Entertainment TV John Hersey Says He'd 'Never Been So Supported' by a Partner After Katie Thurston Split Katie Thurston and John Hersey confirmed their breakup in Instagram posts on Monday By Kelly Wynne Kelly Wynne Kelly Wynne has been a TV writer at PEOPLE digital since 2021. Her work has been seen in Newsweek, where she acted as a reality TV and true-crime writer, Atwood Magazine and her mental health blog, The Chronically. People Editorial Guidelines Published on June 22, 2022 10:34AM EDT John Hersey doesn't want to hear negative comments about Katie Thurston. Though the former Bachelorette couple announced their split on Monday, Hersey praised Thurston's character in an Instagram comment. Addressing a negative remark that Thurston was unable to keep a boyfriend, which was posted on a Bachelor fan account, Hersey applauded the good things about their former relationship. "You will speak a finite number of words throughout your life. I urge you to speak more kindly. Especially about someone you don't know," he wrote to the hater. "I have never been so supported or unconditionally loved by a partner. Assuming and implying that Katie is doing anything wrong does not sit right with me," shared Hersey, 28. His comment ended with a plea for kindness: "The internet can be a mean place — let's not add to it." Bachelorette Star Katie Thurston and John Hersey Break Up: 'The Decision Was Not Made Lightly' Vivien Killilea/Getty Thurston, 31, was the first to announce the breakup via an Instagram Story Monday, writing on a blank screen, "Statement: no we aren't together." Hersey jumped in with more detail on his own Instagram story. "As Katie stated earlier, we are no longer dating," he confirmed. "The decision was not made lightly and it was obviously not an easy one to make." "I love being able to share special moments with you all — the funny ones. The happy ones. The outrageous, embarrassing, and heartfelt ones. But I don't know if it will ever get easier to share the sad ones," he added. "I appreciate every one of you that has supported us throughout this journey. We could not (and would not) be here without you." John Hersey and Katie Thurston. Paul Archuleta/Getty Katie Thurston and John Hersey's Relationship Timeline Hersey and Thurston met during her season of The Bachelorette. Though Thurston left the series engaged to Blake Moynes, she reconnected with Hersey platonically post-filming. Once she broke her engagement, Thurston decided to pursue a relationship with Hersey.