‘The Bachelor’ Matt James opens up about the pressure of being the show’s first black actor



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Matt James made history Monday during his first episode as the first black lead role on ABC’s “The Bachelor.”

Prior to his debut, James sat down for an interview with People in which he discussed his ultimate goal as a model for the black community on the show.

“I hope that being in this position will pave the way for people like me and that it will be normalized,” he said. “’Oh Matt was a great bachelor.’ It doesn’t have to be “Oh, that was a big black bachelor.” “

Season 25 kicked off with the 28-year-old real estate broker chatting with host Chris Harrison about what to expect from the show and the pressure he felt as a historic part of the long-running reality show.

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“My mom is white and my dad is black, and I’m experiencing what it was like to be the product of an interracial marriage,” Matt told Chris (via People). “And it’s difficult because you have people who have certain views, old school views of what a relationship looks like and what love looks like. And you have people who encourage you to find love. And then you have people who encourage you to meet up with a specific person, a specific person of a specific race. “

`` The Bachelor '' season 25 star Matt James has said he is the show's first black actor.

“ The Bachelor ” season 25 star Matt James has said he is the show’s first black actor.
(ABC / Craig Sjodin)

He added, “It’s something that kept me from sleeping at night. It’s like, I don’t want to piss off black people, I don’t want to piss off white people, but I’m both. You know what I’m like, how can I please everyone? “

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After a pep talk from the host, who asked him to lead with his heart and not let the weight of responsibility get in the way of the search for love, it was time for James to meet the 32 women in the running. for his affection this season.

Many women have noted that he is making history on the show, including model Chelsea, 28, who said she hopes she can be the show’s very first black couple.

While with Kristin, she asked him about the weight of responsibility he faces this season, which he echoed similar feelings he shared with Harrison.

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`` The Bachelor '' debuted with a new lead role in season 25.

“ The Bachelor ” debuted with a new lead role in season 25.
(ABC / Billy Kidd)

“I feel a load of responsibility,” James admitted. “But in this, I have the feeling that my experience is not that of everyone. I can only speak about things that I have experienced and live my truths and do my best to represent who I am and how I was raised. . “

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The former college football player got off to a good start, connecting with several of the women but ultimately sending eight home.

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