A previous "Bachelor" lead was shocked at the statement a contestant for rachel lindsay's season of "The Bachelorette" had to say when he met her on live television Monday night. It was a daring comment that definitely got a lot of attention, but maybe not the right kind.
'Bachelorette' contestant already mentions race, Ben not impressed
Ben Higgins reacted to a statement made by one of "The Bachelorette" 2017 contestants who said he was ready to "go black and not go back" when he introduced himself to Rachel. A TMZ reporter caught up with Ben the day after "After the Final Rose" where Rachel met four of her 25 suitors for the upcoming "Bachelorette" season.
He said it struck him as "odd" that the guy said that to Rachel and hopes this isn't a sign that race is going to be an issue on the hit reality series.
"Bachelorette" contestant, Dean, thought he was being cute when he made that comment to Rachel. While she laughed it off, some thought it was strange -- including Ben. Ben said that a lot of contestants want to be "clever and witty," but the statement Dean made stood out as stupid. He said that he's not thinking about whether Rachel will find a black guy, white guy, or Hispanic guy when she falls in love. He said he's just hoping she'll find a great man who appreciates her for the woman she is. He said Dean should have focused on Rachel Lindsay being a wonderful woman, not her color.
How will the upcoming season play out for Rachel?
Rachel Lindsay is the first African-American lead in "The Bachelor" franchise. After years of being criticized for not casting a minority lead, producers felt that it was finally time to make the change. Fans are excited about the prospect of Lindsay finding love on the show.
She made the final three on Nick Viall's "Bachelor" season before he picked Vanessa Grimaldi in the end.
Rachel said she was nervous meeting her first four suitors, but she handled it like a pro. Perhaps her work as an attorney helps her to cope with daunting situations.
"The Bachelorette" 2017 premieres Monday, May 22 on ABC at 8 p.m., ET/PT.
