On Wednesday, Nathaniel Claybrooks and Christopher Johnson of Nashville filed a class action lawsuit against producers of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” claiming that the show discriminates against African American cast members. This comes almost a month after Portland-based sports anchor Lamar Hurd made a campaign to become the show’s first Black bachelor. The two men said they were overlooked during a casting call for the lead position in August, while white applicants were given far more time and consideration.
“I only want a fair shot at the part,” said Claybrooks, who owns several small businesses. “Looking back at how I was treated at the casting call last year, it was clear that that wasn’t possible. I never had a chance.” Instead of asking for a specific dollar amount, the men would like the show's producers to make major changes to a show whose 16th season finale episode raked in 1.1 million viewers. In 10 years and 23 seasons of both shows, there has never been a Black bachelor, bachelorette, or winner.
