In an emotional Instagram post, The Bachelor season 26 lead Clayton Echard is accusing former contestant Gabby Windey of bullying after she made harsh comments about his dancing. 

Windey, who was a runner-up on Echard's season, appeared on the Las Culturistas podcast on April 3, where she took aim at his dance moves, calling him a "toe-looking ass" and saying that watching his dancing videos would make a person "run" and "wish you didn't have eyes."

Echard, clearly affected by the comments, took to social media over the weekend (April 6) to call out the reality stars' behavior. He stressed that bullying based on someone's physical appearance or their passions is harmful and shouldn't be tolerated. 

"Bullying people for their physical looks and their passions is completely unnecessary, and behavior like this needs to be called out, so that hopefully it isn't continued," Echard wrote on Instagram. "You have a massive platform and influence, Gabby. So, I hope you can reflect upon this moment and be better going forward."

In a follow-up video, the former Bachelor contestant explained why he felt compelled to respond. 

"I debated responding to this because sometimes I feel it's unnecessary, but this is the second interview I've been sent in the last couple weeks from Gabby making comments about me online," Echard shared. 

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A post shared by Clayton Echard (@claytonechard)

He admitted that, in the past, he may have kept quiet to avoid conflict, but he now feels it's important to speak up.

"You have such a large platform, and you're setting a really bad example," he said. "It's disheartening."

While many fans were initially taken aback by Windey's comments, Echard didn't hold back in expressing how much his passion for dance has meant to him. Since his time on The Bachelor, he has used dance as a form of "movement therapy," helping him to release anger and frustrations while boosting his self-confidence and self-love. 

"I'm truly so grateful to have found something that I get to work on myself every day and challenge myself," he explained, admitting that while he's not the best dancer, the journey has been rewarding and personal.

His post resonated with many, especially fellow Bachelor Nation alums like Golden Bachelor lead Joan Vassos, who called Windey's comments "shocking" and underscored the responsibility stars have to set positive examples. "Keep on dancing, my friend," Vassos wrote in support. Others, including Kelley Flanagan and Thomas Jacobs, rallied behind Echard, expressing their disappointment in Windey's remarks.

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A post shared by Clayton Echard (@claytonechard)

For Bachelor Nation fans, her comments feel especially out of character, considering her background in comedy alongside fiancé Robby Hoffman. But many feel that while humor is often subjective, crossing the line into personal attacks is never appropriate. At the heart of Echard's message is his desire to encourage others to pursue their passions, regardless of judgment. 

"I don't want people to be scared to try something new because bullying online, like what you're doing, impacts them in a way which stops them," he stressed. 

Windey has yet to speak out about the situation. Which side are you on? Let us know your Fan of View below or by DMing us on Instagram at @FandomDaily_. 

Photo Credit: @claytonechard on Instagram.