Colton Underwood Explains PPP Loans While Distancing from 'Bachelor' Franchise

Colton Underwood found himself in his first post-coming out controversy when he found himself explaining "COVID-era loans from the federal government specifically designated to help keep businesses afloat during the pandemic," reports People Magazine.

According to data retrieved by ProRepublica, the former Bachelor and "several Bachelor alums received PPP loans given to small business owners to fund payroll costs and benefits amid the coronavirus pandemic," writes E! Online.

Underwood's loan wasn't for him personally, but his Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation – a nonprofit that supports people living with cystic fibrosis – did pick up an $11,355 loan, according to E! Online.

"Let me save you the clickbait headline," wrote Underwood on his Instagram Stories on June 28. "My nonprofit filed for a PPP because we cancelled our charity events for this year. We help people living with CF. I don't make a dime from my nonprofit...please stop lumping me in with the bachelor. I don't f--k with them anymore, they don't f--k with me. Point blank. Thanks."

Underwood also took the moment to distance himself from the "Bachelor" franchise. "Please stop lumping me in with the bachelor,' the 29-year-old added. 'I don't f*** with them anymore, they don't f*** with me. Point blank. Thanks."

"The message came a day after it emerged Colton, along with Bachelor vets Tayshia Adams, Arie Luyendyk Jr. and his wife Lauren Burnham, were among stars of the hit ABC franchise to receive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of more than $20K earmarked for small businesses during pandemic shutdown," the Daily Mail noted.

Underwood has been trending since he came out during an April appearance on "Good Morning America," making him the first Bachelor to do so.

In addition to his coming out, it was announced that Netflix will film a reality series about Underwood's life after the coming-out moment alongside his friend, Olympian Gus Kenworthy, who will serve as his mentor to LGBTQ culture. Most recently, Underwood and Kenworth filmed together during their trip to Provincetown earlier this month. Underwood was also recently spotted vacationing in Mexico with "Hacks" hunk Johnny Sibilly.