The Bachelorette's Katie Thurston discusses opening up on the show about her sexual assault and having two ex-Bachelorettes to lean on

Variety

"I do think it surprised producers because they did not know and those are the things they want to know going into this," Thurston tells Variety of her revelation on the show she was sexually assaulted a decade ago. “I just felt so supported and comforted by these men and they were so open with sharing their stories that I felt that I owed it, not only to them, but to myself to just kind of start those conversations that are so important, not only for us, but Bachelor Nation, as they watch this,” she continues. Thurston also discussed having the support of two Bachelorette alums. “What I loved is that the show has been very supportive of those changes that need to be made, and so to have Tayshia (Adams) and Kaitlyn (Bristowe) there to support me, it was a better outcome than I could have expected,” Thurston says. She adds: “I actually loved this format. I don’t know how it’s going to work going forward, but to be able to have previous bachelorettes helping me, I don’t think anyone else could offer me the support and guidance like they could.”