Matt James, first Black 'Bachelor,' says racism controversy surrounding show is 'devastating'

James, who is leading the show's 25th season, said a recent incident involving photos of a female contestant at an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018 and Harrison's defense of her are a"clear reflection of a much larger issue that the Bachelor franchise has fallen short on addressing adequately for years."

"This moment has sparked critical conversation and reporting, raised important questions, and resulted in inspiring displays of solidarity from The Bachelor nation," James said."It has also pushed me to reevaluate and process what my experience on The Bachelor represents, not just for me, but for all of the contestants of color, especially the Black contestants of this season and seasons past, and for you, the viewers at home.

"At one point, I didn't recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn't excuse them," she said."My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not acceptable or okay in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist."Harrison, who has hosted the show since it began in 2002, defended Kirkconnell in an interview on"Extra" with former"Bachelorette" Rachel Lindsay, the first Black woman to lead the show.

Harrison has issued two apologies and said he would step down from the show's reunion,"After the Final Rose."

NBCBLK Please’. Give me a break, it’s not all about sex but more about compatibility

NBCBLK Nothing a couple of nights in the Boom Boom room can't fix.

NBCBLK Maybe what he should have done is thank the person that brought this notoriety to him for nothing more than being Tyler’s friend.

NBCBLK It was fine while he participated on the show but now he’s devastated. Cut me a break. Matt just go away

NBCBLK This is so ludicrous. I say cancel the show, but not for this STUPID reason. Make another reality show called Fragile Black. White people tip toe around ultra sensitve black people. Whoever can exist without hurting a feeling wins exemption from reparation payment.

NBCBLK It’s a reality show these people have no actual talent on and off camera. Just because black people think everything is racist this interview is pointless

NBCBLK 🖕🏾

NBCBLK

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