“Bachelor” contestant Victoria Fuller has apologized after her alleged ties to “White Lives Matter” apparel were exposed, telling her Instagram followers, “it was never my intention to add fuel to the racial fire in this country.”
“I would like to sincerely apologize for my involvement with We Love Marlins. My intention was only to support an endangered species,” Fuller began. “I want to say that I unequivocally reject the beliefs of the white lives matter movement or any propaganda that supports racism of any kind.”
Fuller, who is one of the four remaining finalists on Peter Weber‘s season of “The Bachelor,” came under in January after images surfaced of her allegedly modeling “White Lives Matter” merchandise. Earlier this month, Cosmopolitan announced it would be pullings its digital cover featuring both Fuller due to her controversial modeling history.
“Unequivocally, the White Lives Matter movement does not reflect the values of the Cosmo brand. We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, and any cause that fights to end injustices for people of color,” Cosmo editor-in-chief Jessica Pels penned in a “Letter to the Editor.”
Pels also noted in her letter the clothing Fuller reportedly sported was in relation to a “Marlin Lives Matter” initiative, focused on the conversation efforts of fish. The White Marlin Marina sold merchandise featuring “white lives matter” and “blue lives matter” imagery, USA Today reported in 2016.
Fuller added she “would like to specifically apologize to people of color that are affected by racism daily.”
“This has truly been an educational moment for me and I hope to be a voice against racism moving forward,” Fuller posted. “I hope I can be shown grace as I navigate through this process.”
Weber, 28, recently addressed the controversy, telling People “it’s definitely been tough to see this unfold.”
“To be honest I’m learning about all of this in real time just like everybody else is,” he said, adding, “I in no way support that kind of campaign.”
“The Bachelor” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
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