Bachelorette Katie Thurston has come under fire for her latest Instagram post from Tuesday, May 11. The post hurt the sentiments of many from the LGBTQ community, so here is the picture explained.
In the post, Katie is seen sharing a passionate moment with her female co-star Casandra Suarez from Matt James’ season of The Bachelor.
And, as soon as Katie posted the picture on Instagram, some rumours about her sexuality started speculating online.
- TRENDING: Actor Norman Llyod has died at the age of 106
Katie Thurston’s LGBTQ post on Instagram
In the now-deleted post, Katie had her head thrown back while Casandra was nuzzling on her neck.
Casandra was eliminated from Matt’s season of The Bachelor on the first night.
In the pic, the two women were sitting under a sign that read ‘Girls Girls Girls’.
To accompany the picture, Katie wrote a quirky caption that read, “Whatever floats your boat.”
The Bachelorette’s post caused an internet storm with many users believing that she was dropping a hint about her sexuality. Casandra’s comment on the post saying, “So did Katie actually end up with me, yes or no?” fuelled the rumours even further.
- TRENDING: Who made Rina Sawayama’s Brit Awards 2021 dress?
Fans react to Katie Thurston’s Instagram post with Casandra Suarez
Katie cleared the air around her sexuality when the rumours became incessant.
The Bachelorette took to her Twitter and wrote in a now-deleted tweet, “I did not intend for this picture to be a statement about my sexuality. This is simply a friendship post. I’ve never spoken publicly about my sexuality nor am I doing so with this picture. Nothing but love for everyone.”
However, the drama did not stop there some fans took it one step ahead, and accused Katie of “queer baiting.”
Some of her followers thought that wasn’t “cool” of her to post the suggestive picture if she isn’t bisexual.
What is Queer Baiting?
Queer-baiting is a marketing ploy used to appeal to the LGBTQ+ audience, often by celebrities, TV and film writers.
The practice refers to when straight celebrities hint at being queer in interviews, songs, and even music videos. The practice attracts the attention of the LGBTQ community, thus profiting the celebrity, while also avoids alienating the straight audience.
In response to the criticism, Katie deleted the Instagram post. The 30-year-old also took to her Insta stories to apologize to her indignant fans.
Katie wrote in her Insta stories, “I’ve removed my most recent post after realizing how many people from LGBTQ+ community I hurt.”
After apologising for her actions, Katie said, “I’ve read the comments to better understand why my post was offensive. I will continue to learn from my mistakes.”
In other news, Is there a Snapple Fact that says that Donald Trump lost? Lid tweet goes viral!