We are a diverse group of fans who united in a Bachelor fan group with the shared mission to increase BIPOC representation within the Bachelor franchise. We have become disillusioned by the lack of representation of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (“BIPOC”), particularly in lead roles and other featured storylines.
We are calling for greater racial diversity in the Bachelor franchise. ABC and Warner Bros. have been producing Bachelor content for 18 years. During that time they’ve cast 40 season leads, yet only one Black lead. This is unacceptable. As creators of one of the most popular and influential franchises on television, ABC and Warner Bros. have an opportunity and responsibility to feature Black, Indigenous, People of Color (“BIPOC”) relationships, families, and storylines. The franchise, and all those who represent it, should reflect and honor the racial diversity of our country--both in front of and behind the camera.
We recognize this as the ideal moment to call for anti-racism in the Bachelor franchise.
Representation matters and is one of the most important ways our country can embrace diversity and evolve. We will use our power as viewers and fans to hold ABC and Warner Bros. accountable and demand they use their platform in a more thoughtful, race-conscious, and socially responsible way.
Support for Black lives must extend beyond symbolic gestures and singular events. Demonstrations are important, but our commitment to anti-racism must also manifest in our everyday spaces and pursuits. In a country where Black lives aren’t valued, we want the franchise we love to show that they are. The Bachelor franchise must recognize that we, as fans, value diversity. To not respond in this moment would be remiss.
Black lives matter. Black love matters. Black stories matter. Black representation matters.
We are not promoting a boycott at this time. We believe the members of Bachelor Nation and others who support anti-racism can impact positive change by signing and supporting our petition and viewer pledge. By calling on ABC and Warner Bros. to take actionable steps toward meaningful diversity and representation and, as members, pledging to be more thoughtful about our own role, we hope to mold the show we love into one we can all unequivocally support.
We sincerely recognize and celebrate the diversity of casting Juan Pablo Galavis, JoJo Fletcher, and Peter Weber as Bachelor franchise leads. Looking forward, we urge ABC and Warner Bros. to build upon this and further diversify casting for the Bachelor franchise.