Calls to cancel ‘The Bachelorette’ surge after Jane Tran endures controversial ratings shift

New York City, New York: Revisiting her proposal to ex-fiancé Devin Strader in ‘The Bachelorette’ season 21 finale left Jane Tran in tears on the September 3 episode. This raises the question of whether a reality dating show should be allowed to continue if they are forced to watch a proposal after a breakup just for TRPs.

In the episode airing Tuesday, September 3, viewers discover that Jane unexpectedly proposed to Devin. The engagement at the end was shown with Jen and Devin sitting awkwardly next to each other, although host Jesse Palmer had previously hinted that they would not broadcast the proposal because Devin had broken up with Jen.

Jane Tran breaks down during ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 finale (@abc)

In the scenario, Jane puts a ring on Devin’s finger after he says yes. Devin responded by getting down on one knee and opening the box containing his Neil Lane ring.

The couple embrace and share a beautiful kiss. During the Live After the Final Rose episode, Jen reminisced, “It was the happiest day of my life” and said she “doesn’t regret” proposing to Devin, who she was with in Hawaii.

“That man no longer exists.” Jen revealed earlier in the evening that Devin had called her off their engagement about a month ago.

Jane, the ABC lead, was seen fighting back tears and struggling to breathe between each sentence as she told the live-studio audience. While it broke the hearts of many around her, including several Bachelor Nation alumni (Rachel Recchia was seen wiping away tears and Jen’s entire family sat awkwardly in the audience), it also touched the millions of people like us who watched Jen. We proposed again in front of the TV, only this time her ex—whom she claims ghosted her after the engagement—was next to her on the couch.

So, what was its purpose? A spectacular proposal after a heartbreaking break-up may boost TRPs for a reality TV program, but it’s not the most ethical thing for producers to do.

Rachel Recchia Was Spotted Crying During ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Finale (@abc)

Why did Devin Strader and ‘The Bachelorette’ Jane Tran break up?

Jen reported that Devin expressed his regrets about the engagement, saying, “He basically said he didn’t love me anymore and didn’t feel the same way. He was checked out. It wasn’t what he wanted anymore.”

Although Jane said she pushed for their relationship, she claimed Devin refused to seek couples counseling.

“We left Hawaii,” Jane added tearfully. “I thought I had found someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Things were different when I left Hawaii.”

‘The Bachelorette’ star Devin Strader breaks up with fiancee Jane Tran (ABC/@johnfleenor)

Jane Tran calls out Devin Strader for clubbing and follows ‘The Bachelor’ co-star’s breakup

Jen questioned why Devin started following ‘The Bachelor’ Season 28 contestant Mariah Georgas on Instagram the morning of their breakup, among other allegations Jen made during their reunion. She also said that after their breakup, she went “clubbing” with Jeremy Simmons, another Season 21 contestant.

‘The Bachelorette’ star Devin Strader accused of clubbing after breakup with Jane Tran (@abc).

Devin Strader Had ‘Doubts’ About Jane Tran After ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Engagement

Devin began to laugh uncomfortably during the exchange. “I was sadly late in letting you know,” he said, adding that he “suspected a lot” following the show.

“I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.” He shot back, “I wanted to have a family with you, and you didn’t see those things. You told my mom you knew what it was like to be abandoned and you never wanted to do that to me.”

‘The Bachelorette’ star Devin Strader had doubts about his fiancée Jane Tran (Instagram/@bacheloretteabc)

Stream ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 on ABC