The TV show “The Bachelor” has faced multiple controversies over race. Greer Blitzer’s case is the latest, as she previously defended wearing blackface in old tweets. Although Blitzer apologized in January, the show only addressed the issue on “The Bachelor: Women Tell All.” Other incidents include winner Erich Schwer from “The Bachelorette” season wearing blackface, Rachael Kirkconnell’s racially insensitive scandal on “The Bachelor” season 25, and a contestant’s racist and sexist tweets during Rachel Lindsay’s season.
The Hot Seat
Host Jesse Palmer put Blitzer in the hot seat during the show and asked her to address the backlash from her “troubling” and “disturbing” posts in front of a studio audience. Palmer acknowledged that the franchise has not done a good job in the past of addressing serious topics head-on, and they did not want to miss the opportunity to do so now.
Blitzer’s Response
Blitzer acknowledged that the incident was racist and recognized that the impact of her actions was more important than her intent. She has admitted that her defense of blackface was ignorant and expressed deep shame for it. Blitzer has apologized to the Black community for causing harm and emphasized her commitment to doing better in the present and future.
When you’re the first contestant who has to actually own up for their racist actions on camera. #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/IcJn0NCkOm
— medium adult (@mediumadult_) March 15, 2023
She wanted to learn more and understand better, so she studied lectures and worked with Dr. Kira Banks, who knows a lot about making sure everyone is treated fairly and included. Dr. Banks said it’s important to actually do things that make a difference, instead of just saying things to look good.
Previous Scandals
Blitzer isn’t the first problematic cast member on “The Bachelor.” Erich Schwer, who won the most recent season of “The Bachelorette,” faced backlash for wearing blackface in a high school yearbook photo. The racially insensitive scandal involving winner Rachael Kirkconnell on Season 25 of “The Bachelor” led to the exit of host Chris Harrison. During Rachel Lindsay’s historic season as the first Black lead in 2017, one of her contestants had racist and sexist tweets resurface on social media.
Social Media Reactions
Following Blitzer’s conversation with Palmer, social media users had mixed reactions. Some praised Blitzer and “The Bachelor” for addressing the controversy head-on, while others criticized Blitzer for needing to work with a DEI consultant to understand that defending blackface is racist.
I’m begging, for Charity’s season, don’t cast racists. Cast men that are actually attracted to black women. Hire black women producers, give her a black handler. #thebachelor https://t.co/qUe3oaz0OD
— Film&TV Rants 🧚🏽♀️ (@FilmTVRants) March 15, 2023
Final Thoughts
“The Bachelor” franchise has had a rocky history when it comes to issues of race, and the Blitzer scandal is just the latest example. It is commendable that the show finally addressed the controversy head-on, but it remains to be seen if they will take real action to address the larger issue of racial insensitivity in the franchise.
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