Former 'Bachelorette' Contestant Hayden Markowitz Apologizes After Controversial Comments

The current season of "The Bachelorette" has caused all kinds of chaos since its premiere last month!

The landmark season is the first one in the show's history to feature two leads for the entire season.

Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey captured Bachelor Nation's hearts during the most recent season of "The Bachelor" when the duo was left brokenhearted after season lead Clayton Echard revealed he had not only been in love with both of them at the same time but also wanted to follow his heart in pursuing his third place contestant, Susie Evans.

Evans and Echard announced their relationship during the "After The Final Rose" special at the conclusion of his season, and the couple is currently still going strong!

Echard is now a distant memory for Recchia and Windey, and they're ready to give their roses away to a record number of lucky men!

In a recent episode, the duo decided to lay down the law and enacted an important change in the show's format: According to the official Bachelor Nation website, Recchia and Windey decided to split the contestants up into two groups. This move was made with the intention of making the men choose a lane and commit to pursuing one woman and one woman only.

Both Recchia and Windey experienced moments of frustration and loneliness in recent episodes after they were made to believe by certain contestants they had been devoted to dating one of the ladies when in reality those particular men had been keeping their options open, and alternating between both 'Bachelorettes.'

If the above explanation sounded complicated, you wouldn't be alone in thinking so!

Certain members of Bachelor Nation have not been quiet in expressing their displeasure at the current season's format.

The Blast recently reported on Kaitlyn Bristowe's irritation over the decision to have two leading ladies share the spotlight at the same time.

Bristowe tweeted, "I f-kkin hate this. Am I being dramatic? I cannot believe they are doing this to these women, and to the men."

Former 'Bachelorette' Andi Dorfman believes the format concept is a little dated.

"I don't really love the fact that two women have to share the screen," she said, "I think we've progressed a little further. It's 2022."

She also revealed she believed the decision gave her "a sexist vibe."

Recchia and Windey's decision to divide their men into groups was partly fueled by the actions of contestant Hayden Markowitz.

Markowitz, 29, had previously explained to Windey, 31, that he had felt more attracted to Recchia, letting her know Recchia's personality aligned more with his.

He then went on to tell Windey he believed her to be "A little rough around the edges," a comment she understandably did not take kindly to.

Recchia allowed Markowitz to stay around for a little while longer, but the pilot eventually let him go after he continued to paint both women in a negative light. According to E!, he had called Windey a "hypocrite" and detailed how he was unable "to see himself with [Recchia]," she sent him packing.

Markowitz's controversial comments did not end there. The outlet also detailed how he described the duo to be "bi**hes," and admonished them for not being able to "hold a candle" to his previous girlfriend.

Markowitz attempted to rewrite his wrongdoings after the episode aired, and viewers were able to witness Recchia eliminate him.

In an Instagram post that appears to be deleted, Markowitz wrote, "For those who watched tonight's episode, you saw me at my absolute worst and lowest moment. I have always tried to carry myself with humility and respect for others. However, my complete lapse of judgment was not only disappointing but it was absolutely unacceptable. I genuinely want to express my deepest apologies to both Gabby and Rachel for my actions." (via E!)

He also extended his best wishes to Recchia and Windey in his post, and added, "I hope they can accept my apology!"

We'll have to see! New episodes of "The Bachelorette" air on Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.