This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
On June 12, 2020, ABC Television announced that North Carolina native Matt James will become the first black contestant in the show's 25-season history.
The decision comes after former 'Bachelorette' star Rachel Lindsay, who is black, threatened to disassociate from the franchise if it did not increase its diversity. Lindsay was chosen as the first and only black lead contestant on sister show 'The Bachelorette' in 2017.
ABC's president, Karey Burke, said in a statement, '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.'
James, a real estate broker and graduate of Wake Forest University, was initially scheduled to appear on 'The Bachelorette' as a contestant. However, when filming was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, ABC approached him about taking on the role of 'The Bachelor' instead.
Season 25 of 'The Bachelor' starring James is set to air in 2021.
