Fleur Verhoeven says 'leave Jordan alone'

Fleur defends Jordan after public outcry. / Scout

The Bachelor winner Fleur Verhoeven has released another statement following her split from Jordan Mauger - this time in an attempt to go into damage control and defend him from the public backlash and media scrutiny he is copping.

She writes: "The last two days have been an emotional roller coaster. I have felt loved by the extreme outpouring of support from people all over the country and I want to say 'Thank you!' to every single one of you from the bottom of my heart.

I cannot begin to explain how overwhelmed I am by it all and put into words how much it means.

However, I am feeling physically ill by how badly Jordan and his family are being treated. They have been verbally abused and sent threats, all of which is completely distressing to them.

Can we for one moment step back and think, maybe the way Jordan has been portrayed over the last few days isn’t completely accurate. Maybe what we see and hear isn’t always 100% true?!

During the weeks after the show both Jordan and I noticed a change between the two of us and although I hoped that this was part of the process and something we could work through, Jordan told me in a very respectful way that he believed it was fair to go our separate ways because I deserved someone who could give himself to me 100%.

What went on between the two of us is something only we know. New Zealand wasn’t in the room when I hugged him and thanked him for being honest and respectful. No one would know we are still in contact and supporting each other – as friends – through this.

To conclude this statement I want to say that I do not have any ill feelings towards Jordan and the last thing I want is for him and his family to be treated the way they are.

Because as someone who knows him on a personal level, I know that he does not deserve this and the way he has is being portrayed is not the guy I developed feelings for.

I don’t want to discredit any of the support I have been receiving, because it has meant the world to me, but I ask you to please step back and to focus on what is real and important in our world.Of course I would have loved for the outcome to be different and to have explored a possible relationship with Jordan, but I am also very grateful for his honesty and integrity and feel we both deserve your support."