John Henry Spurlock has taken a stand against trolls criticizing and lashing out at Kat Izzo after their broken Bachelor in Paradise engagement.
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John Henry and Kat got engaged on Bachelor in Paradise's Season 9 finale, which aired December 7 on ABC, and the couple announced their split with a joint Instagram statement only four days later on Monday, December 11.
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Haters are essentially blaming Kat for the breakup, and they've commented harsh opinions such as, "John Henry, you dodged a bullet," and, "She found the love of her life 3 times before you got there!"
Another Instagram user told John Henry that he should've stuck with his gut, referring to how John Henry had said during the finale how his gut was telling him not to propose marriage but his heart was telling him to commit to Kat.
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"Thanks again for all the kind words," John Henry, 31, wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, December 12.
"And for those who have nothing nice to say based on what was shown on an edited reality dating show, just know I don't feel that I made a mistake choosing her."
The Bachelorette 20 alum shared a carousel of photos featuring sweet moments he had with Kat prior to their split and continued, "I never watched this back and second guessed things, I fell for the real Kat Izzo. The Kat who always put my feelings first and did everything she could to make this work."
John Henry claimed that he got to know the Kat a lot of people truly know.
"But unfortunately, the Kat that Bachelor Nation doesn't know," he wrote.
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"Although we decided to go different paths, you are an amazing woman and someone will be very lucky to have you. Keep being you, keep accomplishing all your goals, and enjoy this next chapter in your life in San Diego, working as a nurse practitioner."
In response to John Henry's kind post, Kat wrote via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, December 13, "It's hard for me to form full sentences right now, but I can say this... I believe that people and experiences come into our lives for different reasons."
Kat shared, "There is a purpose and meaning behind our relationships. We might not know those reasons right now, but I do know that the memories we created will live on forever."
"Continuing to work towards a place of gratitude amidst the chaos," Kat concluded, "is how you weather any storm."
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When Kat and John Henry announced their decision to call off their engagement earlier this week, they said it was a choice made with "mutual love and respect."
The pair wrote on December 11, "Our relationship has been filled with wonderful memories and growth, something we looked forward to sharing with you. While our paths are taking different directions due to our career goals not aligning, we are grateful for the love and support we've received from our family, friends, and Bachelor Nation."
Kat and John Henry acknowledged how "this decision wasn't easy" for either of them, but they added it was "the right step" for the both of them as individuals.
The couple concluded, "As we navigate this transition, we ask for your continued support and respect for our privacy."
Kat, who was labeled a "homie hopper" early in the Bachelor in Paradise season, began a relationship with Brayden Bowers on the beach before unexpectedly jumping ship for newcomer Tanner Courtad.
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Tanner, however, didn't waste any time accepting a date with newcomer Davia Bunch, even though the date was going to take place on Kat's birthday. Kat felt slighted and betrayed, and she lashed out at Tanner for not having the decency to talk to her before agreeing to the date.
Tanner proceeded to dump Kat, who then set her eyes on John Henry, even though he had established a pretty strong connection with Olivia Lewis.
Bachelor in Paradise's editing made it seem like Kat pursued John Henry without any hesitation or remorse about how it was going to make Olivia feel. Many fans therefore called Kat a hypocrite for having lashed out at Tanner for similar behavior.
But Kat and John Henry stayed together for the rest of Paradise, and they enjoyed an overnight Fantasy Suite date.
RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' COUPLES NOW: WHO DID 'THE BACHELOR' STARS AND THEIR BACHELORETTE PICKS ACTUALLY END UP MARRYING? (PHOTOS)
John Henry said he could picture The Bachelor 27 alum being his future wife and the mother of his children.
By the end of their Fantasy Suite, Kat was certain that John Henry was her "person" and she wanted to be with him forever. And John Henry said he and Kat had established a very deep connection.
"But my emotions are all over the place. My heart is telling me to get engaged, but my gut is telling me, 'ËœDon't do it.' My gut is telling me it's too soon," John Henry admitted.
"We haven't even gotten into an argument. We haven't disagreed on anything. I still have questions and there's still a lot I've got to learn about her. I usually follow my gut, and that's the problem."
John Henry added how the last thing he wanted to do was get engaged to Kat and then soon realize they're not as compatible as they thought they were.
When the pair reunited for the Final Rose Ceremony, Kat said it almost seemed "too good to be true" with John Henry but she felt happy and at peace. Kat explained how she felt so comfortable with John Henry and was crazy about him.
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"I am fully and wholeheartedly in love with you -- completely. And that's so crazy to say. Being with you, it feels like it's a love that only comes once in a lifetime. Just know that I love you, John Henry, and I want to forever," Kat shared.
John Henry told Kat that their relationship was so unexpected after a wild ride, and he admitted he was still questioning if their relationship was real.
"But right now, I'm going to try something a little different," John Henry said.
"I'm going to follow my heart, and my heart is telling me that you are amazing and you are everything that I'm looking for. I really do see a future with you. And I'm not falling in love; I am in love with you."
John Henry then asked Kat to marry him, and she responded, "Yes, yes, of course! No way?! What's happening?!"
The episode ended with an update on Kat and John Henry's relationship, and an onscreen graphic revealed that they remained happily engaged and were planning a move to San Diego soon as well as a happy life together.
Bachelor in Paradise ended with Aaron Bryant and Eliza Isichei also engaged. And Kylee Russell and Aven Jones had left Mexico together and still dating.
However, all three relationships are already over.
Kylee announced late last week her relationship with Aven had ended due to "multiple infidelities," and Aven confirmed in a subsequent statement of his own that he had made "major mistakes" in his relationship.
And Aaron confirmed he and Eliza have split and ended their engagement on December 11.
RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' FRANCHISE COUPLES NOW: WHO IS STILL TOGETHER?? (PHOTOS)
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