Clayton Echard Responds to Gabby Windey’s Criticism!

Clayton Echard is speaking out after Gabby Windey, a runner-up from his season of The Bachelor, made harsh comments about his dancing. The former Bachelor lead has accused Gabby of bullying, and his response has sparked significant attention. Let’s dive into the drama that unfolded after her criticism.

Gabby Windey’s Criticism on Las Culturistas

During an April 3 episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, Gabby Windey didn’t hold back while discussing Clayton’s dancing videos. She called him a “toe looking ass” and even claimed that watching his dance moves would make a person “run” and “wish you didn’t have eyes.” Gabby’s remarks seemed lighthearted to some, but they quickly stirred a response from Clayton.

Clayton’s Instagram Post Calling Out Gabby

On April 6, Clayton took to Instagram to call out Gabby for what he described as bullying. In his post, Clayton explained that making fun of someone’s physical appearance and their passions was unnecessary, especially for someone with the influence that Gabby has. “You have a massive platform and influence, Gabby. So, I hope you can reflect upon this moment and be better going forward,” Clayton wrote in the caption.

He didn’t stop there. Clayton also shared a clip of Gabby’s comments on the podcast before posting his own video, where he went further into his feelings. He admitted that he had debated responding to Gabby but felt compelled to do so, especially after hearing similar comments from her in recent interviews. “I used to be a people pleaser and didn’t want to upset anybody, so I’d keep my mouth shut, but I don’t believe in doing that anymore,” he said in the video.

Clayton’s Defense of His Dancing Journey

Clayton’s response wasn’t just about the criticism; it was about the passion he has for dancing. Despite not being the most skilled dancer, he shared how much dancing has meant to him, giving him “self-confidence” and “self-love.” “It’s movement therapy,” Clayton explained, adding that dancing helped him release anger and frustration.

In his message, Clayton emphasized that dancing had given him an outlet for growth, and he didn’t appreciate Gabby mocking something so meaningful to him. “I’m truly so grateful to have found something that I get to work on myself every day and challenge myself,” Clayton said. He even acknowledged that he’s not perfect but explained that dancing is about personal improvement, not about being the best.

Standing Up for Himself and Others

Clayton’s post wasn’t just about defending his own passion for dancing—it was about encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. He explained that he didn’t want people to feel discouraged from trying new things because of online bullying. “I don’t want people to be scared to try something new because bullying online, like what you’re doing, impacts them in a way which stops them,” Clayton said, speaking directly to Gabby.

Gabby’s Influence and the Larger Message

One of the core points Clayton made in his response was about Gabby’s influence. Having appeared on The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Dancing with the Stars, and The Traitors, Gabby has a large online following. Clayton expressed that with such a significant platform comes responsibility. “You have such a large platform and you’re setting a really bad example,” he said. “Which is just disheartening.”

While Clayton’s response may have come as a surprise to some, it’s clear that he felt the need to stand up for both himself and others who may be impacted by online bullying. His post sparked conversations about the responsibility that comes with influence, especially when it comes to using platforms to uplift or tear others down.

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The Bottom Line

Clayton Echard’s response to Gabby Windey’s comments shows just how important it is to be mindful of the impact our words can have, especially in a world where social media amplifies everything. For Clayton, dancing is more than just a hobby—it’s a journey of self-love and growth. And while he may not be the world’s best dancer, he’s standing up for what matters most: being true to yourself and encouraging others to do the same.