The Bachelor bachelorette Brooklyn Willie has spoken out on social media after the show aired her shocking story about surviving and escaping an abusive relationship in her past.
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"I am so overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from everyone," Brooklyn, 25, wrote in her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, February 14.
"It does not go unnoticed and it is more appreciated than anyone will ever know."
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The rodeo racer originally from Texas who currently resides in Oklahoma also reposted a fan's compilation of moments Brooklyn had with Zach Shallcross during their one-on-one date in The Bahamas on The Bachelor's 27th season, which aired on Monday night's episode.
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Brooklyn posted footage of herself riding ATVs with Zach, kissing him on a private beach, and then sharing the personal and emotional story about her past during a romantic dinner.
Brooklyn proceeded to post the song "Unstoppable" by Sia, which appears to describe her well.
During Brooklyn's dinner date with Zach, she told The Bachelor star how she admired her grandparents' relationship growing up and always wanted a love like they had.
However, Brooklyn broke the news that she had been in a long-term toxic relationship that began with emotional abuse.
Brooklyn recalled being "a shell of myself" during that romance, which eventually escalated into physical abuse.
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Brooklyn explained how the relationship worsened over the course of six years.
"I was not myself," Brooklyn told Zach. "And I woke up one day and was like, 'No, this can't define me.' I truly believe that if I wouldn't have just woke up and got out, I can literally guarantee I would not be sitting here right now."
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Brooklyn thought her involvement in such an abusive relationship was "embarrassing." She even told the cameras that one night, her ex-boyfriend knocked her out and she woke up to police nearby.
Brooklyn said she came to believe that she deserves much more, a man who will care for her and reciprocate her love in a tender and meaningful way.
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Zach said he was "blown away" by Brooklyn's courage and strength, and he complimented the bachelorette on being sweet, compassionate, and also very tough.
"You've gone through battles that I [can't] imagine... and it makes me sick to my stomach that you had to go through something like that," Zach noted.
Zach said he felt a spark and chemistry with Brooklyn, and so he gave her a rose at the end of their one-on-one date.
Brooklyn said she was feeling "all the feels" for Zach. She felt like the only girl in the world when she was with him, and Brooklyn gushed about how she never felt that way before and could "definitely see Zach as [her] future husband."
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After the episode aired, The Bachelor host Jesse Palmer posted about Brooklyn's story on social media.
"Heartbreaking to hear Brooklyn talk about her past relationship," he tweeted on Monday. "She is so strong, courageous and deserving of love and happiness."
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