ABC casts first black “Bachelor”
Move followed petition urging network to bring diversity to reality dating show
LOS ANGELES, Calif (KYMA, KECY) - ABC announced Friday it has cast a black "Bachelor" for only the second time in the reality dating show's 18-year history.
Matt James will star in the franchise's 25th season. He was a popular contestant on season 16 of "The Bachelorette."
James' selection follows a petition by Change.org urging the network to address the lack of diversity on both of dating shows. Thousands, including franchise alumni, signed the call for action.
The dating show has only had one black lead in its 18-year, 40 season history. In 2012, two African-American men filed a class action lawsuit against ABC after producers failed to select them for the cast. That suit was later dismissed.
