‘Bachelor’ Star Matt James Says It’s ‘Low-Key Frustrating’ That Viewers Are Focused On The Race Of Woman He’ll Choose

Matt James

‘Bachelor’ Star Matt James Says It’s ‘Low-Key Frustrating’ That Viewers Are Focused On The Race Of Woman He’ll Choose

Matt James is still navigating through his journey as the first black man to star in ABC’s The Bachelor.

Matt James was previously criticized for saying that he was in a “tough” position when it comes to what type of woman he will end up with.  In the premiere episode, he told host, Chris Harrison, he was worried about viewers “who have certain views, old-school views, on what a relationship and what love looks like. ”

He adds,

“And then you’ve got people who are cheering for you to end up with a specific person, a specific person of a specific race.  That’s something that kept me up at night. It’s like, I don’t want to piss off Black people, I don’t want to piss off white people, but I’m both of those, you know what I mean? It’s like, how do I please everybody?”

Now, in a new interview on Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, Matt James addressed the wide-spread criticism. Host Rachel James said the conversation could appear to be a “disclaimer” that he wouldn’t select a woman of color in the end. Matt said:

“It’s low-key frustrating to even have to address it. First off, people should, regardless of what they look like, want you to be happy with whoever you’re with.”

He continued,

“And if you knew anything about me, if you were close to me, you would know that the last women that I dated were all Black women.”

Matt James says that his season consists of White, Black, and Asian women, adding:

“When you’re dating somebody, if you’re excluding a race, then I don’t even know where to begin on that. What I’m looking for in a woman isn’t race specific,”

He continued:

“What I’m looking for may upset somebody. What I’m looking for isn’t a race. I don’t only exclusively date Black women. I don’t only exclusively date white women. I’ve dated all across the board, and I’ve found redeeming qualities in everybody, which is a blessing, and that’s why it’s so difficult for me throughout this season.”

Thoughts on what Matt James had to say? Let us know in the comments!