“I refuse to feel defeated”

Katie Thurston admitted she was raped in a post shared on Instagram on Friday – and although she claims the justice system has “failed” her, she “refuses to admit defeat.”

The 33-year-old TV personality, who appeared on season 17 of The Bachelorette, opened up to her followers by posting a now-expired message on her Instagram stories.

“It took seven months for the San Diego justice system to fail me as a rape victim,” the reality star wrote.

Thurston also shared a carousel of slides on her main page in which she opened up to her fans while offering important resources to other people and victims in need.

The first photo began with the words: “The justice system fails victims every day. I refuse to feel defeated by the strength I needed to stand up for myself.”

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She continued, “I hope my experience helps people feel the strength and support they need. While I’m not ready to tell my story yet, I want to share the valuable resources that saved my life.”

Katie stated that after the sexual assault, she called 911 to report the rape and then underwent a SART examination.

The star particularly praised the nurse and advocate at her side, saying: “They were kind, caring and patient.”

“I felt like a little lost child, vulnerable and scared,” she admitted. “They explained the process to me in detail, asked for my consent along the way and gave me the option to refuse or change my mind at any time.”

Thurston stated that her “safety and well-being” was her top priority and that she was also seeking “mental health support” while waiting for the SART examination.

In another slide, Katie wrote: “I have done everything I am supposed to do as a rape victim. Here are my texts, my calls, my photos, my videos, names, witnesses, locations, social media, timestamps, surveillance footage, DNA, my body.”

“The warning ‘A guilty verdict is harsh in a criminal court’ echoed through the months like an annoying parrot that had to be held.”

Thurston continued, “And even though I heard it, I still wasn’t ready to let it stop me. And yet, without warning, I was.”

However, the media personality wrote to her followers: “This is no loss for me. I am safe. I am loved, I have support.”

“No, this is just another loss in a broken system. Change comes from failure. And the justice system failed me. And continues to fail thousands every day. But don’t give up.”

Another slide in the post read: “Be your biggest advocate. You are valued. You are strong. I believe in you.”

Katie also recommended Chanel Miller’s memoir Know My Name, explaining, “I could only read it in small doses before I felt sick, but I felt validated with each and every chapter.”

“Every single teenager should be forced to read it or listen to it. I was able to ask the investigators better questions.”

“I will always appreciate the transparency and communication she provided me every step of the way,” Thurston added.

In the caption alongside the photo, Katie wrote: “I am loved. I am safe. I am supported. Resources linked in bio. #saasaultawareness #rainn #sandiego.”

She also thanked those who reached out to her, writing: “I want to thank everyone who DMed me. I spent the day offline and with my loved ones. ❤️.”

Social media users immediately responded to the comment, expressing their support for Thurston. One wrote: “Katie, I am so sorry this happened and the justice system failed you.”

“You are so loved and we support you. Thank you for sharing this with us so others don’t feel so alone.”

Another added: “Sending you so much love,” and a third expressed: “From one survivor to another – thank you for your support ❤️.”

Thurston also made a statement to Entertainment Tonight after revealing that she had been sexually assaulted.

“I have received an abundance of support from my community, which has helped me stay strong over the past seven months,” the reality star said.

“Although the outcome is disappointing, I am at peace and can give meaning to any pain. I also hope to help other victims of sexual assault.”

Katie first appeared on season 25 of The Bachelor, but was eliminated in week six.

She then starred in The Bachelorette, which aired in 2021, and got engaged to winner Blake Moynes. However, the couple split in October 2021.

Thurston later began dating Jake Hersey, a former contestant during her Bachelorette season. In June 2022, the two ended their relationship.

The television star is now dating comedian Jeff Arcuri and revealed his identity on her Instagram page earlier this month.

She uploaded a lovey-dovey snapshot of the two sharing a sweet kiss into the camera, as well as black-and-white photos from a photo booth.

In the caption of the post, Katie wrote to her 710,000 followers: “Safe to say he’s making it to his hometowns next week ❤️.”

In May, Thurston confirmed on the podcast “Your Mom & Dad” that she was in a relationship, according to “Us Weekly,” but did not reveal the name of her then-partner.