'Bachelorette' alum Josh Seiter 'alive and well' after alleged social media death hoax
"Bachelorette" alum Josh Seiter says he's "alive and well" a day after a death announcement was shared about him on his Instagram account.
In a video Seiter posted to his Instagram on Aug. 29, which showed him standing against a plain white background in a blue T-shirt, he claimed his account was "hacked" and that he'd been "trying desperately" to regain control for the past 24 hours.
Seiter, who has been open online about his mental health in the past, continued, "Somebody was playing a cruel joke and mocking my mental illness and the struggles I've gone through with depression and suicide attempts, and I'm sorry for all the pain they caused when they made that post."
He did not name the individual who allegedly hacked his account.
"I just got back into my account," he said, adding that he's working with his team to "try to identify who was behind this" and apologizing to his followers for the "confusion."
"I'm grateful now that I'm back in control," Seiter told "Good Morning America" on the phone Tuesday. "I'm focused on telling people that I'm alive and well."
A statement was shared to Seiter's Instagram page on Aug. 28 announcing his "unexpected passing" and calling him an "incredibly bright light in an increasingly dim world."
"His fearless voice and indomitable spirit helped thousands of people in their darkest moments feel just a little less alone," the statement continued. "Although our heartache at Joshua's passing pains us beyond measure, we find comfort knowing that he is finally at peace."
The since-deleted statement didn't provide a cause of death but did include information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Seiter appeared on season 11 of "The Bachelorette" in 2015. He was eliminated in the first week by Kaitlyn Bristowe.
"Good Morning America" has reached out to Instagram for comment but has not yet heard back.
The alleged hacking and death hoax comes after a similar incident involving rapper and influencer Lil Tay earlier this month.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not on your own.
