Matt James simply delivered some of the poignant public statements we’ve learn but in regards to the ongoing controversy surrounding his season of The Bachelor.
As you’ll recall, the previous school soccer star’s activate the hit actuality TV present has been marred by a collection of racist controversies, together with contestant Rachael Kirkconnell‘s troubling outdated fraternity formal pics and host Chris Harrison‘s contentious interview with Rachel Lindsay about it and later depart of absence.
Associated: Rachel Lindsay And Her Husband Each Communicate Out After Harrison’s Departure!
Now, after greater than every week of silence on the matter, Matt got here ahead with a public assertion posted to his Instagram account on Monday evening, and we’ve gotta say — it hits precisely the appropriate tone.
Writing to the general public and addressing his followers and the present’s viewers, the North Carolina native wrote partly (under):
“The previous few weeks have been among the most difficult of my life, and whereas there are a number of episodes left of the season, it can be crucial that I take the time to deal with the troubling data that has come to gentle since we wrapped filming, together with the extremely disappointing images of Rachael Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison. The truth is that I’m studying about these conditions in actual time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking, to place it bluntly.”
On a roll, he continued from there:
“Chris’ failure to obtain and perceive the emotional labor that my pal Rachel Lindsay was taking up by graciously and patiently explaining the racist historical past of the Antebellum South, a painful historical past that each American ought to perceive intimately, was troubling and painful to observe. As Black folks and allies instantly knew and understood, it was a transparent reflection of a a lot bigger challenge that the Bachelor franchise has fallen brief on addressing adequately for years.”
Very true! And excellent of Matt to name it out!
He summed issues up by concluding with an important message of all (under):
“This second has sparked essential conversations and reporting, raised necessary questions, and resulted in inspiring shows of solidarity from the Bachelor Nation. It has additionally pushed me to re-evaluate and course of what my expertise on The Bachelor represents, not only for me, however for all the contestants of colour, particularly the Black contestants of this season and seasons previous, and for you, the viewers at dwelling. I’ll proceed to course of this expertise, and you’ll hear extra from me ultimately. My biggest prayer is that that is an inflection level that leads to actual and institutional change for the higher.”
Wow. You possibly can learn/see the complete factor right here:
Severely effectively stated.
What do U suppose, Perezcious readers? The place do U stand on the place The Bachelor franchise is true now? Definitely a crossroads for it, and for Harrison… can the present’s producers and execs lead it in the appropriate course once more?
Sound OFF together with your tackle Matt’s take, plus all about the way forward for Bachelor Nation, down within the feedback (under)…
[Image via Chris Harrison/Instagram]
