US Bachelor Colton Underwood came out as gay on Good Morning America. Photo / AP
US Bachelor Colton Underwood came out as gay on Good Morning America. Photo / AP
A petition protesting Colton Underwood's appearance in an upcoming Netflix series has surpassed 27,000 signatures.
The US bachelor came out as gay in an interview for Good Morning America, and explained: "For me, I've run from myself for a long time. I've hated myself for a long time.
"I'm gay and I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it. The next step in all of this was sort of letting people know. It's been a journey for sure."
But People Magazine reports his upcoming appearance in a Netflix programme has sparked a petition calling for the show to be cancelled. More than 27,000 people have signed the online petition on Change.org.
US Bachelor Colton Underwood came out as gay on Good Morning America. Photo / AP
According to People, Underwood is set to appear in a show about his coming out journey for the streaming service. Netflix has not responded to the outlet's request for comment.
"Cassie [Randolph] is a victim of Colton's abuse, and he does not deserve a platform in any way," the petition read, referring to Underwood's choice for the final rose on his season of The Bachelor.
"Regardless of his sexuality, Colton should not be given a platform as a result of his abusive, manipulative, and dangerous behaviour."
Colton Underwood and Cassie Randolph pictured together in 2019. Photo / Getty Images
Underwood and Randolph broke off their relationship in May 2020 - and Randolph filed a restraining order in response to his alleged stalking and harassment.
She accused Underwood of placing a tracking device on her car and texting her posing as an anonymous stalker. The couple later reached a private agreement.
The former NFL star confessed in his interview with Good Morning America: "I messed up, I made a lot of bad choices."
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - DO YOU NEED HELP?
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you. • Run outside and head for where there are other people. • Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you. • Take the children with you. • Don't stop to get anything else. • If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay
Where to go for help or more information:
• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz • Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz • Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584 • It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz
