Gabby Windey Addresses Leaked Text Messages From “Bachelorette” Winner Erich Schwer

Just days before “The Bachelorette” finale aired, one of Erich Schwer’s ex-girlfriends released text messages between her and the “Bachelorette” winner.

Host Jesse Palmer brought up those leaked text messages live on air, and in front of Gabby Windey, Schwer’s now-fiance. The 29-year-old real estate agent from New Jersey took full responsibility for how he handled things with his ex.

Gabby Speaks Out Regarding Leaked Texts From Erich

Gabby Windey was live on stage next to Erich Schwer when he explained what those text messages were, and although she did not say much as it was Schwer’s time to speak, after the live finale ended, Windy did get the opportunity to speak further on the subject.

“I was expecting the text messages,” she told PEOPLE. “He was scared they were going to leak and I’m like, ‘You have to prepare yourself now and tell me the truth.’ And he did, so there’s not really anything I can say or do.”

Windey went on to explain how the two are looking at this as a way to learn and better their relationship. “Ultimately it was a time for us to take a step back and reflect on our relationship and see if we can get through this,” Windey said. “You have to really lead on your communication, be really honest with each other while having these tough conversations. We’re seeing how we can become better from both.”

The 31-year-old ICU nurse expressed how much the two are committed to one another, and both want to put in the hard work to strengthen their relationship. “Our commitment to each other is there,” she continued to tell PEOPLE. “Now it’s just doing the hard work, which is getting to know each other, more communication, really strengthening those building blocks before we get to the altar.”

Gabby Windey is currently competing on “Dancing With the Stars,” so fans can expect to see Schwer cheering her on in the ballroom.

What Did Those Leaked Text Messages Say?

A few days ago, just before the “Bachelorette” finale aired, Schwer’s ex-girlfriend released text messages between her and Schwer, trying to expose the 29-year-old real estate agent.

An Instagram account, @Bachelornation.scoop, got hold of the text messages showing conversations he had with her just before he left to film.

The woman, who is named Amanda is Schwer’s ex-girlfriend, said she believed the 29-year-old real-estate agent was her forever, but then it all changed when he told her that he had been cast on “The Bachelorette”.

The text messages show Schwer asking the woman to wait for him until he got back as he wanted to do the show for new career opportunities.

Most recently, Schwer texted Amanda again in July, to which he said “I am so sorry Amanda, what I did was terrible, I don’t expect you to ever forgive me. I just want you to know I think about you all the time and you really deserve the best. I won’t ever forgive myself I hope find happiness and everything you deserve.”

Host Jesse Palmer brought up the text messages on the live “Bachelorette” finale, to which Schwer explained everything.

“I was taking the cowardly way out [with my ex],” he began. “I led this girl on and used the show as an excuse to not confront her about our relationship. I didn’t see a future, but we were having fun, and it was easy to have fun instead of making the hard decision to tell her it wasn’t long term. I think this is all a testament to me being the last person ever expected to be on this show. I came into this just hoping to make it past night one and see what happens. I’d watched one episode before I came on and was just figuring it out as I got there.”

As Schwer explained, Windey sat by his side, with her hand on his leg, showing him the support he needed.