After Bachelorette Jenn Tran Is Forced To Relive ‘Humiliating’ Proposal Rejection On Live TV, Fans Vent Outraged

Fans of The Bachelorette are in an uproar after the cruel and unusual treatment of season 21’s Jenn Tran as she was pointedly forced to relive her proposal-gone-wrong in the season finale.

Tran, a physician assistant student from Miami, made history as the first Asian American Bachelorette in this season’s premiere. In a franchise that historically has perpetuated stereotypes about Asian women, Tran’s role as a decisive lead should have marked a positive shift in how Asian women are portrayed in the media.

However, instead of highlighting Tran’s admirable strength and power, fans say The Bachelorette producers chose to tear their leading woman down on live TV.

In an unprecedented twist for the franchise, Tran made history as the first leading lady to propose to her chosen partner, rather than the traditional dynamic where the male finalist asks for the woman’s hand in marriage. Confident in her feelings for Devin Strader, Tran announced that she would propose to him instead of waiting for him to do so. Before viewers could witness this moment, they were redirected to the broadcast to discuss the situation with Tran first.

In the live segment, Tran revealed to the audience that the couple had parted ways over a month prior as Strader had broken up with her via a 15-minute phone call and ghosted her. She recounted his words, “He’d basically said that he didn’t love me anymore and didn’t feel the same way and felt like something had been off since the second that he proposed. He regretted getting engaged.” 

After Tran recounted the experience, Strader joined her on stage and Tran expressed her disappointment, “I just think this conversation right now between the two of us is not what I had wanted and is not something that is going to be meaningful to me.”

Tran further accused him of partying and following other women on social media, such as former Bachelor contestant Maria Georgas, who had previously declined the lead role.

When the host inquired if Tran was ready to see the proposal footage, her response dripped with sarcasm: “Do I have a choice?”

Tran sobbed as the pre-taped proposal aired and viewers saw Tran tearfully propose to Strader, “I can’t let you propose to me. I’ve chosen myself,” as she placed a ring on his finger. As the cameras returned to the live moment, the former couple sat in silence.