Throughout the run of Bachelor and Bachelorette history, seven contestants already had significant others while they were on the show. They should not have been allowed on the show if they had significant others because the whole point of the show is to connect with someone and eventually marry that person, though there aren’t many success stories. It’s also extremely disrespectful to their partners for the contestants to go on the show while they are in a committed relationship.
The 28th season of The Bachelor was the season of the first Black bachelor. During this season, one of the contestants became controversial because of some racist social media posts. Opinion was divided over whether the controversy was justified, over blown or not discussed enough.
Fortunately, she did take accountability for her posts and went as far as telling fans not to defend her racist photos. She and her fiancé went through a rough patch but ultimately found their way back to each other. This was a semi positive instance where this bachelorette did take accountability for her actions. But this could have been a far worse situation for everyone involved had she not done so. Because of this, they need to question contestants on their preferences more intensely and be certain that they are open to dating outside of their race.
A contestant during this past season of the Bachelorette was accused of assaulting multiple women. The bachelorette’s brother was warned by his exes because they were worried for her. He has also been accused of shooting dogs while he was in the military.
However, he has not been convicted of any of these crimes so far. It still bothers me that the producers never addressed anything. It is extremely concerning that vital information could slip through the cracks.
Either a statement of “we don’t condone these behaviors and will be more selective next time,” or “upon further investigation these claims are unfounded,” would have proven they either acknowledged their mistake or knew the bachelorette was safe.
The Bachelor franchise needs a better screening process when selecting contestants.
The significant others problem isn’t a threat to anyone’s safety but it destroys the point of the franchise to go on and find love while they proceed to disrespect their current partner.
The contestant with the racist past resolved her issue and her fiancé has forgiven her. But if this constant was still racist she could’ve been a potential threat to that bachelor.
This current issue could’ve potentially put this past season’s bachelorette in an unsafe position during the show, and she didn’t sign up for that.
Whether you love or you hate the Bachelor franchise, keep in mind this is a reality show. Meaning yes, it is scripted to some extent but the contestants and bachelors/bachelorettes are real people who could’ve been harmed in these situations because of careless mistakes made by people who were supposed to look out for their safety.
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