Alumni and fans of ABC’s popular The Bachelor franchise are calling for increased diversity in the show’s contestants amid the unrest that followed the police killing of George Floyd.
USA Today reports the Bachelor Diversity Campaign launched Monday by 10 viewers who connected through a Facebook fan page to push the franchise to diversify its lineup and “consistently cash BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of color).”
The franchise has cast only one black lead in its 40 seasons of its foremost two shows. The campaign has launched a petition advocating for anti-racism in The Bachelor franchise.
“@ABCNetwork and @Fleissmeister you say you stand with the Black community—now take ACTION! 40 seasons is long enough. IT’S TIME. Show us you’re anti-racist and cast a #BIPOCBachelor for Season 25. #BachelorSoWhite,” the campaign’s account tweeted on Monday.
@ABCNetwork and @Fleissmeister you say you stand with the Black community—now take ACTION! 40 seasons is long enough. IT’S TIME. Show us you’re anti-racist and cast a #BIPOCBachelor for Season 25. #BachelorSoWhite Sign our petition: https://t.co/74rezGjrMr
— Bachelor Diversity Campaign (@bachdiversity) June 8, 2020
The petition asks the franchise to cast a black bachelor in its 25th season, cast 35% BIPOC contestants, give equal screen time to BIPOC contestants, support them with mental health resources, and hire a diversity consultant among other demands.
“Representation matters, and it is one of the most important ways our country can embrace its diversity and evolve,” read a statement from the group. “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. It’s time that ABC, Mike Fleiss, and Warner Bros. take demonstrable action to address the inequalities in casting, screen time, and employment of minority groups.”
Protests following Floyd’s death pushed police brutality and systemic racism at the forefront of the national conversation. Police reform efforts, as well as ways to combat racism, have been at the center of debate in multiple cities.
Floyd, who is black, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes despite pleas he couldn’t breathe. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with second-degree murder while three other officers involved with Floyd’s detainment were charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.
