Despite being one of the biggest franchise in television history, The Bachelor attained many critics for not applying the inclusive approaches and lacking diversity. Nevertheless, the franchise show now has initiated the pushes of the fans and viewers. And, now The Bachelor will have a black lead with star Matt James on the show.
To be known, Matt James is the friend of fan-favorite alum Tyler Cameron, who competed on Hannah Brown's season of 'The Bachelorette.' Initially, Matt was cast to be a suitor on the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette." But as the production of The Bachelorette got postponed due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). In the meantime, ABC decided to play a significant role for Matt James.
The franchise had been under pressure through several critics for lacking diversity. Rachel Lindsay, who is the first Black lead of the franchise in history, mentioned that she would cut her ties with the show if the black bachelor was not cast.
After Matt James was announced as the first black bachelor on the show, ABC released its statement citing that they are privileged to have Matt as a lead. They stated:
"We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we’re seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in, and we are proudly in service to our audience. This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take action with regard to diversity issues on this franchise. We feel so privileged to have Matt as our first Black Bachelor and we cannot wait to embark on this journey with him.”
Nevertheless, it appears that George Floyd's massacre affected all nations and industries in recent times.
Who Is Matt James?
Well, for a short introduction, Matt James is the first black bachelor lead in ABC franchise show The Bachelor's history.
Many fans have known him for his friendship with The Bachelorette alum Tyler Cameron from the fifteenth season. They both encloses a close friendship and know each other's family. It was Tyler's mom who pushed Matt to apply for The Bachelor.
Matt is a graduate of Wake Forest University and graduated with the degree of Economics in 2015. After graduation, he tried out his luck at NFL but cut out by Carolina Panthers and New Saint Orleans.
Back in time when Matt James tried for NFL (©: Instagram/Matt James)
Matt, on the other hand, has worked for a humanitarian cause. He worked with Eat with the Deacs and Project Pumpkin and later started an organization named ABC Food Tours by himself.
As of 2020, he lives in New York City, New York, in the United States.