'The Bachelor' franchise is no stranger to drama, but this time, it's happening off-screen. After shocking reports of a 'toxic' and 'hostile' work environment, key figures behind the scenes are stepping down.
- Mar 15, 2025
AceShowbiz - "The Bachelor" franchise is undergoing significant changes as showrunners Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner depart following serious allegations of maintaining a "toxic" and "hostile" work environment.
The duo, who stepped into their roles in 2023 after the exit of show creator Mike Fleiss, deny these allegations, but their departure is currently being negotiated with Warner Bros. Television, according to Deadline reports.
Their exit follows the resignations of two co-executive producers, Michael Margolis (Freeland's husband) and Keely Booth (Freeland's longtime friend). Although neither Margolis nor Booth were implicated in fostering the toxic workplace environment, their departures add another layer of complexity to the ongoing drama.
This upheaval comes on the heels of allegations that Freeland and Graebner managed the franchise with an atmosphere of "fear," subjecting crew members to verbal and mental abuse.
These claims emerged a month ago in an explosive report, which has reverberated through "Bachelor Nation". Industry representatives from ABC and WBTV have declined to comment on the matter.
"Bachelor Nation" has been no stranger to change recently. Not only has "The Bachelorette" taken an uncharacteristic hiatus from its summer slot for the first time since 2007, but "Bachelor in Paradise" has also seen significant shifts.
Scott Teti, known for Bravo's "Summer House" and ABC's "Claim to Fame," has been brought in to helm the upcoming Season 10 of "Bachelor in Paradise," which will overlap with other "Bachelor" franchise productions.
The franchise also made room for the first seasons of "The Golden Bachelor" and "The Golden Bachelorette," with the former airing alongside "Bachelor in Paradise" Season 9 in fall 2023 and the latter airing in fall 2024 in the absence of a new season of "Bachelor in Paradise."
As the franchise navigates through these turbulent times, Season 29 of "The Bachelor" continues to air with "The Bachelorette" alum Grant Ellis handing out roses. The season finale is scheduled for March 24, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the future of the show.
