The hotly anticipated Season 19 of The Bachelorette aired tonight, and while Rachel Reccia and Gabbey Windey are at the helm this year, former Bachelor Clayton Echard has received a considerable amount of air time.

The season kicked off with dual Bachelorettes Rachel and Gabby – who were left heartbroken on Clayton’s season of the Bachelor when he chose Suzie – meeting their 32 suitors.

During the introductions, there were plenty of digs at Clayton, but things hit a new level with one of the men vying for the women’s heart, Alec, who brought out a children’s choir who proceeded to sing “Clayton sucks”.

Fortunately, Clayton managed to make light of the situation. The former ‘Bachelor’ replied to a tweet by Bachelor buff Reality Steve that read, “Yeah I’m sure Clayton, who has admittedly struggled with his mental health since the show, is really appreciative of the production team teaching a child choir group to sing “Clayton Sucks.””

Clayton simply responded, “It’s not personal, it’s business.” Clayton’s girlfriend, and the woman who received his final rose, also poked fun at the song.

You can watch the bizarre clip below:

“I want [Susie] and [Clayton] to do a TikTok to this “Clayton Sucks” song. Iconic,” a fan wrote, and Susie commented, “On it”.

Clayton wasn’t the only former lead to weigh in on the slander dished his way. Katie Thurston, who helmed season 17 of ‘The Bachelorette’ shared her distaste for the jab.

“I’m actually not ok with the Clayton slander at all… disappointing #TheBachelorette” she tweeted, adding: “So much for protecting your lead and their mental health.”

During his season last year, Clayton infamously told his final three – who were made up of Susie and the new two leads, Gabby and Rachel – that he loved them all. When the women found out about it, Gabby tried to leave but Clayton begged her to stay. He ended up choosing Susie and the other two women were distraught.

During the premiere of The Bachelorette today, Gabby and Rachel made it clear that they didn’t want to discuss Clayton.

“These guys keep bringing up Clayton and I think Gabby and I are okay with never hearing Clayton’s name again tonight,” Rachel said during a confessional.

For more on this topic, follow the Film and TV Observer.