According to MYSA,
Bachelor in Paradise, a Bachelor franchise offshoot that gives contestants a second chance at love, is back this summer. Along with casual hangouts and one-on-ones between really gorgeous people, one contestant is sharing some of the racist rhetoric that followed her stint on The Bachelor earlier this year.
Jessenia Cruz, a 28-year-old who lives in San Antonio, competed for Bachelor lead Matt James’ heart in January. She was sent home during a one-on-one date as James felt they didn’t have a romantic spark. During the season, Cruz became a fan favorite for her honesty and for standing up for herself. She received lots of love from Bachelor Nationfans, but also hate.
While on a one-on-one date with Bachelor in Paradise fan-favorite Ivan Hall, Cruz shared in the Monday, August 23 airing how the racism she experienced after the show overshadowed the journey. Last season was especially chaotic after former Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, was seen in photos attending an antebellum-themed college party in 2018. The fallout of the photos included Chris Harrison stepping down as host after nearly 20 years, and two former Bachelor contestants filling in as hosts during this season’s Bachelorette.
“It was difficult, I guess, to see myself through that lens,” she says to Hall. “I’m aware I’ve always been a person of color, but to then go home and have to face all of these really scary, really nasty messages online where people were just outright racist towards you.”
Reality TV is such a scary place because the racist are everywhere. Praying for all the POC involved in reality TV.
