The team of executive producers from ABC’s The Bachelor recently revealed some of the franchise’s most pressing issues during a panel at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in February. Despite celebrating hits like The Golden Bachelor, questions from National Public Radio’s television critic Eric Deggans disrupted the otherwise positive tone.
Deggans addressed the franchise’s troubled history with race, specifically when it comes to its first two Black leads, Rachel Lindsay and Matt James. His question left executive producer Claire Freeland without a satisfying response. Attempting to move forward, Freeland stated, I can speak to where we are now
, but Deggans continued, highlighting the show’s unresolved racial issues.
An Unsettling Silence
The conversation took an uncomfortable turn when Freeland and fellow producers Bennett Graebner and Jason Ehrlich were questioned about their past handling of race on the show. The prolonged silence that followed was telling. Deggans later wrote about the moment, describing it as the silence that seemed to speak volumes
. This episode further highlighted the franchise’s ongoing struggles with diversity and inclusion.
Troubling Incidents Resurface
Freeland had intended to showcase how the recent seasons became more diverse and fostered discussions on race. However, recent incidents revealed ongoing struggles. Michelle Young from Season 18 of The Bachelorette expressed her dissatisfaction over diversity-related issues during a podcast interview and admitted she considered quitting due to her frustrations with the show’s producers.
Pledge for Change
The producers acknowledged their mistakes and emphasized their commitment to lead the franchise into an inclusive era. Graebner admitted, It’s hard to say out loud, that people of color didn’t see themselves represented, that they did not see ‘The Bachelor’ franchise as a safe place.
A Promising New Lead
The new season of The Bachelorette, starring Jenn Tran as the first Asian lead, brings hope for change. The producers emphasize that everyone deserves love regardless of race or background. They hope the diverse casting can establish credibility and mend some of their past mistakes.
The Continuing Struggles
However, troubling incidents don’t seem to end. During ‘The Women Tell All’ episode from Joey Graziadei’s season, Rachel Nance tearfully recounted receiving hateful messages after her Hometown episode aired. Host Jesse Palmer briefly addressed her trauma before diverting attention away from tackling the inherently racist attacks she endured.
A Promise for Better Representation
Graebner expressed regret over how Matt James’ season was handled, admitting that they failed to protect him adequately. The intention is now to guide future seasons with sensitivity, better resources such as embedded licensed therapists and consultancy on diversity and inclusion.
The producers emphasized their desire for authentic love stories reflective of America’s cultural landscape. Whether these steps will suffice to repair The Bachelor’s tarnished image remains an open question, but they aim to demonstrate that everyone has a right to seek love – both onscreen and off.
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