How Blake Moynes Really Feels About Katie Thurston's New Boyfriend
Katie Thurston made an unforgettable debut with her sparkly purple vibrator on Matt James' season of "The Bachelor" (via YouTube). By the time she was sent home, fans knew Katie to be straightforward, confident, and intolerant of Regina George-esque bullies. After emerging as a clear fan favorite, Katie was named the next star of "The Bachelorette."
Viewers went through a rollercoaster of emotions as Katie eliminated everyone they thought she'd end up with. Greg Grippo was a strong contender for Katie and her fans (via Twitter). But after a jarring breakup with Greg, Katie left the show engaged to Blake Moynes, per Variety. However, the two broke up a few months after navigating a long-distance relationship. On October 25, the two released a joint statement on Instagram, saying, "It is with mutual love and respect that we have decided to go our separate ways ... Both of us will forever want the best for one another and ask you to please support us in our decision."
But in November, fans and Blake both learned Katie has a new boyfriend — and he's a familiar face.
Blake Moynes was "blindsided" by Katie's new relationship
In November, "The Bachelorette" star Katie Thurston dedicated Taylor Swift's "Red" songs to her exes in her Instagram Stories. In the "12 Days of Messy" posts, Katie played "Begin Again" for John Hersey, a contestant she eliminated early on in her season, per Us Weekly. The post fostered rumors of a budding romance between the two, especially considering she'd given Blake Moynes "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."
On November 23, Us Weekly confirmed that Katie had rekindled her romance with John. "Blake is blindsided by the news," a source told the magazine. Us Weekly also noted that Blake unfollowed Katie on Instagram after her romance with John became public.
Blake also spoke to former "Bachelor" stars Mike Johnson and Dr. Bryan Abasolo on the "Talking It Out" podcast, saying (via ET Online), "I was shocked ... I thought that she might at least tell me on the side, just because we have had very cordial, easy conversations that we have had through text ... Why not reach out to me and tell me that at least to give me a heads up?" He added, "I really don't think there was any physical cheating there, but there's clearly emotional for it to transition as quickly as it did."
As for whether or not he's moved on, Blake shared on the podcast, "I'll be dating in the real world when I'm ready, and I don't know when that will be."