Rachel Lindsay, the first Black lead of The Bachelor franchise, expressed her excitement and support for Jenn Tran, the show’s first Asian-American Bachelorette. Lindsay hopes that viewers will embrace Tran and allow her to authentically represent herself as an Asian woman. Lindsay, who has had a tumultuous relationship with the franchise, especially after an interview with former host Chris Harrison, has since distanced herself from The Bachelor universe. She no longer wants to be a figurehead for diversity in the franchise and has prioritized stepping back and enjoying the progress made.
After facing harassment and deactivating her Instagram following the Harrison interview, Lindsay received support from other Bachelor Nation stars. Harrison himself apologized for his comments and ultimately left the franchise in June 2021. Lindsay’s participation in Bachelor-related events decreased, especially after announcing her divorce from Bachelorette winner Bryan Abasolo. Despite leaving the franchise behind, Lindsay continues to advocate for diversity within The Bachelor and is supportive of Tran’s historic role as the first Asian-American lead.
Jenn Tran, the newly announced Bachelorette, expressed her gratitude and honor in becoming the show’s first Asian American lead during The Bachelor season 28 finale. Tran emphasized the importance of representation on TV, stating that she always felt boxed in by stereotypes whenever Asians were portrayed in the media as supporting characters. Tran’s casting was met with surprise by fans, as many expected other contestants like Joey Graziadei’s Bachelor runner-up, Daisy Kent, to fill the role. Kent, however, revealed during the After the Final Rose special that she turned down the offer.
Tran’s casting signifies a shift towards more diverse representation within Bachelor Nation. She has been vocal about the lack of Asian representation on TV and the importance of accurate media portrayal to combat cultural ignorance. Tran called out The Bachelor’s official Instagram account for wrongfully tagging another Asian contestant in a photo, highlighting the need for continued accountability and learning. With Tran’s casting, she hopes to break away from stereotypes and fulfill a leading role, providing young Asian girls with someone they can see themselves reflected in on screen. The excitement surrounding her historic role as the first Asian-American Bachelorette signals a positive step towards greater inclusivity within the franchise.
