Devin Strader, the most recent winner of “The Bachelorette,” has responded to the recent revelation of a past arrest and restraining order filed by an ex-girlfriend.
“Following my time on The Bachelorette, there have been many stories and misrepresentations in the media that I would like to take a moment to address,” he began in a statement sent to the press on Thursday.
He first apologized for the 13-minute video he shared via an Instagram video he posted after the September 3 finale, writing: “I’m not proud of that lapse in judgment. I’m truly grateful for my time on the show and for getting the opportunity to know and love Jenn. I certainly regret hurting her in any way. She is a very special person and I wish her only good things.”
Strader then discussed the arrest and restraining order, which was first reported by RealitySteve on Monday. Documents revealed a 2017 affidavit for his arrest after his ex claimed he broke into her home and stole a necklace. In a then-sealed restraining order, she alleged he put her in a chokehold — allegations he now denies.
“Recently, from a low point in my past, there have been challenges that have been brought up and seriously misinterpreted. The allegations are simply not true as I have never inappropriately assaulted anyone else or treated my ex-girlfriend in any of the ways I am depicted. That restraining order was never granted and completely dismissed,” he continued. “My ex-girlfriend and I eventually reconciled and ultimately ended our relationship on good terms. This was the first time I fell in love and I learned a lot from our relationship. It was a growing experience for both of us.”
Strader ended the statement with, “I know I have made mistakes in my life and that I am not perfect, but I have continued to work every day to be someone my family and friends would be proud of, and I am truly grateful for everyone who has been by my side.”
On Tuesday, ABC and Warner Bros., the production company behind “The Bachelorette,” declined to comment on the show’s vetting process or the release of the arrest documents.
A production source told Variety at the time: “We take the safety of our participants very seriously and are committed to conducting thorough investigations. As extensive as our vetting process is, this protective order did not come up in our searches.”