‘Bachelor’ Producers Go Silent When Asked About Franchise’s Racial Issues, Journalist Responds: ‘I Guess We Have Our Answer’
Selome Hailu Tensions were high on an ABC panel at the Television Critics Association’s winter 2024 press tour, during which the three showrunners were asked about the racial issues often present in unscripted television. “Bachelor” executive producers Jason Ehrlich, Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner appeared caught off guard when NPR journalist Eric Deggans brought up multiple controversies surrounding the treatment of the franchise’s Black cast members, saying, “During Matt James’ season, you had a controversy that led to Chris Harrison leaving the show.