The Bachelor franchise, a longstanding titan of reality TV, has reached a point where a significant overhaul seems unavoidable. Once celebrated for delivering fairytale romances and heartwarming connections, the series now faces mounting backlash over its handling of contestants and leads. Recent controversies, including the treatment of The Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner, have highlighted deeper issues within the production, casting doubt on whether the franchise can regain the trust of its viewers.
The Golden Bachelor Scandal: Gerry Turner’s Tarnished Reputation
Season 1 of The Golden Bachelor introduced viewers to Gerry Turner, a widower whose journey for love seemed poised to offer a fresh, heartfelt narrative. However, behind the polished image presented to audiences, cracks began to show. Producers packaged Gerry with a “perfect widower” backstory, omitting details of relationships he had pursued after his wife’s passing in 2017. This misrepresentation painted him as unfailingly loyal, but when the truth emerged, Gerry bore the brunt of public scrutiny.
Criticism intensified throughout 2024, as media outlets dissected Gerry’s story and questioned his integrity. Later in the year, Gerry disclosed his battle with cancer, casting light on how the franchise had manipulated his persona to suit their narrative. Instead of taking accountability for crafting a misleading image, producers seemingly positioned Gerry as a scapegoat in case of controversy. The fallout left viewers questioning the ethics behind the show’s production choices.
A Pattern of Controversy Across the Franchise
Gerry’s experience isn’t the only blemish on the franchise’s recent history. The Bachelorette season 21, starring Jenn Tran—the first Asian American lead—was marred by significant missteps. Though Jenn’s cultural heritage was celebrated in promotional materials, the casting process raised eyebrows. Many of the men appeared disinterested in Jenn, a glaring issue compounded by the selection of her eventual winner, Devin Strader, whose violent past came to light after the show aired.
The issues weren’t limited to The Bachelorette. During The Golden Bachelorette season 1, Joan Vassos’ cast included not one but two contestants with restraining orders in their pasts. While one of these men, Gil Ramirez, was eliminated early, another finalist, Guy Gansert, remained in contention despite concerns. These repeated lapses in background checks underscore a troubling lack of diligence, leaving many to wonder if the safety and well-being of contestants and leads are priorities for the production team.
Accountability and Change: A Missed Opportunity
Over the years, the franchise has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and repeated failures to address systemic issues, including racial insensitivity. Despite public calls for change, The Bachelor producers have done little to demonstrate accountability or implement meaningful reforms. Instead, missteps like poor casting choices and inadequate vetting persist, suggesting a disconnect between the production team and its audience.
With each scandal, the franchise’s credibility erodes further. The lack of transparency and refusal to confront past mistakes have left fans disillusioned. While viewers once tuned in for uplifting stories of love and connection, they now witness a show that appears more concerned with drama and ratings than integrity.
Is The Bachelor Still Safe for Its Stars?
As The Bachelor prepares to debut season 29 with Grant Ellis as the lead, questions remain about whether the franchise is a safe space for its participants. From mishandling its leads’ narratives to casting contestants with questionable pasts, the show has demonstrated a pattern of prioritizing spectacle over the well-being of its stars.
Though there’s potential for behind-the-scenes efforts to improve safety and inclusivity, the franchise’s reluctance to communicate these changes leaves much to be desired. Without a complete overhaul of its production practices, casting process, and approach to accountability, The Bachelor risks alienating its audience and jeopardizing its future.
