The Bachelor star Colton Underwood claims to have left a charity event in San Diego early because he was groped by someone.
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The 26-year-old charity founder for cystic fibrosis took to his Instagram Stories on Thursday to explain why he cut an appearance short and bailed towards the end of his Legacy Foundation Garden Party at Mavericks Beach Club.
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"I'm sorry if you didn't get a picture at the event last night, but at one point during the event I was grabbed and touched inappropriately while people were throwing cameras in my face," Colton wrote.
The Season 23 The Bachelor star felt the need to apologize to fans who were respectful and might've felt slighted by his early exit.
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"I am the type of person who would have stood in line for hours to make sure anyone who supported the event got a picture, but once that happened I had to do what was best for me as a human being," Colton insisted.
"I didn't sign up to be a piece of meat or a zoo animal. I hope we run into each other at another event or on the street and I can take the time to say hello. Thank you again for coming to support Legacy and the fight against CF."
According to a video obtained by TMZ, Colton appeared to be having a great time with friends and enjoying himself at the event. He took selfies with numerous fans and was smiling ear to ear.
There was no evidence of Colton being touched inappropriately in the video footage, but Colton was clearly offended and bothered by the incident.
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Colton was joined at the charity event by The Bachelorette alums Becca Kufrin, Garrett Yrigoyen, Blake Horstmann and Tanner Tolbert.
It remains unclear whether Colton reported the groping to police or any organizers of the event, TMZ reported, but Colton has been contacted for a comment.
The former professional football player's season of The Bachelor is currently airing on Monday nights at 8PM ET/PT on ABC. The series is heading into Episode 7 and only seven women are still in the running for his final rose.
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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski