Bachelor Nation Is Calling for More Diversity Within the Franchise

Bachelor nation and alumni are demanding anti-racism that has been with the franchise for over 18 years.

The news comes after the newest installment of the franchise The Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons-Ever! premiered on Monday.

The campaign centers around holding the franchise accountable for diversity and anti-racism. Starting with a petition to cast a Black lead for season 25 of The Bachelor. The petition also features 13 calls to action, including casting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People Of Color) for at least 35 % of contestants, equal screen time to BIPOC constants, condemning racism and paying attention to stereotypes.

Out of 40 seasons, there has only been one Black lead cast in The Bachelor franchise, and that was Rachel Lindsay as The Bachelorette. Lindsay has been outspoken about the franchise’s lack of diversity and says she will not return to the franchise if it did not address its issues with race.

The former Bachelorette also wrote in her blog, Honestly Rach, that she doesn’t see how she can be fully supportive of a show that doesn’t have the same values as her and many Americans. Several cast members have shared the petitions to their own social media platforms including, Tyler Cameron, Nick Viall, and Nicole Lopez-Alvar.

Thank you, @bachdiversity. Diversifying the cast diversifies the audience, which creates a community with open doors — one that invites viewers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, & ages to experience @BachelorABC, and to even apply themselves. #BIPOCBachelor https://t.co/Ul2F5WMbgV

— Nicole Lopez-Alvar (@nicolelovar) June 8, 2020

As of now, ABC has not commented on the petition. If you’re interested in signing the petition, click the link here.