LOS ANGELES - "The Bachelor" has officially cast its first-ever black lead contestant.The ABC show announced on Friday that Matt James, 28, will be the star of the show's upcoming 25th season.
The decision comes amid an overwhelming amount of backlash the franchise has received from its former contestants in recent weeks for its years-long lack of diversity.James appeared on "Good Morning America" for the announcement in addition to the show confirming the news on its official social media accounts.Matt James, 28, will be the star of the show's upcoming 25th season. (Photo credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin)"It's official...your next Bachelor is @mattjames919!" the show tweeted.According to reports, James is a real estate broker and entrepreneur.