Hours after Bachelorette alumni Katie Thurston and John Hersey announced their split, she told a critic to "talk better" about her ex. View the comments that triggered the exchange.
Despite the split, John Hersey still supports Katie Thurston.
After a Bachelor fan account shared the news of the couple's split on June 21, one follower wrote, "I feel like Katie is the reason she can't get a man." However, John was quick to defend his ex.
"You will say a limited number of words throughout your life," he replied. "I encourage you to speak more kindly, especially about someone you don't know. I've never been so supported or unconditionally loved by a partner. Presuming and implying that Katie is doing something wrong doesn't sit well with me. The internet can be a cruel place— don't add any more."
Katie and John announced earlier that day that they had stopped, with the former Bachelorette writing on Instagram Stories, "Statement: no, we're not together." John also confirmed that they are "no longer dating," noting "this decision was not made easily, and it was definitely not easy to make." However, he expresses his gratitude to those who have taken root for their relationship.
"I appreciate all of you who have supported us throughout this journey," he wrote. "We couldn't (and wouldn't) be here without you."
John and Katie met on last year's season of The Bachelorette. However, he sent her home a second week and she ended up getting engaged to Blake Moynes. Katie and Blake announced their split in October, noting that while they were grateful for their time together, they ultimately decided that they were "not a match for life." Katie's journey to find love continued, and a month later she appeared to confirm her romance with John by sharing a recording of her set to Taylor Swift's "Begin Again" as part of her "12 Days of Messy".
"Katie and John have been in each other's friend zone for months," a source told E! News at the time. "A lot has changed in the last four weeks, and it's been wild but exciting for those closest to them to witness - obviously Katie has never been this happy."
Over the next few months, Katie and John continued to share their love story with the world, making their red carpet debut as a couple and posting photos of each other on Instagram. But a week before they announced their breakup, Katie shared some breakup advice.
John Hersey, Katie Thurston, 2021 Community Choice Award, Arrival, Spouse
"Let yourself feel all your emotions. The good. The bad. The ugly," Katie wrote in an Instagram Q&A June 14. "Spend extra time with your friends and family as you heal. And then remember, everything you want and need in your life is truly found within you. Everyone is just a sprinkle on the sundae you made for yourself. Embrace the idea that YOU make your life better. You create your happiness. And no matter how sad this moment is, this sadness won't last forever. Hold on." /eonline.com
