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The Bachelor Producers faced a tough question about the franchise’s history with racial issues during an ABC panel at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.
“Why does it seem that The Bachelor Do you find it so difficult to deal with racial issues? And have you learned anything from these past scandals that led to Chris Harrison’s departure? NPR reporter Eric Deggans asked executive producers Bennett Graebner, Jason Erlich and Claire Freeland.
Freeland, who joined the franchise from The Bachelor Canada, last year, took on the task of responding.
“I mean, I can talk about where we are now. “Our goal is to represent the fabric of the country, not just with respect to diversity and ethnicity, but also abilities, body types… I think so far we’re putting our money where our mouth is,” Freeland said. “Hopefully the public will feel it, because it’s something we’re always working on. And we will continue to do so as we move forward.”
However, the journalist who asked the question backtracked a bit, arguing that Freeland hadn’t given an answer as to why the show has problems with conversations and depictions of race, particularly with non-white protagonists.
The rejection was met with silence from the producers, to which Deggans responded, “I guess we have our answer.”
Harrison left the franchise in 2021 after Matt James led the flagship series as the first Black Bachelor. When photos surfaced of James’ favorite Rachael Kirkconnell at an antebellum-themed party, Harrison gaffe during an interview with Rachel Lindsay. High schoolThe first black lead of season 13, suggesting that audiences should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” for Kirkconnell.
Lindsay was unhappy, and neither was Bachelor Nation, and when dozens of former contestants flocked to social media to take her side, calls for Harrison’s ouster intensified. Kirkconnell posted an apology, as did Harrison. But it was not enough. In February, just over a month after the season premiered, Harrison stepped away from the franchise, and in June, he was permanently removed as host.
This is not the only controversy the franchise has faced in recent years. As Deadline reported last year, the showrunners, part of a new regime following the departure of creator Mike Fleiss, have attempted to use the final seasons as a cautious reboot to find their footing again.