“I refuse to feel defeated”

Former Bachelorette star Katie Thurston has made the heartbreaking revelation that she was raped.

Thurston posted a carousel post on Instagram on Saturday detailing the valuable resources that have helped her get through the immense pain. She also shared that the justice system failed her despite following all the necessary protocols that come with reporting a rape.

“I did everything I should have done as a rape victim,” Katie explained in one of her slides. “‘Here are my texts, my calls, my photos, my videos, witness names, locations, social media, timestamps, surveillance footage, DNA, my body.’ The warning that ‘a guilty verdict is harsh in criminal court’ echoed through the months like an annoying parrot to be kept in mind. And no matter how many times I heard it, I still wasn’t willing to let it stop me. And yet, without warning, I was.”

In a now-expired Instagram story, Katie wrote: “It took 7 months for the San Diego justice system to fail me as a rape victim.”

ET has reached out to Katie for comment.

In her opening slide, Katie wrote, “The justice system fails victims every day. I refuse to feel defeated by the strength it took to stand up for myself. I hope my experience helps people feel the strength and support they need. While I’m not ready to share my story yet, I want to share the valuable resources that saved my life.”

Katie went on to thank the nurse, therapist and advocate who helped and supported her throughout the harrowing ordeal. On her second to last slide, she wrote, “This is not a loss for me. I am safe. I am loved. I am supported. No, this is another loss in a broken system. Change happens through failure. And the justice system failed me. And continues to fail thousands every day. But don’t give up.”

In her bio, Katie shared a link to resources she found invaluable. She also commented on the post, “I want to thank everyone who DMed me. I spent the day offline and with my loved ones.”

Katie, who is now an aspiring comedian and is currently dating comedian Jeff Arcuri, starred as The Bachelorette in season 17. Blake Moynes proposed to her in the season finale, but they split in October 2021. The following month, Katie shared that she was dating John Hersey, a contestant on her season. They split in June 2022.

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