The executive producers have acknowledged the series' history of racial controversies and promised to prioritize diversity and inclusion in future seasons.
- Jun 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - The executive producers of ABC's "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" franchises finally address racial issues surrounding the franchise. In an extensive interview with the Los Angeles Times, executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner have acknowledged the series' history of racial controversies and promised to prioritize diversity and inclusion in future seasons.
They discussed the franchise's lack of diversity, failure to protect its stars, and inability to address racism on camera. They admitted that casting Matt James as the first black lead in 2020 was insufficient and that his season was mishandled due to their lack of preparation for the racial issues that arose.
Graebner stated, "We let Matt down. That season went wrong on so many levels. We did not protect him as we should have." They further acknowledged that contestant Rachel Nance's experience with online racism after her Hometown episode was another missed opportunity to address the issue directly.
Freeland said, "Our intention was to bring light toward what Rachel was going through. But we have to do better." The producers acknowledged that they have fallen short in the past but are committed to making progress.
"We're not always going to get it right," Graebner added. "We're going to make mistakes as we move forward. But we're not going to shy away from difficult conversations."
The producers also promised to cast another Black Bachelor in the near future and expressed their hope that the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," featuring the franchise's first Asian lead, Jenn Tran, will be a positive step towards increased representation. However, they acknowledged that there is still a lack of Asian representation among the male contestants.
"That's on us. We didn't do what we needed to do," Graebner admitted. "Our hope is that they will see Jenn and realize this is a safe space."
The producers emphasized that they are committed to making "The Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" more inclusive and welcoming to all viewers, regardless of race or background.
