‘Bachelorette’ Rachel Lindsay calls out the show for lack of diversity
Reunited and it feels so good? Not quite for former “The Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay.
When Chris Harrison and ABC brought together 12 of the past 14 Bachelorettes for an upcoming reunion special, Lindsay said she felt “sad” because of the show’s continued lack of diversity.
“It was sad for me to look around the room and [see that] no one else looked like me,” Lindsay told Us Weekly. “It was sad for me to be the sole representation for women of color.”
In 2017, Lindsay became the first black woman to star as the franchise’s lead in Season 13 – and has remained the only one since.
The popular dating show has been on the air for 15 seasons, and 14 out of the 15 leading women have been white.
ABC told USA TODAY it has no comment on Lindsay’s statements.
Despite her feelings about the show’s ongoing diversity issues, Lindsay, 34, said she enjoyed getting to hear the stories from her counterparts about the evolution of the show.
The lawyer and ESPN host said that she values the insight from all of the women on the show.
“These were women who were open to a new experience and open to love,” Lindsay said. “I loved hearing their invaluable insight.”
Lindsay is preparing to tie the knot in August with season winner and fiance Bryan Abasolo.
Anika Reed, USA TODAY
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