Bachelorette star Katie Thurston, 33, reveals she was sexually assaulted and claims justice system 'failed' her in emotional post: 'I refuse to feel defeated'
Katie Thurston revealed that she was raped in a post shared to Instagram on Friday - and despite claiming the justice system has 'failed' her, she still 'refuses to feel defeated.'
The TV personality, 33 - who appeared on the 17th season of The Bachelorette - got candid with her followers by taking to her Instagram Stories in a since-expired message.
'It took 7 months for the San Diego Justice to let me down as a victim of rape,' the reality star wrote.
Thurston also took to her main page to share a carousel of slides as she opened up to her fans while also offering important resources to other individuals and victims in need.
The first photo began with, 'The justice system continues to let down victims everyday. I refuse to feel defeated in the strength it took to be an advocate for myself.'
Katie Thurston, 33, revealed that she was raped in a post shared to Instagram on Friday - and despite claiming the justice system has 'failed' her, she still 'refuses to feel defeated; seen in 2021
Thurston also took to her main page to share a carousel of slides as she opened up to her fans while also offering important resources to other individuals and victims in need
She continued, 'I hope my experience will help those feel the strength and support they need. While I'm not ready to share my story, I want to share the valuable resources that saved my life.'
Following the sexual assault, Katie explained that she called 911 to report the rape and then received an SART exam.
The star gave a special shout to both the nurse and advocate that was by her side, stating, 'They were kind, nurturing, patient.'
'I felt like a small lost child who was vulnerable and scared,' she admitted. 'They thoroughly explained the process, asking for consent along the way, and allowing me to decline or change my mind at any time.'
Thurston expressed that she prioritized her 'safety and wellbeing' and also sought 'mental health support' while awaiting for the SART exam to process.
In another slide, Katie wrote, 'I did everything I should have done as a victim of rape. "Here are my texts, my calls, my photos, my videos, names, witnesses, locations, social media, time stamps, surveillance footage, DNA, my body."'
'The warning "a guilty verdict is hard in criminal court" echoed throughout the months, like an annoying parrot you were forced to keep.'
Thurston continued, 'And as much as I heard it, I still wasn't ready to be stopped. And yet, without warning, I was.'
The first photo began with, 'The justice system continues to let down victims everyday. I refuse to feel defeated in the strength it took to be an advocate for myself'
The star gave a special shout to both the nurse and advocate that was by her side, stating, 'They were kind, nurturing, patient'
Thurston expressed that she prioritized her 'safety and wellbeing' and also sought 'mental health support' while awaiting for the SART exam to process
In another slide, Katie wrote, 'I did everything I should have done as a victim of rape. "Here are my texts, my calls, my photos, my videos, names, witnesses, locations, social media, time stamps, surveillance footage, DNA , my body"'
However, the media personality penned to her followers, 'This is not a loss to me. I am safe. I am loved, I am supported'
However, the media personality penned to her followers, 'This is not a loss to me. I am safe. I am loved, I am supported.'
'No, this is yet another loss in a broken system. Change happens in failure. And the justice system failed me. And continues to fail thousands every single day. But do not give up.'
Another slide in the post read, 'Be your biggest advocate. You are valued. You are strong. I believe you.'
Katie also recommended the memoir titled, Know My Name, written by Chanel Miller and explained, 'While I could only consume it in small doses at a time before nausea would hit, I also felt validation with each and every chapter.'
'Every single teenager should be forced to read or listen to it. I was able to ask detectives better questions.'
'I'll always appreciate the transparency and communication she provided to me every step of the way,' Thurston added.
In the caption alongside the sides, Katie typed out, 'I am loved. I am safe. I am supported. Resources linked in bio. #saasaultawareness #rainn #sandiego.'
She also expressed her gratitude to those who reached out to her and wrote, 'I want to thank everyone who DM'd me. I spent the day offline and with loved ones. ❤️.'
Another slide in the post read, 'Be your biggest advocate. You are valued. You are strong. I believe you'
Katie also recommended the memoir titled, Know My Name, written by Chanel Miller and explained, 'While I could only consume it in small doses at a time before nausea would hit, I also felt validation with each and every chapter'
In the caption alongside the sides, Katie typed out, 'I am loved. I am safe. I am supported. Resources linked in bio. #saasaultawareness #rainn #sandiego'
She also expressed her gratitude to those who reached out to her and wrote, 'I want to thank everyone who DM'd me. I spent the day offline and with loved ones. ❤️'
Social media users jumped to the comment to offer words of support to the Thurston, with one sharing, 'Katie, I am so so sorry this happened and the justice failed you.'
'You are so loved and we support you. Thank you for sharing to help others not feel as alone.'
Another added, 'sending so much love to you,' while another expressed, 'From one survivor to another- thank you for advocating❤️.'
Thurston also shared a statement to Entertainment Tonight after revealing that she had been sexually assaulted.
'I've had ample support from my community which allowed me to stay strong over these past seven months,' the reality star said.
'While the outcome is disappointing, I am at peace and turning any pain into purpose and hope to help other survivors of sexual assault.'
Katie first appeared on the 25th season of The Bachelor, but was eliminated in the sixth week.
'I've had ample support from my community which allowed me to stay strong over these past seven months,' the reality star said
She then starred on The Bachelorette which aired in 2021, and became engaged to winner Blake Moynes. However, the pair split in October 2021; former couple seen above
The TV personality is now dating comedian, Jeff Arcuri, and she revealed his identity on her Instagram page earlier this month
She then starred on The Bachelorette which aired in 2021, and became engaged to winner Blake Moynes. However, the pair split in October 2021.
Thurston later began to date Jake Hersey - who was a former contestant during her season of the Bachelorette. In June 2022, the two ended their relationship.
The TV personality is now dating comedian, Jeff Arcuri, and she revealed his identity on her Instagram page earlier this month.
She uploaded a loved up snap as they shared a sweet kiss for the camera, as well as black and white photos from a photo booth.
In the caption of the post, Katie penned to her 710k followers, 'Safe to say he's making it to hometowns next week ❤️.'
Back in May on the Your Mom & Dad podcast, Thurston had confirmed that she was in a relationship, per Us Weekly, but did not reveal the name of her partner at the time.
