There's about to be a big change to The Bachelorette, and some would say it's about time. Mike Fleiss, creator of the hit ABC dating show, told Us Weekly on Saturday, January 9, that the next season of the reality series will likely feature a woman of color.
"That's the goal," Fleiss told Us, adding that the Bachelorette hasn't been chosen yet, but "we’re making a concentrated effort to make that happen."
The current season of The Bachelor, starring Ben Higgins, features Amber James and Jubilee Sharpe, both women of color. While Fleiss didn't specify whether one of these women could be the star of the next season of The Bachelorette, he reemphasized the show's commitment to casting a range of people.
"We’re gonna do everything possible to pick the right person and add a little diversity to our cast," he says.
James, a bartender from Chicago, stars on the current 20th season of the hit ABC reality show. She first appeared on Chris Soules' season of the franchise but was sent home on the third episode. Sharpe, 24, is a Haiti native who also stars on the current season.
The Bachelor franchise has previously come under scrutiny for its lack of minorities in the shows' casts.
Tell Us: Who do you think should be the next Bachelorette?
