The premiere episode of The Bachelorette Australia has rubbed viewers the wrong way, after Ali Oetjen made “transphobic” comments.
As this year’s Bachelorette met the 18 men who’d arrived to win her affection, a tall man named Bill approached the blonde beauty.
The 31-year-old mechanical plumber from Victoria was making a good impression, until he admitted to a secret.
“I have a little confession to make about myself,” Bill started.
“I wasn’t actually born Bill. I was born something different. I was born actually…” He then trailed off.
The show cut to an ad break.
When the show returned, Bill revealed his “secret”: “I was born actually David, but ever since I can remember I’ve been known as Bill.” He added, “It’s just a fun little fact about myself.”
The camera then cut to Ali, who was relieved Bill was “not a woman – tick!”
She laughed and even appeared to catch herself out for her statement.
Many took to Twitter to express their anger and accused the program of transphobia.
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