There Are Serious Concerns About ‘The Bachelorette’ Vetting Process After Jenn Tran’s Disastrous Season

The Bachelorette and ABC might have a public relations nightmare on their hands. Following Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette, fans of the show flocked to social media to denounce the series for failing to vet participants adequately. Initially, fans were enraged by Devin Strader’s post-proposal behavior and allegations that Marcus Shoberg had behaved inappropriately before appearing on the show. More has happened since. Increasingly troubling information is trickling out about Strader, leading The Bachelorette fans to question what the vetting process for contestants looks like.

Devin Strader harassed and abused an ex-girlfriend before ‘The Bachelorette’

If The Bachelorette fans were upset that Devin Strader ghosted his ex-fiancee, Jenn Tran, they are really angry now. Weeks after the season 21 finale aired, Reality Steve broke the news that Devin Strader had been arrested seven years ago, and a restraining order was issued against him.

In a detailed report, Strader’s ex-girlfriend, who remains anonymous, outlines a string of physically abusive encounters before she ended the relationship. After breaking up with Strader, the woman filed for a restraining order. She reported that he broke into her home, destroyed her belongings, and refused to leave her alone. Strader also lit the paperwork for the order of protection on fire in front of her house.

There have been problematic contestants in previous ‘Bachelorette’ seasons, too

Tran’s season of The Bachelorette isn’t the first time a questionable suitor made their way into the competition. In 2018, Reality Steve reported that Lincoln Adim had been convicted of indecent assault before appearing on the series. Adim appeared on season 14 of The Bachelorette. Becca Kufrin, the season’s lead, eliminated Adim in week 6. Over the years, there have been other arrests and allegations of misconduct for contestants of the show.

Arrests and restraining orders have been the most serious issues with former contestants, but there has also been less serious drama surrounding the intentions of some contestants in the past. In season 13, DeMario Jackson was accused of having a girlfriend back home. Season 6’s Justin Rego was already in a relationship when he signed up for the series, too. Both contestants were eliminated relatively early on in the series, so it’s impossible to know what they would have done if either had had one.

Austin Erb and Sam McKinney were also accused of being romantically involved with other women when cast on the show. A Reddit user claims Erb admitted he planned to self-eliminate after he gained enough “clout” from his appearance.

What is the vetting process for ‘The Bachelorette’ contestants?

While Strader and several other troubling contestants have snuck through the cracks and appeared on The Bachelorette over the years, the vetting process for the series is supposedly pretty strict. Several past contestants and leads have discussed the process after their seasons aired. Reportedly, all contestants and leads are subject to a background check. They must also complete a psychological evaluation and an STD screening before they officially make the cut.

So, what went wrong with Devin Stader’s check? According to The Hollywood Reporter, the arrest information was sealed when production looked into him. The publication spoke to an insider who claims the actual circumstances regarding Strader’s arrest were unavailable to the production team. Instead, they claim, they were under the impression he had been arrested for burglary. The insider alleges Strader was likely asked about it, offered a reasonable explanation, and pushed through by a taxed staff.

Strader has yet to comment on the most recent revelations.