Bachelorette contestant accused of ‘bullying’ Ali Oetjen

AS ALI Oetjen shapes up to be the show’s most controversial Bachelorette, one former contestant has been accused of “bullying” the reality TV star.

BACHELOR in Paradise star Michael Turnbull has come under fire on Instagram after posting and then deleting a comment about this year’s Bachelorette, Ali Oetjen.

Turnbull, who appeared with Oetjen on Bachelor in Paradise, shared a still of them together on the Fiji set.

“The look you give when you realise you’re happy you’re not going [on] The Bachelorette this year #nothanks #sorrynotsorry #teamgrant,” Turnbull’s now deleted caption read.

Ali Oetjen. Picture: Supplied

Michael Turnbull. Picture: Matrix Media Group

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Turnbull’s comment quickly drew condemnation, with some of his followers even accusing him of acting like a “bully” towards Oetjen.

His Bachelor in Paradise co-stars Keira Maguire and Jarrod Woodgate also commented, with Maguire writing: “That’s a bit mean Micheal.”

Responding to the backlash Turnbull changed the comment to include an apology to Oetjen and conceded his original caption had “come across as disrespectful”.

Turnbull told news.com.au he was “strongly against” online bullying and had no intention of bullying anyone with his caption.

“My original wording for my post was taken the wrong way, and as soon as I realised it was being misunderstood to be a negative comment I changed it and apologised for the miscommunication,” he said.

“I do also believe that now social media has become so bad that even a little comment that is harmless got so much attention, whatever opinion someone has, right or wrong someone will complain so you can’t please everyone.”

Ali Oetjen and Grant Kemp in Bachelor in Paradise

However, Turnbull did add that it was “upsetting” to read how Oetjen’s relationship had allegedly ended with Grant Kemp and he was glad to not be a contestant on this year’s The Bachelorette.

Shortly after Oetjen was announced as this year’s Bachelorette, Kemp came forward in several interviews to claim their relationship had ended because he caught her cheating on him.

Oetjen, who is currently filming The Bachelorette, is yet to directly address Kemp’s allegations except to say distance had been a factor in their relationship ending.