During the finale of ABC’s “The Bachelor” on Monday night, Jenn Tran, a contestant from this season, was announced as the new “Bachelorette.” This decision marks a significant milestone as Tran, aged 26, becomes the first Asian American woman to lead the popular dating reality show.
In an interview with the show following the announcement, Tran, who is of Vietnamese descent, expressed her gratitude and excitement. “It’s honestly incredible and I feel so, so grateful and so honored to be the first Asian Bachelorette in this franchise,” she shared. Tran emphasized the importance of representation, noting how sparse Asian representation had been on television, often limited to supporting or stereotypical roles. “Growing up, I’ve always wanted to see Asian representation on TV… I don’t see myself on screen. I don’t see myself as a main character,” she remarked.
Tran’s journey on “The Bachelor” saw her making a lasting impression on viewers despite being eliminated in the seventh episode. During her time on the show, she shared heartfelt moments, including opening up about her family background. She spoke about her mother’s sacrifices as a Vietnamese immigrant, raising her and her brother single-handedly after her father’s departure. Tran described her mother as her role model, highlighting her strength and resilience.
In a touching revelation, Tran discussed how her appearance on the show has impacted her relationship with her mother, particularly within the context of Asian culture. She explained how her mother, accustomed to traditional family dynamics, has witnessed her growth and independence through the show, strengthening their bond.
However, Tran’s journey was not without its challenges. Fellow contestant Rachel Nance, who is Filipina and Black, revealed facing racist hate from fans of the show due to her race. Nance recounted receiving hurtful messages and racial slurs following certain episodes.
Despite the challenges, fans have rallied behind Tran, expressing their support and excitement for her upcoming season as “The Bachelorette” on social media platforms. Tran, currently residing in Miami and pursuing studies to become a physician assistant, brings her bilingualism and vibrant personality to the forefront as she embarks on her journey to find love.
Tran’s season of “The Bachelorette” is eagerly anticipated and will be available for viewing on ABC and Hulu when the show returns in the summer.
