Well, folks, it looks like The Bachelorette has found itself in yet another whirlwind of drama—this time thanks to Devin Strader, the man who won Jenn Tran’s heart just long enough to brutally dump her after their on-screen engagement.
However, it’s not just his abrupt breakup that’s making headlines. Nope, this guy has a real skeleton in his closet: a 2017 restraining order handed down after he broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house and allegedly put her in a chokehold. Because, apparently, ABC’s vetting process for contestants is about as thorough as using a colander to catch water.
Devin, who was 21 at the time of the incident, was arrested in Louisiana for criminal trespass and damage to property after his ex-girlfriend accused him of breaking into her home and stealing a diamond necklace he’d gifted her. Classy. She filed a restraining order shortly after, alleging a disturbing pattern of behavior—everything from banging on her door and spitting on her at a Pelicans game to setting fire to the restraining order in the street like a bad soap opera villain. And somehow, this guy ended up on a show where the whole premise is to find true love? Solid job, casting team.
‘Bachelorette’ star Jenn Tran’s ex Devin Strader was arrested, had restraining order against him from past girlfriend: The Bachelor Nation contestant was arrested in 2017 for allegedly breaking into an ex-girlfriend’s apartment and taking a diamond… https://t.co/U6omRhTKww pic.twitter.com/4baOYlkMdc
— Janie Johnson – America is Exceptional (@jjauthor) September 18, 2024
Unsurprisingly, social media is in full revolt. TikTok users, podcast hosts, and just about anyone with an internet connection are dragging The Bachelorette producers for allowing Devin to slip through the cracks. One viral post called it “laziness or negligence,” which honestly feels like an understatement.
How hard is it to run a background check? You’d think a history of criminal trespass and a restraining order might raise some red flags, but apparently, ABC’s search came up empty. Sure, the network claims they do their “due diligence,” but that excuse is wearing thin.
Now, Jenn Tran is left to pick up the pieces of her publicly shattered relationship. After a whirlwind romance on screen, Devin unceremoniously broke off their engagement over the phone—because of course, he did. Jenn’s comments in a recent interview said it all: she had no idea the man who wooed her on national TV would disrespect her in such an epic fashion, switching from “crazy proclamations of love” to ending things like he was canceling a dinner reservation.
Meanwhile, what is Devin’s defense of his actions during the finale? He claims his feelings were “real” but that they just faded. Convenient, right? He failed Jenn, and he knows it—but that’s where his accountability seems to end. And with his unsavory past now in the spotlight, it’s safe to say this guy’s 15 minutes of fame are burning up fast.
The Bachelorette’s Devin Strader breaks his silence on his split from Jenn Tran. pic.twitter.com/USymRUH8oz
— E! News (@enews) September 11, 2024
If there’s one thing to take away from this mess, it’s that ABC needs to do better—a lot better. When the top takeaway from the season is “maybe we shouldn’t cast guys with restraining orders,” it’s time to reassess the system. Here’s a tip for next season: how about not putting your lead in a position where they’re dating someone who has a history of harming women? Just a thought.
