Not a match: ‘The Bachelorette’ fans slam ABC for not featuring enough Asian men on Jane Tran’s season
Santa Susanna, California: In the 2024 TV lineup, ‘The Bachelorette’ returns to ABC for Season 21, starring Jane Tran as the lead in her search for love. Notably, Jane Tran marked a historic moment as the first Asian American lead on Bachelor Nation—a franchise historically criticized for its lack of diversity.
However, fans were disappointed with the season 21 debut, expressing widespread displeasure over the continued lack of Asian representation, particularly regarding Asian men during Jane Tran’s spotlight.
Fans express displeasure over lack of Asian representation on ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 (@abc/@johnfleenor)
Daisy Kent Leaving ‘The Bachelorette’ May Lead to Less Diverse Cast for Jane Tran
During the casting process for ‘The Bachelorette’, ABC executives reportedly also considered Daisy Kent. However, they ultimately chose to cast Jane for the current season. Daisy eventually left the show, recently revealing that she believed leading The Bachelorette would not be conducive to her well-being.
“There’s a reason,” the Bachelor runner-up clarified on ‘The Vial Files.’ “So, one, my health is one aspect of it. And like, I knew as chief, it’s a lot on you. Not just mentally, but physically as well.”
On Reddit, one fan wrote, “These guys were so cast for Daisy before the producers switched her for Jane 😭 it’s the vibe/style.” Another fan added, “Oh man that sure is a man after Dai.”
One fan said, “They were probably for Daisy because I don’t think Mariah has dated that kind of white. Her ex is half-Chinese, tatted all over and their Toronto crew of homes are very diverse, fashionable and city boys.”
Another fan added, “Do we think this team is picked for potential Daisy or Mariah or whoever? Or do they pick a contestant before leading up to the next season? I’m really curious!! Because I know they’re pitching for you. Do I need all the tea in the process of my choice?
Daisy Kent Turns Down ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 (@abc)
Jane Tran upset over lack of diversity in ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 cast
A few days before her Monday, July 8 debut, Jane discussed the lack of Asian presence in an interview with Glamor , saying, “I can’t really speak to the casting process and the decisions that were made, but it’s unfortunate that there wasn’t” this season. A lot of Asian men.”
He added, “Asian men haven’t always seen themselves in this position, and I’m hoping that I’m here and Thomas N is there, that we can both inspire other Asian men that they can be in this position if they can do it too. That it will motivate them.”
‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Jane Tran recently discussed the lack of Asian representation on the show (@abc/@johnfleenor)
Thomas Nguyen Proudly Shows off His Vietnamese Heritage on ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21
According to his ABC profile, Thomas Nguyen, one of the men competing to propose to Jane on ‘The Bachelor,’ comes from a large Vietnamese family and is proud of his heritage and cultural roots. As a retirement advisor, he finds fulfillment in community service and is eager to find a loving wife to build a future family with.
‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 star Thomas Nguyen works as a retirement counselor (Instagram/the_thomaswin)
‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 airs Mondays at 8pm ET/PT on ABC. Hulu’s next-day streaming is available Tuesday.