The Bachelor in the Media

[Irlandesa]

1 hour ago, RealHousewife said:

I feel like apologizing and doing better is enough in an instance like this. We didn't find out Chris a white supremacist, was using the n word, or is against interracial dating and hates the idea of Rachael and Matt together. For there to be a petition to get rid of a guy who was with the show from the beginning because he's not the best on racial issues is taking it too far for me. 

Maybe.  I don't know about any petition so I can't speak on whether or not I think the call is going too far but I do think just a simple apology in this instance isn't going far enough.  For one, it's unlikely he wrote it or wrote it alone.  Based on the fact that he seemed to have more disdain for the "woke police" in that interview than anything Rachael did, makes me suspicious he'd learn anything from just an apology.  At the end of the interview, during which he often wouldn't let Rachel respond, he ended it with something like "I've loved that we can have these debates" even though, as I said, he rarely let her respond or gave any indication he was processing what she was trying to tell him. 

Going back to his constant references to being "woke" or the "woke police," I think it was an extremely pejorative dismissal of people who had expressed concerns over things Rachael did in her past, many of whom were people of color. 

I am not committed to the guy so I wouldn't lose any sleep over it if he lost his job over this but I don't think he will.  And for that reason, I don't think he'll really learn.  He'll weather this controversy, do a public mea culpa and privately blame overly sensitive people on Twitter without understanding why people are upset.  The empathy he asks for when it comes to Rachael will be lacking when it comes to those whose concerns he dismissed.

Edited February 17, 2021 by Irlandesa

[MsTree]

On 2/15/2021 at 7:54 PM, Irlandesa said:

I don't know if you've watched the fifteen minute interview but Rachel didn't take down Chris Harrison.  Chris Harrison took down Chris Harrison.  She was respectful of him. He took it upon himself to go in the bizarre direction he took the interview.  And once the interview made it to the air, it was people watching it that started pointing out what was wrong with it--not Rachel.

While that may be true, Rachel could have dropped it...but instead she went in for the kill. She found her glory moment, and is now enjoying all the media attention she's getting from this interview. And mark my words, she WILL cash in on this "bite the hand that feeds you" push-back.

[MsTree]

15 hours ago, Just Carol said:

One of Harrison's problems is that he gets too close emotionally with the bachelorettes.  He wants to defend them at all costs, no matter what they've done.  Recall his ridiculous "pride" for Hannah Brown... He needs to take a step back from the show, but also from getting too close with the contestants.

I agree...and that's another reason why he probably said what he said. He apparently felt very comfortable being interviewed by Rachel Lindsay and didn't feel the need to censor his words. Little did he realize that as protective of the bachelorettes as Chris is/was, Lindsay wasn't going to "protect" or let his words slide. IMO, she could have easily said, "well, I guess we'll just have to ask Rachel herself exactly what she was thinking at the time".

[Jax7917]

10 hours ago, rebel2u said:

Whatever happened to second chances? And loyalty? Chris has been the face of the bachelor franchise for well over 20 years, hasn't he?  My impression is that he has served the franchise well.  Couldn't TPTB come out with a statement that, in his interview with Rachel, Chris made statements that they didn't agree with, that they have discussed this with Chris and a statement from him will be forthcoming?  And privately tell Chris that he is getting a second chance but there won't be a third?  This cancel culture with the thought that one strike and you're out is, to me, ridiculous.  And speaking of loyalty. . . Rachel was chosen to be the first Bachelorette of color.  She wasn't their only option.  To be selected is, in my opinion, a huge gift.  As I understand it, she left her job as a lawyer in Dallas and now lives in LA and does a bachelor podcast with Becca. She also has done television work.  I doubt any of these opportunities would have been possible without her exposure as the bachelorette.  And she found her life partner on her bachelorette season.  Biting the hand that feeds you comes to mind.    

We do need diversity in the bachelor universe.  TPTB should be actively recruiting a Native American lead. Have we ever even had a Native American as a contestant? We've had leads from Canada and Venezuela and an Italian prince.  What about a Hispanic lead?  I would love to see Abigail as a lead.  (She was adorable at 18, btw.)

We also seem to be jumping on the South with both feet.  I've seen it implied that Southern = racist.  On my short street, we have 2 interracial couples and 3 additional households that identify as LGBTQ.  There are no problems, we all get along and-- so far-- no crosses have been burned.  

