Culture

Warning Signs: Gaslighting And Emotional Abuse In “The Bachelor” Franchise

I have no shame in admitting that I’m obsessed with every Bachelor show.

By Meghan Dillon3 min read
gaslighting in bachelor franchise ABC Fair Use still
ABC/The Bachelor

Whether it’s The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, or Bachelor in Paradise, I’ll watch it. I’ve watched every season since 2013, and I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in the past few seasons - contestants gaslighting and being emotionally abusive towards the season’s lead. This leads me to ask two questions: Why would someone fall for gaslighting? And more importantly, what are the consequences of gaslighting being normalized in our culture?