Written by @kristenshylin_
“Bachelorette” alum Mike Johnson slammed the franchise for its lack of diversity in a new interview with Variety.
Johnson said the franchise’s diversity efforts were “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,” Johnson said.
The star, who is also a first-time author of “Making the Love You Want,” said he wants the show to be a representation of America.
“I want ‘The Bachelor’ to be a representation of America,” he said.” It’s supposed to be about love, and love comes in all forms and colors — not just White America.”
Johnson also expressed how he was not impressed with the producer’s timing for announcing their first black “Bachelor,” Matt James, and the prospect second Black “Bachelorette” Tayshia Adams.
The reality TV star criticized the fact it took the series several petitions to seek change.
“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,” he said.
Johnson said he would also like to see more diversity within the cast and up the executive ladder.
Appearing on Season 15 of “The Bachelorette” and on “Bachelor In Paradise,” Johnson was a fan favorite on the show. Supporters campaigned for him to be the first Black Bachelor, but it never happened.