The US in the late 1800's attempted to annihilate the Native American population.  They were removed from the lands where they hunted and farmed and were segregated in reservations where the land was dusty and dry.  They were hit harder by covid 19 than almost anywhere else in the nation.  Many have no running water and substandard housing. My dad took a cross country trip a few years ago and said the reservations were the saddest things he had ever seen. I wonder, with Rachael being pilloried on a nationwide basis with such vitriol that the hatred expressed could follow her for a long time, do those who live in states with Indian reservations ever stop to consider the institutional racism in their own backyard? 

I'm tapping out of Bachelor Nation, thus this long rant.  I'm usually a wrong reasons viewer and, as I've said before, those of you who are extra-snarkey and swear, thank you.  You're my people.  It was a lot of fun for years but less so now.  And if it's not fun, why bother?

My parting shots:

Rachel, when you are in riot gear, everything looks like a riot.

And the South is different from the rest of the nation.  We have a legacy of slavery to contend with and essentially the only part of the nation that has had a war fought on her land.

It's easy to stereotype the South but hard to understand it if you're not from here. And I hope we don't cancel Chris and Rachael when they deserve what used to be commonplace but is less so now---a second chance.

 

I love all of this . It’s so hard to believe this many people are so irrational and have no loyalty . There’s so many people behind his “ stepping down “ and are hoping he gets fired . 
 

I also can’t stand how diversity always turns into a black and white situation and fight . Has there ever been a gay bachelor , a deaf , blind , Jewish , Muslim , Asian one ? I’d love to see those too on the franchise but that’s never brought up . Just seems hypocritical to me by bachelor nation . 

[Irlandesa]

8 hours ago, MsTree said:

While that may be true, Rachel could have dropped it...but instead she went in for the kill. She found her glory moment, and is now enjoying all the media attention she's getting from this interview. And mark my words, she WILL cash in on this "bite the hand that feeds you" push-back.

I've had my issues with Rachel in the past and I am a bit skeptical as to whether or not she's actually going to leave The Bachelor but I thought she held back in that interview.

I fundamentally disagree that the black woman is responsible for the white man's fuck up. 

[Recyclorette]

None of us are perfect and we probably spend a lifetime reexamining how we were nurtured, as opposed to what is acceptable at any point in our lives.  We have a right to make mistakes and learn, mature and grow. 

What bothers me about these Bachelor/ette interviews regarding racism is that people are being publicly put on the spot to answer for someone else.  That is not fair or productive and it's particularly dangerous right now.  That subject is one that requires thought and tact, particularly if you are a brand representative/ambassador of some kind and, even then, one is likely to get crucified.  What is being accomplished by these interviews?  Division is caused, a remedy is attempted, but that is never enough and simply causes more division.  There is no reasonable time allowed for substantive progress, just constant criticism of any attempt to improve.  I, personally, find myself questioning the motive for this tactic.

[birkenstock]

When you dress like Scarlett O'Hara and go to an Antebellum party you're emulating slave holders and their lifestyle. You're showing that you care more about clothes and supposed glamor than the reality that generations of people were raped, beaten, and forced into a lifetime of labor on these properties.  Especially in 2018.

2018 wasn't that long ago. It was after Charlottesville and discussions about the legacy of slavery were going on at that time. Those type of parties had also been under scrutiny for years. It was a clear choice to have that type of event. We don't know how different 2018 Rachael was from 2020 Rachael, when she auditioned and filmed the Bachelor. It doesn't mean she's a racist. She and her friends were either  ignorant or just didn't care. I don't think anyone would go to a party at Manzanar or have a Trail of Tears themed party. That one side of slavery continued to be romanticized in 2018 (and 2021)  is disheartening.  

Chris was incredibly dismissive of Rachel Lindsay's point about who she would represent if she went to this plantation party. Is it biting the hand that feeds you when the heart of the franchise doesn't fully acknowledge or show some compassion for her feelings? A black woman thinking an Antebellum party is dehumanizing shouldn't be that much of a shock and doesn't make her particularly "woke." 

Chris will be back. This is temporary and a choice he made with other producers. The franchise will be fine and Bachelor Nation will move on. 

 

ETA: I don't think anyone's life should be destroyed for one party or a terrible interview. 

