Bachelorette alum Mike Johnson blasts the franchise for diversity efforts: ‘It’s atrocious’

From Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adam’s strange Bachelorette season to the bungled announcement of Matt James as the Bachelor, the franchise has been a whirlwind recently. 

And alum Mike Johnson, 32, who appeared on Hannah Brown’s season 15 of the show, blasted the franchise over its diversity efforts in a new interview with Variety. 

Speaking of James’ recent casting as the first black male lead, which was announced in June amid Black Lives Matter protests across the country, Johnson said ‘It’s atrocious…It’s terrible.’ 

Speaking out: Bachelorette alum Mike Johnson, who appeared on Hannah Brown’s season 15 of the show, blasted the franchise over its diversity efforts in a new interview with Variety (pictured in September 2019)

When asked if he thought the franchise’s recent effort of diversity were too late, he said ‘It’s atrocious. There have been numerous, wonderful Black and indigenous people of color that could have been cast in the lead roles, and for the franchise to not to do that, it’s just terrible.’ 

Adding: ‘It should not have taken an outcry from the fans, who I absolutely adore — that was a clear sign that there is power in numbers, so I love the fans who signed petitions and things like that, but it shouldn’t have taken that.’ 

While James will be the first black male lead, currently Rachel Lindsay has been the only black female lead, and Tayshia Adams who is taking over Clare Crawley’s season will be the second, Johnson hopes to see diversity all around in front of and behind the camera. 

‘I hope that they do listen,’ he said. ‘And I hope that it’s not just the leads and contestants, but people in charge should also be diverse, as well.’ 

Atrocious: When asked if he thought the franchise's recent effort of diversity were too late, he said 'It’s atrocious. There have been numerous, wonderful Black and indigenous people of color that could have been cast in the lead roles, and for the franchise to not to do that, it’s just terrible' (pictured in The Bachelorette season 15 cast photos)

Atrocious: When asked if he thought the franchise’s recent effort of diversity were too late, he said ‘It’s atrocious. There have been numerous, wonderful Black and indigenous people of color that could have been cast in the lead roles, and for the franchise to not to do that, it’s just terrible’ (pictured in The Bachelorette season 15 cast photos)

He also agreed with Lindsay, who previously criticized the show for the timing of James’ announcement.  

‘I think everyone thinks that, right? We were all talking about Clare being The Bachelorette, and before her season had even aired, we bring on a different Bachelor?’ he said. ‘That the timing was definitely off. I think everyone can agree with that.’

He continued: ‘At the time that they said it, it was peculiar. It wasn’t natural. It was forced. That’s how it felt for me.’ 

Johnson continued to say that if he was in James’ shoes he would have questioned the timing. 

All around: Johnson said he hopes to see diversity all around in front of and behind the camera (pictured on season 15 of the Bachelorette Men Tell All)

All around: Johnson said he hopes to see diversity all around in front of and behind the camera (pictured on season 15 of the Bachelorette Men Tell All) 

Should have come sooner: Adding: 'It should not have taken an outcry from the fans, who I absolutely adore — that was a clear sign that there is power in numbers, so I love the fans who signed petitions and things like that, but it shouldn’t have taken that' (pictured with Hannah Brown on season 15)

 Should have come sooner: Adding: ‘It should not have taken an outcry from the fans, who I absolutely adore — that was a clear sign that there is power in numbers, so I love the fans who signed petitions and things like that, but it shouldn’t have taken that’ (pictured with Hannah Brown on season 15)

Adding:  ‘Even if I were chosen to be The Bachelor, my homeboys would tell me, “Why did they announce you right now?” It’s not about the person in the role, but it’s about the timing of the role being announced. It just felt very forced to me.’ 

He hopes the show will be continue diversity across the board moving forward. 

‘I want The Bachelor to be a representation of America,’ he said noting that outside of his apartment he sees ‘America’ with every race. 

‘It’s supposed to be about love, and love comes in all forms and colors — not just white America,’ Johnson added. ‘ If the show wants to continue to be absolutely amazing, I would want it to not only be the poster child for the show with The Bachelor or Bachelorette who is diverse, but also people from the top down, so the contestants feel like they can relate to someone on the show.’ 

Bad timing: 'I think everyone thinks that, right? We were all talking about Clare being The Bachelorette, and before her season had even aired, we bring on a different Bachelor?' he said. 'That the timing was definitely off. I think everyone can agree with that,' speaking on Matt James' Bachelor announcement (James pictured in 2020)

Bad timing: ‘I think everyone thinks that, right? We were all talking about Clare being The Bachelorette, and before her season had even aired, we bring on a different Bachelor?’ he said. ‘That the timing was definitely off. I think everyone can agree with that,’ speaking on Matt James’ Bachelor announcement (James pictured in 2020)

America: 'I want The Bachelor to be a representation of America,' he said noting that outside of his apartment he sees 'America' with every race (pictured in October 2019)

America: ‘I want The Bachelor to be a representation of America,’ he said noting that outside of his apartment he sees ‘America’ with every race (pictured in October 2019)

He continued: ‘It needs to be a melting pot on diversity and culture differences because it’s not just about color. I would like for the show to represent all of America.’

The Air Force Veteran, who says he was interviewed to be The Bachelor before Peter Weber was chosen, said he loved the idea of being the first black male lead. 

‘I wouldn’t be shy about it, and I’d go out in front of it,’ he said. ‘I’m like no other Bachelor in the past — I’m not white, I have tattoos, I’m a veteran of the Air Force and I speak my mind.’ 

While he believes he was interviewed because he would be the best candidate not because he would be the first black male lead, there was drama with the announcement he wasn’t chosen. 

A catch: As for the new Bachelorette lead, Adams, Johnson was completely supportive of her casting. 'She’s a wonderful catch,' he said. 'Those suitors will have a great time with Tayshia' (Adams pictured in 2019)

Confused: Though, he is equally as shocked as Bachelor Nation with the twists and turns coming out of Crawley and Adams shock combined season (Crawley pictured in 2015)

Confusing times: As for the new Bachelorette lead, Adams, Johnson was completely supportive of her casting. ‘She’s a wonderful catch,’ he said. ‘Those suitors will have a great time with Tayshia.’ Though, he is equally as shocked as Bachelor Nation with the twists and turns coming out of Crawley and Adams shock combined season (Adams pictured left in 2019, Crawley pictured right in 2015)

‘I was just annoyed because I wish I was told beforehand. That would have been nice,’ he said. Adding that he wishes he knew why he wasn’t chosen. 

‘I wish I knew. I really do. I was never given a reason, ever. I don’t know,’ he said. 

As for the new Bachelorette lead, Adams, Johnson was completely supportive of her casting. 

‘She’s a wonderful catch,’ he said. ‘Those suitors will have a great time with Tayshia.’ 

Though, he is equally as shocked as Bachelor Nation with the twists and turns coming out of Crawley and Adams shock combined season. 

‘I am just baffled, like everyone else is,’ he said. ‘I’m definitely surprised. This is a bit much.’