ABC’s decision to have two leading ladies on the 11th season of “The Bachelorette” has angered viewers, members of the media and even show alums.
The announcement was made Tuesday evening at the end of the “After the Rose” special following “The Bachelor” finale. Apparently, it was a result of the show producers’ inability to decide between two women.
“For the first time in ‘Bachelorette’ history, we’re gonna have two Bachelorettes,” host Chris Harrison said. “That’s right, it is going to be Britt and Kaitlyn. So the 25 men, on night one, they are going to have the ultimate say on who they think would make the best wife.”
Both Britt Nilsson and Kaitlyn Bristowe will go on dates with all of the guys and then it will be up to the men to decide who they prefer, with eventually only one woman left handing out the final rose.
Season 17 bachelor Sean Lowe took to his personal blog to say two women on “The Bachelorette” should never happen.
“It’s downright degrading for the women — for the two chosen and the women watching at home,” Lowe wrote. “This move transfers the power back to the men on the show specifically designed for the women. As one tweet said, ‘Once again, you’ll have women competing for the attention of men.”
Both ABC and studio Warner Horizon declined to comment.
It should be noted that the franchise has done this before. On Season 6 of “The Bachelor,” 25 women had to choose between Jay Overbye and Byron Velvick. Velvick would ultimately win the women over. He proposed to Mary Delgado on the finale, but the couple divorced five years later.
Several more stars of the franchise and fans voiced their disapproval, as well. See what they had to say below:
Not going to lie.. I'm a bit confused by 2 bachelorettes. Put girls against each other!? Don't we already get enough of that. #TeamKaitlyn
— Desiree Siegfried (@DesHartsock) March 10, 2015
The more I think about it, I can't help but be upset about ABC choosing 2 #Bachelorettes. It's going to be so hurtful to both the girls.
— Ali Fedotowsky-Manno (@AliFedotowsky) March 10, 2015
Judging by the hundreds of tweets I'm seeing, no one likes this duel bachelorette idea. Also, @clmgiudici thinks it's disgusting.
— Sean Lowe (@SeanLowe09) March 10, 2015
Excuse me while I shake my head all night.
— CatherineGiudiciLowe (@clmgiudici) March 10, 2015
Idk how I feel about this whole two bachelorette thing. Very uncomfortable. Maybe have the guys do that first? Instead of women competing.
— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) March 10, 2015
This is GARBAGE #TeamKaitlyn
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) March 10, 2015
#TeamKaitlyn :Not liking this upcoming #Bachelorette catfight at all!What happened to a female empowered situation where SHE gets to chose !
— Bonnie Fuller (@BonnieFuller) March 10, 2015
https://twitter.com/NicoleTill/status/575353012337709056
https://twitter.com/WanderingLust/status/575128121135009794