Edited February 17, 2021 by birkenstock

[Jax7917]

15 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

Maybe.  I don't know about any petition so I can't speak on whether or not I think the call is going too far but I do think just a simple apology in this instance isn't going far enough.  For one, it's unlikely he wrote it or wrote it alone.  Based on the fact that he seemed to have more disdain for the "woke police" in that interview than anything Rachael did, makes me suspicious he'd learn anything from just an apology.  At the end of the interview, during which he often wouldn't let Rachel respond, he ended it with something like "I've loved that we can have these debates" even though, as I said, he rarely let her respond or gave any indication he was processing what she was trying to tell him. 

Going back to his constant references to being "woke" or the "woke police," I think it was an extremely pejorative dismissal of people who had expressed concerns over things Rachael did in her past, many of whom were people of color. 

I am not committed to the guy so I wouldn't lose any sleep over it if he lost his job over this but I don't think he will.  And for that reason, I don't think he'll really learn.  He'll weather this controversy, do a public mea culpa and privately blame overly sensitive people on Twitter without understanding why people are upset.  The empathy he asks for when it comes to Rachael will be lacking when it comes to those whose concerns he dismissed.

People can think it’s insensitive that he used the term “ woke police “ , but I think it’s insensitive that it’s always completely fine to use the term “ white privilege.” Not everyone who is white is privileged . Privilege is a class issue , not a race issue . And I find it insensitive , ignorant and hypocritical for people to constantly say it and it’s A-ok , yet think other terms that are used on non-white people are inappropriate. Where is equality in that ?
I can go on about this for days but I won’t . I just will say that I wish Chris Harrison didn’t give in and apologize . I get why he did , he had to protect himself . But his apology is giving in to this ridiculous “ canceled “ nonsense , and he said nothing wrong . 

Edited February 17, 2021 by Jax7917

[DEL901]

54 minutes ago, Jax7917 said:

People can think it’s insensitive that he used the term “ woke police “ , but I think it’s insensitive that it’s always completely fine to use the term “ white privilege.” Not everyone who is white is privileged . Privilege is a class issue , not a race issue . And I find it insensitive , ignorant and hypocritical for people to constantly say it and it’s A-ok , yet think other terms that are used on non-white people are inappropriate. Where is equality in that ?
I can go on about this for days but I won’t . I just will say that I wish Chris Harrison didn’t give in and apologize . I get why he did , he had to protect himself . But his apology is giving in to this ridiculous “ canceled “ nonsense , and he said nothing wrong . 

I disagree that privilege is just about class.  As a white person, if I’m driving and get pulled over by a cop, I’m annoyed but at no time do I fear for my life.  That’s white privilege.  

This whole Chris Harrison thing... he made a mistake.  Is overtly he racist or oblivious to racial implications...I don’t know and it isn’t for me to judge.  However, those impacted by this sort of behaviour that is not actively racist but helps perpetuate and excuse racist acts can be judged by those impacted by it and I’ll be guided by their experience.  

[CheshireCat]

Guys, you've all had a chance to comment on Chris Harrison. Feel free to pick it up the discussion again when there is a new development. Until then, it's time to move on. Failure to comply may result in us deciding to lock this thread.

[TomGirl]

10 hours ago, Jax7917 said:

I also can’t stand how diversity always turns into a black and white situation and fight . Has there ever been a gay bachelor , a deaf , blind , Jewish , Muslim , Asian one ? 

Jason Mesnick is Jewish.

[Jax7917]

2 minutes ago, TomGirl said:

Jason Mesnick is Jewish.

Hopefully there’s more in the future . And more diversity all around . 

Edited February 18, 2021 by Jax7917

[chocolatine]

Andi Dorfman is also Jewish.

[MsTree]

16 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

I've had my issues with Rachel in the past and I am a bit skeptical as to whether or not she's actually going to leave The Bachelor but I thought she held back in that interview.

I fundamentally disagree that the black woman is responsible for the white man's fuck up. 

I don't think she's responsible for his fuck up either. I just think she could have handled the situation a bit more diplomatically. I still contend that she enjoyed her "gotcha" moment and all the attention she is now getting from it.

[hyacinth]

Whenever I read a celebrity apology saying that they will spend time educating themselves, I imagine them instead at home for weeks, drunk, watching "Property Brothers."  

