'IT IS WHAT IT IS'
Bachelorette alum Mike Johnson confesses he was ‘butt hurt’ after ABC picked Matt James to be first black Bachelor
BACHELORETTE alum Mike Johnson confessed he was “butt hurt” after news broke that ABC picked Matt James to be the first black Bachelor.
Viewers begged producers to choose the 32-year-old fan-favorite as the next , but he was snubbed two years in a row and said he has “no idea” why.
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Since he appeared on ’s season of The Bachelorette in 2019, admirers demanded the network give the charming Texas native the title.
Many members of Bachelor Nation also wanted Mike to be the first black Bachelor ever in the show’s 20-year history as criticism escalated for its .
Hours after announced on Friday that , 28, , Mike posted an Instagram video to offer his congratulations.
However, he revealed on Monday to franchise stars Ben Higgins, 31, and Ashley Iaconetti, 32, that he took the casting harder than he let on.
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The Air Force vet said on the podcast: "Honestly, it is what it is.
“They picked a great guy and for like 30 minutes I was butt hurt but after that, you move on with life.
"I know I'm an amazing human being and amazing person so therefore, I'm not going to let a few executive producers who didn't choose me twice make me feel any type of way,” he said.
The former reality contestant said he had “no offer” from producers and did not partake in “any recent discussions.”
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Mike said he had “no idea” why he was not chosen once again, especially after fans continue to praise who he is as a person more than a year after his season aired.
"I feel that for over a year since I've been in the Bachelor Nation family, I have shown my character day in and day out.
“And I don't feel that anything I've shown is not conducive of what a Bachelor would be.”
The portfolio manager said his personal and professional life are in good standing, further adding to confusion of why he was not considered.
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“I can speculate like anyone else. I'm not seeing anybody. I'm in great shape.
“I think I'm a decent looking guy. I know that I was one of America's fan favorites. Professionally, I'm in a good place.
“I'm financially free. I live by myself. I really don't know,” the disappointed star told the podcast hosts.
However, Mike teased it might not be the last we’ve seen of him, when asked if he would go on the upcoming season of to pursue .
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“I've said she's a cutie,” he tried to play coy with a laugh.
The 39-year-old Sacramento hairdresser’s turn to find love will air before Matt’s season of The Bachelor.
Matt - who is best friends with other fan-favorite, Tyler Cameron - was for Clare.
However, on June 12, ABC made the announcement the will be the next male lead of the series.
The Bachelor casts first male black lead in 18 years with Matt James, 28, after fans demand diversity
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