and more women get comfortable trying to find their healing through sharing their story. Kudos to her.”
Listen to the latest edition of “Click Bait with Bachelor Nation” — which features an interview with “The Bachelorette” Season 17’s Hunter — below.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, help is available. For anonymous, confidential, free support 24/7, call @RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat at online at rainn.org.