 

[b2H]

On 2/17/2021 at 6:25 PM, chocolatine said:

Andi Dorfman is also Jewish.

JP Rosenbaum wore a yarmulke at his wedding.

[woodscommaelle]

3 hours ago, b2H said:

JP Rosenbaum wore a yarmulke at his wedding.

Lol this sounds like a line from Adam Sandler’s Chanukah song. 🤣🤣

[sauce62]

No comments on Matt's instagram post? A cursory read does not look good toward Chris Harrison or The Bachelor. Things are getting messy. It does not look good for the franchise.

[alexa]

6 hours ago, sauce62 said:

No comments on Matt's instagram post? A cursory read does not look good toward Chris Harrison or The Bachelor. Things are getting messy. It does not look good for the franchise.

I just went to look.  Interesting!  

[JenE4]

11 hours ago, sauce62 said:

No comments on Matt's instagram post? A cursory read does not look good toward Chris Harrison or The Bachelor. Things are getting messy. It does not look good for the franchise.

Can you please post or link to it? I don’t have Instagram. 
 

Oh, nevermind. I found it in People Magazine.

Edited February 23, 2021 by JenE4
Link to story.

[LBS]

12 minutes ago, JenE4 said:

Can you please post or link to it? I don’t have Instagram. 

I put in a spoiler box

Spoiler

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by LBS
Put in spoiler box

[Starlight925]

Re:  Matt's beard.

Matt was on "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen on Bravo about 2 weeks ago.

He Zoomed from his apartment (that he still lives in with Tyler).  Bushy beard was in full force, and he had a dark ski knit cap on.  If he hadn't spoken, I'd have never recognized him.

He also was drinking a mixed drink, which he kept sipping.  He giggled the entire time, throwing his head back constantly, almost falling out of his chair.  Odd behavior, to say the least.  If I was a betting woman, I'd bet he was drunk prior to even getting on the call.

Not really a spoiler, but this was part of what he said on "Watch What Happens Live" so I'll put it in a spoiler box:

Spoiler

I have no idea about any spoilers, but if I had to guess, he's on his own now.  Just from how he responded with the typical "I'm so glad I had the experience" no-response, response.

 

[mommalib]

It's a damn shame that after 20 years there is finally a black bachelor and his season gets marred in all this damn controversy. I wish I would have gotten a chance to just enjoy this brothas journey but I guess that's too much to ask. The next bachelor should be black as a do over because they screwed this one over.

Edited February 24, 2021 by mommalib

[TomGirl]

On 2/19/2021 at 11:01 PM, woodscommaelle said:

On 2/19/2021 at 7:38 PM, b2H said:

JP Rosenbaum wore a yarmulke at his wedding.

Lol this sounds like a line from Adam Sandler’s Chanukah song. 🤣🤣

JP Rosenbaum wore a yarmulke

Not just at his wedding but on all eight nights of Chanukah 

[threebluestars]

The Bachelor really wasn't focused on diversity, but in finding figureheads to represent that while making no real meaningful change.

[woodscommaelle]

Is this Matt? 🤣🤣

[dbell1]

I’m still not sure why Rachel Lindsay is getting dragged for conducting an interview. Or why people think she’s enjoying getting bitched at by racists? She didn’t lie about the number of people dressing up as plantation barbies. Or think 2018 was 5 years ago. Harrison’s inability to keep his foot out of his mouth is not her fault.

But I’m still salty they cast Lee the racist on her season. And made her watch the finale live. She didn’t crack under pressure and got her happy ending and a career. Sad people can’t be happy for her.

Someone mentioned no Jewish bachelors. Jason Mesnick is. And was told not to do the traditional breaking glass at his wedding. 
 

[woodscommaelle]

9 hours ago, dbell1 said:

Someone mentioned no Jewish bachelors. Jason Mesnick is. And was told not to do the traditional breaking glass at his wedding. 
 

Wow! Do you know why they wouldn’t let him do that? 

[ByTor]

2 hours ago, woodscommaelle said:

Wow! Do you know why they wouldn’t let him do that? 

Probably afraid of someone getting injured from broken glass.

[seacliffsal]

And he willingly went along with it?  Guess the almighty dollar is just that.

[TVMovieBuff]

51 minutes ago, ByTor said:

Probably afraid of someone getting injured from broken glass.

