Jenn Tran thinks the lack of Asian men in new season of The Bachelorette is ‘unfortunate’

Tran, the first Asian Bachelorette, expressed disappointment over the season's casting choices.

Body: For the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, viewers will witness a historic moment as Jenn Tran, the first Asian American woman to take on the role, steps into the spotlight. 

Hailing from New Jersey and raised by Vietnamese immigrants, Tran is eager to embark on a journey to find love, but she has voiced her disappointment regarding the diversity of this season's contestants.

In an interview with Glamour, Tran expressed her thoughts on the casting decisions, particularly noting the absence of Asian men among the suitors. "I can't really speak to the casting process and the decisions that were made, but it is unfortunate that there weren't a lot of Asian men this season," Tran stated. 

She emphasized the significance of representation, hoping her presence on the show, along with contestant Thomas N., will inspire other Asian men to see themselves in similar roles.

The Bachelor franchise, which launched in 2002, has faced ongoing criticism for its lack of diversity. Recent years have seen some strides, including the introduction of the first Black leads, Rachel Lindsay and Matt James. Despite these efforts, Tran's season highlights ongoing challenges in representing diverse backgrounds.

Tran also reflected on her personal journey during filming, particularly connecting with an Asian contestant on shared experiences of immigrant upbringing. "That was a really special conversation for me because he really understood where I was coming from," Tran revealed. She hinted at an unexpected conclusion to her journey, promising viewers an emotionally charged season.

The Bachelorette featuring Jenn Tran premieres Monday, July 8, at 8 p.m. ET, promising viewers an unprecedented season of romance and intrigue.