'Not been easy': Michelle Young CONFIRMS split with fiance Nayte Olukoya after weeks of denial
After weeks and weeks of denying their split, the former 'Bachelorette' contestant Michelle Young and her fiance Nayte Olukoya have confirmed their break up. Young, 29, took to her Instagram Story to share the sad news with her fans, followers, and Bachelor Nation. She wrote, "To those who have supported Nayte and I, including Bachelor Nation, I know I speak for the both of us when saying having a relationship in the public eye has not been easy."
Young continued, "I’m struggling to say that Nayte and I will be going our separate ways but I stand with him in knowing the heaviness that is present in both of our hearts as this relationship has been very real for us."
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Young, who was a school teacher before becoming a reality TV star, also addressed her ex in her Instagram Story. She said, "To you, Nayte, you quickly became my best friend and the love I have for you is incredibly strong. I will never stop wanting to see you succeed."
Young added, "I will always acknowledge and appreciate the adventures, support, and growth both Nayte and this experience have brought me. At the same time, I’m deeply hurting and will need time and space to work through this heartbreak." As for the other side, Olukoya expressed in front of his fans that he realized Young may not be the person who he is "meant to spend the rest of his life with". He further explained that he does understand there are many who have invested months of their time in this Bachelor-based relationship due to fandom but he wishes to navigate the split privately.
Olukoya added, "Michelle and I are going to move forward separately. Hearts are heavy, emotions are high, and we are dealing with this the best way we can. Michelle and I are naturally private people, and when it comes to this breakup, we will continue being so." He concluded by saying, "To the public who has supported these two complete strangers on your television screen, we appreciate you so much."
Olukoya also said that his fans should think a bit before they say negative things about the pair's split. He wrote, "Our relationship may have developed in the public eye, and we know this news will bring a lot of mixed reactions, but please remember that this is real. The emotions are real. The heartbreak is real. And that we are real. We’re human beings going through a breakup, and we all know breakups are difficult. So we’re asking that you allow us our privacy so that we can mend our hearts in the privacy of our own lives.”