Ha ha! They wrap the glass in a linen napkin. 

Did the producers of the Mesnick wedding show actually tell Jason not to do the glass stomp? 

[ByTor]

46 minutes ago, TVMovieBuff said:

Ha ha! They wrap the glass in a linen napkin. 

I know...but heaven forbid a little shard of glass got loose!!!

[chocolatine]

29 minutes ago, ByTor said:

I know...but heaven forbid a little shard of glass got loose!!!

There have been hundreds of Jewish weddings in my extended family and friend circle, and I've never heard of that happening.

ETA: I also remember that it was raining at Jason and Molly's wedding and TPTB wouldn't let them use umbrellas during the ceremony because that would have made it more difficult to film. I felt bad for Molly getting drenched after spending several hours getting her hair and makeup done. It sounds like TPTB were complete jerks and didn't care about what would have been best for the bride and groom.

Edited February 25, 2021 by chocolatine

[woodscommaelle]

1 hour ago, ByTor said:

I know...but heaven forbid a little shard of glass got loose!!!

lol 

But we’ll drop you out of a plane and watch your body hit the earth like a rag doll 😉.

Broken glass? Nope. We can’t risk that 🤣🤣.

[thejuicer]

On 2/24/2021 at 9:07 PM, dbell1 said:

I’m still not sure why Rachel Lindsay is getting dragged for conducting an interview. Or why people think she’s enjoying getting bitched at by racists? She didn’t lie about the number of people dressing up as plantation barbies. Or think 2018 was 5 years ago. Harrison’s inability to keep his foot out of his mouth is not her fault.

I totally agree, and I don't know why people are suggesting she "set Chris up" with a "gotcha" question. She literally asked him an open ended question and let him speak. He was the one who talked about "woke police", and "giving Rachael grace", and "the lens of 2018".  The fact that a black woman is getting blamed for a white man's disastrous interview speaks volumes. 

[ByTor]

Even though there were 2 moderator notes to stay on topic, posts are continuing to be removed for failing to comply. This is strike 3. The thread will be locked for 24 hours. 

[chocolatine]

Emmanuel Acho will be hosting ATFR. I'm not familiar with him at all, but I'm glad TPTB has chosen someone with no previous affiliation to the franchise who will hopefully ask the tough questions and avoid the tired cliches.

[Irlandesa]

At first I was skeptical they chose a former NFL player (who I recognize visually but couldn't tell you one thing about him) but then I learned he wrote a book/did a video series called Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man.

So it appears as less random. 

[CindyBee]

I"m thrilled that Emmanuel is going to do the "After the Final Rose".    And hope that he can become the permanent host.

If you get a chance, watch his interview on his Youtube channel with Rachel & Bryan about inter-racial relationships.  Its really good.

Edited February 28, 2021 by CindyBee

[tinkerbell]

14 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

At first I was skeptical they chose a former NFL player (who I recognize visually but couldn't tell you one thing about him) but then I learned he wrote a book/did a video series called Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man.

So it appears as less random. 

 

14 hours ago, CindyBee said:

I"m thrilled that Emmanuel is going to do the "After the Final Rose".    And hope that he can become the permanent host.

If you get a chance, watch his interview on his Youtube channel with Rachel & Bryan about inter-racial relationships.  Its really good.

Thanks - I never heard of  him.  He does seem like a good choice. 

I always thought it was a shame that the Bachelor shows don't show conversations about race when it seems obvious that those conversations HAVE to take place.  Like - "OK, Rachael, I'm about to meet your parents.  Have you dated a Black man before?  How will your parents feel about you potentially getting engaged to someone who is not white?"  

Maybe the couples HAVE these conversations, I don't know.  but they're missing the mark by pretending the issue doesn't exist.

[TVMovieBuff]

I don't hope that The Bachelor franchise will start to focus more on race. I want to watch couples, a little machinations (thought not the sniping and bitching that takes up so much time) and some romance. The show is artificial as it is, it can ignore race, and still be artificial! It never was a bastion of reality, despite being a reality show!

But if everyone else thinks it should be about race, I say "okay".

 

[chocolatine]

6 minutes ago, TVMovieBuff said:

I don't hope that The Bachelor franchise will start to focus more on race. I want to watch couples, a little machinations (thought not the sniping and bitching that takes up so much time) and some romance. The show is artificial as it is, it can ignore race, and still be artificial! It never was a bastion of reality, despite being a reality show!

