'Bachelorette' Contestant Erich Schwer Posts Black Square To Apologize For THIS Transgression

"The Bachelorette's" Erich Schwer is coming forward to denounce a problematic action from his past.

Schwer, 29, is one of Gabby Windey's frontrunners on her joint season with fellow 'bachelorette' Rachel Recchia.

Schwer has advanced far enough to have reached the coveted "hometowns" week within the 'Bachelor' franchise, and viewers were recently captivated by the Schwer family's heartbreaking experience of navigating Schwer's father's battle with cancer. Windey had been able to meet the Schwer patriarch on camera before he passed away in July.

Now, shortly after Bachelor Nation saw Schwer and Windey struggle with major communication issues on one of this week's two episodes of "The Bachelorette," Schwer is making headlines for a particular off-camera transgression.

Ahead of "The Bachelorette" finale, Schwer is having to confront some of his past choices.

A high school-era photo of Schwer began making its way around the internet. The picture in question features Schwer wearing blackface, which, Bachelor Nation would later learn in his Instagram apology for the incident, had been a nod to the late Jimi Hendrix.

According to People, the photo features Schwer wearing "an afro wig" in addition to blackface makeup and had begun making the rounds on Reddit.

The outlet also reported a "traditional high school photo" had also surfaced.

Windey's last man standing soon seized the opportunity to speak out about the photos and give further insight into his actions.

Schwer took to Instagram yesterday and posted a blank black square.

Schwer issued an apology in the photo's captions wherein he took responsibility for his past actions and claimed they had come from a past viewpoint of ignorance.

He began his note, "I wholeheartedly apologize for the insensitive photo of me in Blackface from my high school yearbook that has been circulating," he said.

"What I thought at the time was a representation of my love for Jimi Hendrix, was nothing but ignorance," Schwer continued. "I was naive to the hurtful implications of my actions to the Black community and those closest to me, and will forever regret my offensive and damaging behavior. I am deeply ashamed of my actions and understand my apology is only the first step in taking accountability."

The comment section of Schwer's post revealed many favorable comments, commending him for taking responsibility for his past.

Schwer's fellow 'Bachelorette' contestant Logan Palmer, who abruptly left the show following a COVID-19 diagnosis, gave his friend some support.

Palmer commented, "takes a man to talk about his mistakes. guys who have met you know what kind of person you've been."

Nate Mitchell, who had also been in the market for Windey's heart on the show, also met Schwer's apology with positivity.

"Appreciate you taking ownership bro," Mitchell began. "I can't absolve you of this but I can attest to the man I've met, and you have been nothing less than someone who I'd consider a friend. You aren't the first person I've befriended with a similar past, and the difference is not having an attitude of willful ignorance," he continued. "Your school accepting this behavior and posting this to a yearbook tells me that no peers or faculty around you spoke out to guide you away from this issue. Kids do fall victim to their environments time and time again. Continue to learn and grow from your past and I will continue to support you and provide advice should you need/ask for it."

Schwer will be featured in the two-part season finale of "The Bachelorette." Part one will air on Tuesday, September 13th, and the final and second part will air on the following Tuesday, September 20th. (via Bustle)