ABC and Warner Bros. have been producing Bachelor content for 18 years. During that time they’ve cast 40 season leads, yet only one Black lead. This is unacceptable. As creators of one of the most popular and influential franchises on television, ABC and Warner Bros. have an opportunity and responsibility to feature Black, Indigenous, People of Color (“BIPOC”) relationships, families, and storylines. The franchise, and all those who represent it, should reflect and honor the racial diversity of our country--both in front of and behind the camera. 

Representation matters, and it is one of the most important ways our country can embrace its diversity and evolve. With this petition, Bachelor Nation calls on ABC and Warner Bros. to take the following actions to combat racism: 


1.  Cast a Black bachelor as Season 25 lead.

2.  Cast BIPOC for at least 35% of contestants each season hereafter. 

3.  Give equitable screen time to BIPOC contestants.

4.  Actively support BIPOC cast, including providing mental health resources specifically geared to helping them navigate the Bachelor franchise experience as BIPOC.

5. Equitably compensate and hire more BIPOC employees in all parts of production, casting, and filming.

6. Publicly pledge to vet contestants more thoroughly to ensure those who have promoted prejudice (e.g., ableism, racism, sexism, white supremacy, religious intolerance, homophobia, transphobia) are not cast. 

7. Hire a BIPOC diversity consultant to be involved in all parts of production, casting, and filming.

8. Condemn racist abuse directed towards BIPOC contestants and announce a “zero tolerance” policy towards racism on-air.

9. Commit to providing resources to help viewers learn more about BIPOC stories and organizations supporting BIPOC causes. 

10. Feature BIPOC contestants, including their experiences as BIPOC, on the show as storylines. 

11. Ensure that indigenous cultures are not exploited and their portrayal does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

12. Pledge to donate to a cause that will help combat racism.

13. Issue a public statement apologizing for enabling systemic racism within the franchise and offer a clear plan for demonstrable anti-racism efforts moving forward.

In signing this petition I also agree to hold myself, the viewer, to the same standard. I pledge to commit to anti-racism in how I consume and interact with the Bachelor franchise. By signing this petition, I promise to:

1.  Show zero tolerance for racism--online, offline, everywhere. 

2.  Support BIPOC contestants by speaking up when I perceive they are being treated unfairly due to their racial identity by ABC, Warner Bros., fellow cast, or viewers.

3.  Listen thoughtfully to BIPOC contestants about their experiences and their suggestions for how to best support them.

4.  Appreciate that producers, in part, base their decisions on our feedback and whom we choose to support.

5.  Recognize that anti-racism is an ongoing effort that requires continuous self-education and action.

Bachelor Nation deserves real change. Sign the petition and pledge to commit ABC and Warner Bros. to anti-racism.

Will you accept this invitation?

Post a screenshot of your support and tweet:

@fleissmeister @BachelorABC I signed the petition. #BIPOCBachelor @bachdiversity