'Something to keep in mind': Clayton Echard's message to Zach Shallcross ahead of 'The Bachelor' premiere
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA: Clayton Echard has opted to pass on everything he learned on 'The Bachelor' to Zach Shallcross in order to pay it forward. The new season will premiere on January 23, and fans have varied feelings about the lead.
Zach was one of Rachel Recchia's last three, however, he was sent home after spending the night with her. Fans didn't think he got a fair shot, therefore they were overjoyed when he was named the new lead. Clayton struggled greatly following the release of his season and found it difficult to deal with the hate he saw online. Knowing he wasn't alone in coping with negativity was an insight he believes benefited him. Others had gone through it and survived. His relationship with Susie did not last, and both agreed that they needed time apart to figure out what they truly want. Nothing awful occurred, he explained, they just weren't compatible.
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Clayton has embraced his "big brother" stance, advising critics to keep their opinions to themselves during the forthcoming debut of 'The Bachelor'. Clayton, who took over as 'The Bachelor's leading man last season, has formally handed over the reins to new leader Zach. Clayton felt it was vital to address the trolls who may feel motivated to contribute criticism online ahead of Zach's first episode, which airs Monday night at 8/7c on ABC.
Clayton is no stranger to online criticism, having experienced enough of it last year after breaking up with Rachel and Gabby Windey after telling them both he loved them during his season. While host Jesse Palmer may be concerned that Zach would not be prepared for the possible online hate he will face when his season airs, Clayton made sure to do his best to mitigate any negativity. The former Bachelor took to Instagram with a promotional shot of Zach to wish him success and to address any potential "haters."
Clayton wrote, "Something to keep in mind…he, along with the contestants, are human, so before you press send on a message voicing your displeasure for one of them, ask yourself how you would feel if someone posted that exact message about a loved one of yours." "If the thought doesn’t make you feel good, then consider not posting it," he added. "Or at least, don’t share your negative thoughts publicly, as the contestants and/or their loved ones do see them and your words do leave an impact." Clayton then asked fans to submit nice and supportive comments to Zach and the contestants, which he said meant a lot to him when his season aired last year.
Clayton had previously given Zach some "big brother advice" on how to handle the main man role. "I think perspective and insight helped me tremendously because I realized, 'Oh wait, I'm not alone in this and I will go through this period of struggling, and I will face these comments but just as they got through it, I will too,'" Clayton reminded Zach.
Clayton also assured Zach that his "line is always open" to him if he ever needed anything. "If he wants to reach out, if he ever wants to talk, I’m here," he remarked. "But I’ve been hearing really great things about him and how I think he’s navigated it a little bit better, so I’m ready to pass it off to him." Clayton also mentioned that because his season was a "trainwreck," Zach now has the opportunity to truly "elevate the bar."
'The Bachelor' begins on ABC on Monday, January 23 at 8/7c.