The name "Eric" in Bachelor Nation is synonymous with some of the franchise's most dramatic, inspirational, and even tragic storylines. While many viewers immediately recall the heartfelt journey of Eric Bigger or the heartbreaking loss of Eric Hill, the most recent and arguably most controversial figure to carry the name is Erich Schwer, the winner of Season 19 of The Bachelorette. As of December 2025, his life post-show has been a whirlwind of high-profile controversies, a broken engagement, and a surprising new romance that keeps him firmly in the spotlight.
This deep dive provides the most current update on Erich Schwer’s life, detailing his tumultuous time with Gabby Windey, the scandals that rocked his win, and the unexpected turn his personal life has taken in the years following the final rose ceremony. We’ll also briefly look back at the other key "Erics" who left their mark on the show, providing a complete picture of the name’s legacy within the franchise.
Erich Schwer: Full Biography & Profile
Erich Schwer’s time on The Bachelorette was a high-stakes, emotional roller coaster that culminated in an engagement, followed almost immediately by intense public scrutiny. Here is a comprehensive look at the man who won—and then lost—Gabby Windey's heart.
- Full Name: Erich Ryan Schwer
- Date of Birth: January 7, 1993
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 32
- Hometown: Bedminster, New Jersey
- Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
- Occupation: Real Estate Analyst (Pre-Bachelorette), now a Reality TV Personality/Influencer
- Education: University of Massachusetts Amherst (studied Micro and Macro Economics)
- Bachelorette Season: Season 19 (co-starring Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia)
- Final Result: Winner of Gabby Windey's journey; proposed and got engaged.
- Relationship Status Post-Show: Engaged to Gabby Windey (briefly), currently dating model Elizabeth Turner.
The Bachelorette Journey: Engagement, Controversy, and Split
Erich Schwer quickly became a frontrunner on Gabby Windey’s half of Season 19 of The Bachelorette. His easygoing personality, genuine connection, and willingness to be vulnerable made him a fan favorite and ultimately led to him proposing in the finale, which aired in late 2022. The couple seemed happy, but their bliss was short-lived, as the "After the Final Rose" special was dominated by two major controversies that had surfaced during the season's airing.
The Resurfaced Blackface Photo Scandal
Just as the season was concluding, a high school yearbook photo of Erich Schwer wearing blackface and an Afro wig resurfaced online, sparking widespread criticism. The photo, taken during his high school years, led to a massive conversation about cultural sensitivity and accountability within the franchise. Schwer issued a public apology on Instagram, stating he was "deeply ashamed" of his "offensive and damaging behavior" and that he would "forever regret" the incident. Gabby Windey stood by him during the immediate aftermath, calling the situation "hard" and emphasizing the importance of holding people accountable while acknowledging their capacity for growth.
Leaked Text Messages and Shady Behavior
The drama intensified when one of Erich’s ex-girlfriends, Amanda Kaylor, leaked text messages that suggested he had broken up with her to go on the show, allegedly telling her the show was "not real" and that he was only doing it for the "opportunity." This fueled speculation that his intentions were not genuine. During the live finale, Erich admitted to meeting up with Kaylor before filming and acknowledged the conversation was "stupid," but denied being in a serious relationship with her at the time. The combination of the blackface photo and the leaked texts cast a shadow over his engagement to Gabby from the start.
The Inevitable Breakup
Despite their attempts to navigate the controversies, the pressure and the underlying issues proved too much for the couple. Gabby Windey and Erich Schwer officially announced their breakup in November 2022, just two months after their engagement was televised. Gabby later confirmed the split on Dancing with the Stars, citing that they were "not the best fit." The dramatic end to their relationship became one of the quickest post-show splits in recent Bachelor Nation history, cementing Erich's reputation as a figure entangled in controversy.
What Happened Next? Erich Schwer's Current Life and New Romance
Since his dramatic exit from the spotlight of Bachelor Nation, Erich Schwer has focused on rebuilding his life and moving forward. While he maintains a presence on social media, his career trajectory has shifted from a traditional real estate analyst role to leveraging his reality TV fame as an influencer and personality.
Finding Love with Elizabeth Turner
The most significant update in Erich’s personal life came on Valentine's Day following his breakup with Gabby. In a move that surprised many fans, Erich confirmed he was dating model and social media influencer Elizabeth Turner. He posted a photo of the two on his Instagram, making their relationship public and signaling a definitive end to his time mourning the relationship with Gabby. The couple has since shared glimpses of their life together, traveling and attending events, suggesting a much more stable and private romance than his previous high-profile engagement. This new relationship with a fellow influencer has allowed Schwer to remain relevant in the entertainment sphere without the intense scrutiny of the Bachelor franchise machine.
Erich's Post-Show Evolution
Erich has largely stayed out of the Bachelor Nation reunion circuit, choosing instead to focus on his own brand. While he has not returned to a full-time real estate role, he continues to work on personal projects and collaborations that align with his new public persona. His story serves as a prime example of how contestants can pivot their careers after a reality television stint, even one marred by significant controversy. His focus on self-improvement and his new, seemingly drama-free relationship have been key to his public rehabilitation.
The Other Erics of Bachelor Nation: A Look Back
To fully appreciate the legacy of "Eric on The Bachelorette," it is essential to remember the two other prominent figures who shared the name, each leaving a unique and lasting impact on the show's history, boosting the topical authority of the keyword.
Eric Bigger (Season 13 - Rachel Lindsay)
Eric Bigger was a contestant on Season 13, competing for the heart of the franchise's first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay. A personal trainer, motivational speaker, and author from Baltimore, Bigger was known for his positive attitude and deep, emotional conversations. He made it all the way to the final three, being eliminated after the fantasy suite dates, but his journey was celebrated as one of personal growth and inspiration. Post-show, Eric has continued his work as a motivational speaker and life coach, often reflecting on how his time on the show helped him break through emotional barriers and become a better version of himself.
Eric Hill (Season 10 - Andi Dorfman)
The story of Eric Hill remains one of the most tragic events in Bachelor Nation history. He was a contestant on Season 10, starring Andi Dorfman. Before his season even aired, Eric was involved in a severe paragliding accident in April 2014 and tragically passed away from his injuries. Eric had already been eliminated from the show before his death, but the season was dedicated to his memory. His passing was a shocking reminder of the real lives and risks outside the bubble of reality television, and the franchise paid tribute to him throughout the season.
The name "Eric" on The Bachelorette represents a spectrum of experiences—from the tragic loss of Eric Hill and the uplifting journey of Eric Bigger, to the controversial and dramatic saga of Erich Schwer. While Eric Bigger and Eric Hill's stories are now part of the franchise's history, Erich Schwer's post-show life, complete with a broken engagement and a newly public relationship, is the most current and compelling chapter in the ongoing narrative of Bachelor Nation alumni.
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