‘The Bachelor’ Producers Acknowledge Racism in the Franchise, Say They ‘Did Not Protect’ First Black Bachelor Matt James
variety.comSelena Kuznikov After seasons of silence, the executive producers of ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” franchise have addressed the history of racism surrounding the reality dating series in an extensive interview with the L.A.
Times. Executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner discussed (among many things) the franchise’s lack of diversity and inclusion, the show’s failure to protect the stars of its series and the inability to create a space to discuss and actually use the word “racism” in context on-camera.
This conversation happened just days before the July 8 premiere of the newest season of “The Bachelorette” (which cast Jenn Tran, the first Asian woman to spearhead the show). “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,” Graebner said. “We didn’t have a Black lead in this franchise for 15 years, and that’s inexcusable.
It created a vicious cycle, and it’s taken a lot of work to get back to a place where we feel at least we’re working for the positive.” The producers admitted they were disappointed in how the series handled Matt James’ season in particular.
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