‘Bachelorette’ Alum Mike Johnson Slams Franchise Over ‘Atrocious’ Diversity Efforts
‘Bachelorette‘ alum and fan-favorite Mike Johnson is slamming the successful franchise over its “atrocious” diversity efforts. Speaking with Variety, Johnson criticized the lack of diversity among the 25 seasons of the show.
While the next season of ‘The Bachelor‘ is set to feature its first Black star, Matt James, Johnson, who appeared on season 15 of ‘The Bachelorette‘ and “Bachelor In Paradise,’ responds to the franchise finally featuring a Black Bachelor. He says, “It’s atrocious. There have been numerous, wonderful Black and indigenous people of color that could have been cast in the lead roles, and for the franchise to not to do that, it’s just terrible.”
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He adds, “It should not have taken an outcry from the fans, who I absolutely adore — that was a clear sign that there is power in numbers, so I love the fans who signed petitions and things like that, but it shouldn’t have taken that. I hope that they do listen. And I hope that it’s not just the leads and contestants, but people in charge should also be diverse, as well.”
Speaking on James leading the next season of ‘The Bachelor,’ he shares, “I am happy that it’s Matt. I’m not sure how Matt went from being a contestant to being a lead, but I thought that was pretty dope, and I texted Matt to congratulate him and called him.”
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