The Bachelor alum Serene Russell has stood up for Rachel Nance after Rachel revealed she's been receiving "racist" and "hateful" messages on social media.

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Rachel, 26, revealed on The Bachelor: The Women Tell All for Joey Graziadei's season, which aired Monday night on ABC, that she's been bullied on social media ever since viewers watched Joey give her a rose over fan-favorite Maria Georgas following hometown dates.

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"I've been called the N-word and I've been called a 'Jungle Asian,' all because I got a rose," Rachel lamented to The Bachelor host Jesse Palmer. "It's just been very frustrating."

Serene took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday, March 19 and defended Rachel, whom Joey eliminated from The Bachelor's 28th season in third place after his round of Fantasy Suite dates.

"It's so sad because when you're in this position you have a lot to process anyways -- it's hard [to] understand the magnitude of what the regular experience is like -- let alone being racially and culturally attacked," Serene, 28, wrote, according to Us Weekly.

"Sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings knowing the world will see it is incredibly difficult -- it's insane that we are still dealing with this disproportionate prejudice in 2024."

Serene first appeared on The Bachelor's 26th season starring Clayton Echard.

Serene went on to find love with Brandon Jones on Season 8 of Bachelor in Paradise. Serene and Brandon got engaged on the show in 2022, but they announced their split in May 2023, less than six months after their engagement aired on ABC.

Serene gushed about how she's "so proud" of Rachel "for being willing to speak on this important matter even though it's cast a shadow over her entire experience."

Serene continued, "While addressing this so people can (hopefully) learn / letting Rachel process this is important; let's remember that there is so much more to her as a human than the things people said to her when we see her in the future."

Serene added that her heart goes out to Rachel and her family.

"No one should have to experience this," Serene noted, according to Us.

Alongside her post, Serene uploaded a clip of Rachel from The Women Tell All on March 18.

During the episode, Rachel said she didn't understand why she was receiving so much backlash and negativity, and she explained how it was hard for her family to watch people attack her -- and their Filipino culture -- personally.

"Hundreds of people have messaged me, and there were TikToks about people throwing up when [Joey and I] were kissing," Rachel cried. "It's just insane!"

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Jesse apologized to Rachel and her family that they had to endure all of that, and Joey noted how Rachel didn't deserve any of the hate but she was going to spread light and positivity through being open about her struggle.

Jesse acknowledged how hate was rising on social media, and nearly all of The Bachelor cast admitted to having received at least one nasty comment from a troll.

Jesse therefore asked viewers to uplift and praise The Bachelor women for being vulnerable and sharing their stories, and Joey noted how it takes courage for any human to date on a reality TV show.

Rachel concluded, "I just want to remind people that we're not just faces on a screen and we're not just women trying to find love. People are so quick to be keyboard warriors and pop off because there's no consequences, but we have to pay the consequences emotionally and mentally."

Rachel therefore begged fans "to just be kind" because words carry weight and harsh comments sometimes "hit home" for the women on the show.

Rachel also addressed the racism she's been subjected to in a Monday Instagram post.

"There are many issues I believe in shedding light on and the mistreatment/bullying of minorities is one of them. As a woman from a multi culture background I have experienced racism first hand once I moved to the mainland," Rachel wrote alongside a photo of her taping The Women Tell All.

"Being in the public eye has made me a target of that continuous hate. A hate that needs to be addressed. It is part of my Asian culture to remain quiet, always be respectful, and apologize first. No more. It is time that we speak up."

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The bachelorette asked "all minorities" to "speak up and speak loud," adding, "We bring honor to our family by addressing racism. Take up space! Never be ashamed of where we come from and do not be ashamed to speak your truth!"

Rachel also opened up about her journey on the show and the end of her relationship with Joey in a separate Instagram post on Monday.

When Joey eliminated Rachel, he chose Daisy Kent and Kelsey Anderson as his Final 2 bachelorettes.

The Bachelor's Season 28 finale is set to air Monday, March 25 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.

Click here to learn more about Joey's The Bachelor bachelorettes or click here to read spoilers that reveal how Joey's season ends and who he picked as his winner.

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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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