Season 21 of The Bachelorette made history on Monday, not just for its milestone casting but also for the drama that followed.
Jenn Tran, the franchise’s first Asian-American lead, sought guidance from former show lead Michelle Young to navigate potential backlash. In an interview with E! News, Jenn shared, I really wanted a perspective from a person of color and just get to know what her experience was like and where to kind of go with it,
reflecting on Michelle’s advice.
The reaction to her casting wasn’t all positive. Michelle guided Jenn through handling criticism and racism, encouraging her to stay strong-willed. Michelle’s exact words were, There are gonna be haters out there, there’s gonna be racism out there, but know that you’re doing it for a reason and be strong-willed.
Jenn elaborated on their similar motivations: We’re both in the same mindset in that we both want to keep making change happen. And if we’re the people who are spearheading that, then all the better.
Breaking New Ground
Jenn, accustomed to high stakes from competing in The Bachelor where she was eliminated by Joey Graziadei in Season 28’s seventh week, felt tremendous honor in her new role. During After the Final Rose, she expressed her excitement: It’s honestly incredible and I feel so, so grateful and so honored to be the first Asian Bachelorette in this franchise.
The experience also resonated with her on a personal level, addressing long-felt needs for representation: Growing up, I’ve always wanted to see Asian representation on TV. I feel like it was really sparse…I don’t see myself as a main character.
The Path Forward
I am going to lead my own love story. I am going to be the main character in my story. I just can’t help but think of how many people I’m inspiring and how many lives that may change.
The excitement carries over beyond her personal growth into The Bachelorette. Season 21 will not feature the iconic mansion but instead began filming at Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Santa Susana, California. As Jenn mentioned: I think what I’ve been trying to tell myself [is I’m the] first Asian Bachelorette, first PA student, we’re really breaking the mold this season…
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