Bachelorella update: Bachelor Nation turns on itself, calls out its sexism

I went to bed angry last night, and apparently I wasn’t the only one judging by the mess that was my Twitter feed this morning. Bachelor Nation seems in agreement that the decision to pit Kaitlyn and Britt against each other in the first episode of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette is tacky, shitty, and sexist. Some of the strongest voices of disapproval are Bachelor and Bachelorette alumni themselves. Here are some of my favorite responses from the people who know the process best:

Desiree Siegfried, who made it to Sean’s finale four before getting sent home and going on to become the Bachelorette herself:

Not going to lie.. I’m a bit confused by 2 bachelorettes. Put girls against each other!? Don’t we already get enough of that. #TeamKaitlyn

— Desiree Siegfried (@DesHartsock) March 10, 2015

Sharleen Joynt, professional opera singer and my personal diplomatic princess queen (oh yeah, and she was on Juan Pablo’s season):

This is sick. “That’s not ideal” is a massive understatement. #TheBachelorette #misogyny — Sharleen Joynt (@sharleenjoynt) March 10, 2015

Ali Fedotowsky of Jake’s season and eventual Bachelorette:

— Ali Fedotowsky (@AliFedotowsky) March 10, 2015

The more I think about it, I can’t help but be upset about ABC choosing 2 #Bachelorettes. It’s going to be so hurtful to both the girls.

Former Bachelorette and fierce momma bear Emily Maynard:

As a viewer I love the two bachelorettes but as a woman, I kind of hate it. What do you all think? I love @brittkarolina & @kaitlynbristowe

— Emily MaynardJohnson (@EmilyMaynard) March 10, 2015

Sarah Herron, commonly known as “One Arm” or as “Emily” because I still am convinced that is her actual name, who competed on Sean’s season and on the first season of Bachelor In Paradise:

Wait, so the next season of #TheBachelorette is really just going to be another season of #TheBachelor? Women STILL competing for approval. — Sarah Herron (@sarahherron) March 10, 2015

Former Bachelor himself, Sean Lowe:

Judging by the hundreds of tweets I’m seeing, no one likes this duel bachelorette idea. Also, @clmgiudici thinks it’s disgusting. — Sean Lowe (@SeanLowe09) March 10, 2015

And the aforementioned winner of Sean’s season, Mrs. Catherine Lowe:

Excuse me while I shake my head all night. — Catherine Lowe (@clmgiudici) March 10, 2015

Previous Bachelorette Andi Dorfman is being vague as hell, probably because she’s still under contract:

I’m gonna keep my mouth shut right now 😉 #TheBachelorettes — Andi Dorfman (@AndiDorfman) March 10, 2015

I’m just going to be politically incorrect and mean no offense by this but I’m #TeamKaitlyn — Andi Dorfman (@AndiDorfman) March 10, 2015

Carly Waddell, one of the ladies Chris sent home on the most recent season of The Bachelor:

Ok. I’ll speak. Rejection by 25 guys I would not wish on ANYONE…it makes me sad that someone I know will face this on tv. Bad enough by 1. — Carly Waddell (@carlywaddell) March 10, 2015

Fellow Chris reject, Jade Roper, aka Prince Farming’s Cinderella and former Playboy model:

Stunned about 2 Bachelorettes 😳😳😳😳😳 — Jade Elizabeth Roper (@jadelizroper) March 10, 2015

And finally, the wonderfully bitchy Bachelor Burn Book:

This is probably the worst decision ABC has ever made. Who’s with us? #TheBachelorFinale — Bachelor Burn Book (@bachelorburnbk) March 10, 2015

Disagreement within the Bachelor family isn’t exactly rare—pretty much everyone including host and franchise ringleader Chris Harrison admitted Bachelor Juan Pablo was a huge douchebag—but this level of disapproval is notable, especially when the response is so distinctly feminist. The Bachelorette is not exactly a paragon of gender equality in the media, but it is a sliver of empowerment used to defend the franchise as a whole. This premise, even if it was previously done on season 6 of The Bachelor, just massively undercut its celebration of female agency. As Sharleen says:

@kristenrwright It doesn’t change anything. I’ll elaborate on my blog at some point. 🙂

— Sharleen Joynt (@sharleenjoynt) March 10, 2015