The Bachelorhas named its first Black executive producer in franchise history.Jodi Baskerville, who has worked as a producer on the franchise for just under a decade, has been bumped up to the role of EP, PEOPLE confirms.She’ll begin in her new position with season 18 ofThe Bachelorette, starringMichelle Young, which will air this fall.Both Young and current BacheloretteKatie Thurstonwere contestants onMatt James' season ofThe Bachelor. Young is the third woman of color to take the lead, followingRachel LindsayandTayshia Adams.Adams is now co-hosting Thurston’s season ofThe Bachelorettealongside fellow former leadKaitlyn Bristowe. Earlier this week, PEOPLE confirmed that the two women will return to co-host for Young’s season.Michelle Young and Katie Thurston.ABCThe pair announced in March that they would be stepping in afterChris Harrisontook time away from the franchise in February.Shortly after Harrison, 49,stepped downfrom his longtime hosting role, Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment told PEOPLE in a statement that the franchise would be working toward greater diversity among its crew.“As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion withinThe Bachelorfranchise, we are dedicated toimproving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks,” the statement read. “These areimportant steps in effecting fundamental changeso that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world.“RELATED VIDEO: Chris Harrison Officially ExitsBachelorFranchiseHarrison stepped away fromBachelorNation in February after defending contestantRachael Kirkconnell’spast racist actions.Shesince issued an apologyand asked thosedefending her actions to “please stop.“Harrison alsoapologized for his remarks. Heofficially exitedthe franchise in June.Young’s season ofThe Bachelorettepremieres Tuesday, Oct. 19 on ABC.
The Bachelorhas named its first Black executive producer in franchise history.
Jodi Baskerville, who has worked as a producer on the franchise for just under a decade, has been bumped up to the role of EP, PEOPLE confirms.
She’ll begin in her new position with season 18 ofThe Bachelorette, starringMichelle Young, which will air this fall.
Both Young and current BacheloretteKatie Thurstonwere contestants onMatt James' season ofThe Bachelor. Young is the third woman of color to take the lead, followingRachel LindsayandTayshia Adams.
Adams is now co-hosting Thurston’s season ofThe Bachelorettealongside fellow former leadKaitlyn Bristowe. Earlier this week, PEOPLE confirmed that the two women will return to co-host for Young’s season.
Michelle Young and Katie Thurston.ABC
The pair announced in March that they would be stepping in afterChris Harrisontook time away from the franchise in February.
Shortly after Harrison, 49,stepped downfrom his longtime hosting role, Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment told PEOPLE in a statement that the franchise would be working toward greater diversity among its crew.
“As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion withinThe Bachelorfranchise, we are dedicated toimproving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks,” the statement read. “These areimportant steps in effecting fundamental changeso that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world.”
RELATED VIDEO: Chris Harrison Officially ExitsBachelorFranchise
Harrison stepped away fromBachelorNation in February after defending contestantRachael Kirkconnell’spast racist actions.Shesince issued an apologyand asked thosedefending her actions to “please stop.”
Harrison alsoapologized for his remarks. Heofficially exitedthe franchise in June.
Young’s season ofThe Bachelorettepremieres Tuesday, Oct. 19 on ABC.
source: people.com
