If there’s a natural opposite to the proverbial “gift that keeps on giving,” it’s The Bachelorette’s Devin Strader — who took to Instagram to issue a “statement” about a 2017 arrest and restraining order.
A lot has gone on with Devin, both during and after The Bachelorette’s reviled finale, during which it was revealed that not long after his victory, he broke lead Jenn Tran’s heart.
Jenn’s fan favorite elder brother, James Tran, grilled Devin in the finale, and James’ initial concern about how Jenn had past issues with “emotionally unavailable men” rang depressingly true as the episode unfolded.
As we previously reported, Devin was deemed “the most hated man in America” after it aired; viewers called for a cancelation of the entire reality TV dynasty, and others identified myriad red flags in Devin’s behavior on the show.
Without question, Devin faced intense public scrutiny for his actions and apparent treatment of Jenn, and he seemed to think that exposing all their private texts via an Instagram Reel would un-tarnish his image.
Unsurprisingly, Devin’s Instagram commentary went over quite poorly with all of humanity, and he deleted the Reel amid fan outcry.
Editor’s note:
This article contains mentions of domestic violence, or may be otherwise triggering to survivors. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please visit thehotline.org to connect with confidential help. Assistance is available 24/7/365.
Which brings us to this week, when “mastermind behind the largest reality television spoiler network in the country,” Reality Steve, unearthed information about Devin’s past restraining order and arrest.
Devin could have learned from his previous, unpopular attempt to clear the air on Instagram … but he didn’t.
Devin’s Instagram ‘Statement’ About His Past
Reality Steve’s discovery rocked Bachelorette fans anew, and re-ignited anger about how Jenn Tran was treated by producers.
On September 19, Devin shared another Instagram Story, simply titled “Statement.”
Instagram Stories expire after 24 hours, but as with Devin’s deleted Reel, screenshots began circulating instantly, with one shared to Reddit’s r/thebachelor:
Devin’s Instagram statement was in a familiar format, a screenshot of a “Notes app” style apology.
In the first of three paragraphs, Devin references his deleted Reel, which he describes as a “lapse” in his judgment:
“Following my time on The Bachelorette, there have been many stories and misrepresentations put out in the media that I want to take a moment to address.
“I want to apologize for the video I released following the final episode. I am not proud of that lapse in judgement.”
In the second paragraph, Devin very indirectly addresses the records found by Reality Steve, and says:
“Most recently, there have been challenges from a low point in my past that have been brought up and severely misconstrued.
“The accusations are simply not true as I have never inappropriately laid hands on another individual or treated my ex-girlfriend in any of the ways I have been depicted.
“The restraining order was never granted, and fully dismissed. My college ex-girlfriend and I ended up reconciling, and eventually ended our relationship on good terms.”
In a wholly predictable turn of events, fans were not buying what Devin was selling, and one commented:
“Not the gaslighting of his ex-gf who clearly wrote down the specific instances where he physically and verbally abused her 🙄BYE Devin you’re canceled 🤡”
Several commenters expressed concern for Devin’s former girlfriend, observing that the re-hashing of the trauma was likely distressing for her:
“Devin’s b*****t excuses aside, it makes me so sad to think that poor woman went back to him after writing that affidavit. It takes victims of Intimate Partner Violence an average of seven tries to leave an abusive relationship.
“Having someone you love hurt you like that just really really f**** with your head. I hope she is doing okay right now, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be watching this man charm another woman and millions of people on television, have your trauma with him dragged out into the public eye, and watch as he tries to excuse and minimize it.”
Devin’s former girlfriend was the focus of another thread about the broader situation, after fans felt Reality Steve went too far in pursuing information from her.
However, one Bachelorette viewer’s assessment of Devin’s Instagram statement truly said it all: “This man is terrifying. The lack of accountability and always being the victim is just wow. He will hurt someone and it makes me sick he’s been given such a platform.”
