ABC’s ‘Bachelorette’ cancellation adds to franchise’s long history of controversy

LOS ANGELES (AP) — ABC’s decision to cancel a completed season of “The Bachelorette” marks the latest controversy in a franchise that has repeatedly faced scrutiny over casting, cultural awareness and the behavior of some of its most prominent figures.

The network pulled the upcoming season starring Taylor Frankie Paul after a 2023 video of an altercation with her former partner surfaced. In it, she appears to punch, kick and throw chairs at him as her young daughter watched and cried. The cancellation stands out for the series as it has previously navigated issues in real time rather than shelving an entire season.

Here’s a look at other notable controversies from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” over the years:

How diversity debates changed the franchise’s face

For much of its run, the franchise faced sustained criticism over its lack of diversity, particularly in its leading roles.

A 2012 lawsuit alleged that the show excluded contestants of color from becoming the lead, though the case was dismissed. The criticism persisted for years as the franchise continued to feature mostly white bachelors and bachelorettes.

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