'The Bachelorette' Star Greg Grippo Reacts To Katie Thurston's Breakup

Nothing hurts more than falling in love with someone, expressing it, and finding out they don't feel the same way. Sadly, that is the case when it comes to any season of the Bachelor or Bachelorette.

The contestants vie for the attention of the Bachelor or Bachelorette, and at the end of the day, they can only leave the show with one lover.

Former Bachelorette star Greg Grippo experienced the heart-breaking reality of not having his love reciprocated by Katie Thurston, which led to his absence on the show. Grippo tried to win Thurston's heart in season 17 of the show, during the "Hometown Dates" series, when he expressed his love to her. After he confessed his feelings, he noticed she didn't say it back.

This caused a heated argument between the pair, and Grippo made a shocking move by removing himself from the show. Thurston went on to catch butterflies for the late-season-comer, Blake Moynes, and the two got engaged in no time.

Unfortunately, the pair split up shortly after. Keep reading to see Grippo's reaction to this breakup.

Grippo and Thurston hit it off almost right away. The New Jersey native was the lucky receiver of Thruston's first impression rose. Throughout the season, the duo grew more intimate, and their relationship strengthened.

During an unforgettable moment in the franchise's history, Grippo told Thurston that he was dissatisfied with her halfhearted response to his declarations of love, and their night ended on an unclear note.

His heartbreak could be understood, but leaving the show on his accord wasn't something anyone saw coming.

In the spin-off, "The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose," the pair faced each other again. Thurston didn't hold back and accused the front-runner of using the proposal to escape. She reiterated that when she saw things from another light, Grippo didn't love her, as he claimed to.

Moynes, who entered the show mid-season, seemed to have stolen Thurston's heart on sight. Shortly before he popped the big question, she confessed her love in her words, saying, "I'll never forget the first time we met; the spark was instant, but I had no idea I'd be head over heels in love with you."

She went down memory lane on how she felt when he showed up late but was grateful that he came on the show. Thurston believed he showed up at the right time, in time to sweep her off her feet.

She reiterated that their journey together taught her that everything was worth it regardless of time and expectations. In other words, "What's yours is yours."

Like a perfectly rehearsed scene, Moynes got down and said on the verge of tears, "You deserve the world, and I'm delighted to continue to support and be there for you every day." He popped the question, and the excited Bachelorette heaved a big "Yes," and gave him her final rose to seal the lovely moment.

When Thurston and Moynes announced their breakup, Grippo was silent for a while, even when fans were anxious to hear from him.

He finally shared his thoughts with Us Weekly, saying, "I mean, honestly, my heart goes out to her because I have no idea what occurred. To be honest, we haven't spoken. I just wish her the best. I'm sure what happened was unpleasant for her."

While many many have expected a drama-filled response from the Bachelorette alum or an 'I told you so' statement, they applauded Grippo for his mature statement.

Although it's not certain if Grippo and Thurston are still friends or keep in touch, from the former's statement to the news outlet, he heard about the breakup just like everyone else.

After dating for about three months, Thurston and her ex-fiancé got engaged during "The Bachelorette" three-hour season finale. However, the 30-year-old took to Instagram to announce their breakup.

She wrote, "We are grateful for the times we spent together as well as the journey that has unfolded this year, but we have come to the conclusion that we are not compatible as life partners."

Moynes also posted the write-up on his page. It seemed many fans were not shocked at how events unfolded, as they believed she settled for Moynes, primarily because of her previous entanglements. One with Andrew earlier in the show and the other with Grippo.

It seemed the long distance between the pair was the significant strain in the relationship. Moynes is a Canadian citizen whose job as a wildlife manager takes him worldwide.

Just days before she and Blake announced their breakup, Thurston complained about the practical problems of dating a foreigner. So, it seemed like they couldn't make it work. Like they say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."