But if everyone else thinks it should be about race, I say "okay".

I don't think it should be *about* race, but it definitely needs to get over its blind spots regarding race. Race and ethnic/cultural background is almost always discussed when people are dating interracially, so the show should reflect that. They should also do a better job of vetting prospective contestants' social media presence and avoid casting unrepentant racists. That's not too much to ask, IMO.

[Bobcatkitten]

I hope he does ask tougher questions than usual. But also I'm a bit concerned this is going to be an after-school-special on bullying and racism. 

[Kiss my mutt]

I’m definitely hopeful at this point now that I know who is conducting the interview. Hope springs eternal, I guess. 
 

[rebel2u]

I'd prefer somebody who has some knowledge of The Bachelor---watches it, has participated in it.  Anybody but Rachel.

[MsTree]

2 hours ago, rebel2u said:

I'd prefer somebody who has some knowledge of The Bachelor---watches it, has participated in it.  Anybody but Rachel.

Unfortunately, that's not who they hired. I heard Harrison is totally gone, and they hired a black football player to take his place. Not exactly sure what a football player knows about Bachelor Nation. Supposedly, he was hired for his stance on race relations (promoting his new book). IMO, this is a knee jerk reaction to what happened and not necessarily focusing on qualifications for hosting a competitive reality show.

[JenE4]

5 hours ago, MsTree said:

Unfortunately, that's not who they hired. I heard Harrison is totally gone, and they hired a black football player to take his place. Not exactly sure what a football player knows about Bachelor Nation. Supposedly, he was hired for his stance on race relations (promoting his new book). IMO, this is a knee jerk reaction to what happened and not necessarily focusing on qualifications for hosting a competitive reality show.

What kind of “qualifications” does one need to do Harrison’s job? If you can look pensive while asking an open-ended question such as, “Where is your heart after this week’s dates?” and can count one rose, you’re in!

Edited March 1, 2021 by JenE4

[phlebas]

6 hours ago, MsTree said:

Unfortunately, that's not who they hired. I heard Harrison is totally gone, and they hired a black football player to take his place. Not exactly sure what a football player knows about Bachelor Nation. Supposedly, he was hired for his stance on race relations (promoting his new book). IMO, this is a knee jerk reaction to what happened and not necessarily focusing on qualifications for hosting a competitive reality show.

Emmanuel Acho is not just some rando ex-jock.  Let's see how he does before we critique him.

In my experience, you don't need post-doc work in social anthropology to figure out The Bachelor. Bu then. Emmanuel won't bring the experience hosting Mall Masters that Chris has.

Edited March 1, 2021 by phlebas

[rebel2u]

2 hours ago, phlebas said:

Emmanuel Acho is not just some rando ex-jock.  Let's see how he does before we critique him.

In my experience, you don't need post-doc work in social anthropology to figure out The Bachelor. Bu then. Emmanuel won't bring the experience hosting Mall Masters that Chris has.

No, but he is someone outside The Bachelor universe. So he has no experience there.  His background is football.  He does, I understand, a weekly web series called Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.  So I'm assuming at some point in the show he'll talk about race. If so, since TPTB have decided against anyone with experience with the show, I would prefer someone who has educational qualifications  (maybe in sociology, psychology, social anthropology) to facilitate a discussion on a sensitive topic.     

[phlebas]

1 hour ago, rebel2u said:

No, but he is someone outside The Bachelor universe. So he has no experience there.  His background is football.  He does, I understand, a weekly web series called Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.  So I'm assuming at some point in the show he'll talk about race. If so, since TPTB have decided against anyone with experience with the show, I would prefer someone who has educational qualifications  (maybe in sociology, psychology, social anthropology) to facilitate a discussion on a sensitive topic.     

I guess we'll see how he does.  RS did say they delayed taping for a couple of days so he could prepare.  I don't know what sort of prep he'll do.  (Do we know if he watches the show or not?)

With everything going on, I think someone from outside the show's production will be refreshing -- part of the issue is with production itself, so having someone on the inside would be a little self-serving.

Apart from Rachel Lindsey herself -- and it sounds like she gave a hard no early on -- I can't think of a contestant who would manage this.