Ellen Pompeojust waded into theBachelordrama brewing among ABC’s heavy hitters.
Earlier this week,Live!starKelly Ripasaid during an on-air discussion with co-hostRyan Seacrestthat thereality dating show “disgusts” herand pits women against one another. Series creator Mike Fleiss then took aim at Ripa on Twitter, writing, “Easy, @KellyRipa … #TheBachelor franchise pays your salary!”
On Thursday,Grey’s Anatomystar Pompeo jumped to Ripa’s defense.
“Okay @fleissmeister… that’s some handle bro!” she tweeted. “Your show does NOT pay @KellyRipa salary. Also we don’t attack successful women on our network and men certainly cannot take credit for their success. Don’t get me started on your show cuz I’m a savage…. #bachelorsoooowhite.”
“Took a break [from Twitter] but had to jump back in the ring for my girl @KellyRipa,” she added.
The ABC franchise has long weathered criticism over its lack of diversity. There has never been a Bachelor of color in 23 seasons, and in 15 seasons, there has only been one black Bachelorette:Rachel Lindsayin 2017. The majority of the contestants havealso historically been white.
“We can’t compete against each other and compare ourselves to one another,” she continued. “it’s not productive, and it’s not healthy. It’s not good for our mental health. We need to take care of each other and support each other and love each other, and that, I think, feels better. And supports a healthier state of mind.”
Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty; Inset: Kevin Mazur/Getty
Hannah Brown‘s season ofThe BachelorettepremieredMonday. After accidentally mixing up Brown with former BachelorColton Underwood‘s girlfriendCassie Randolph, Ripa voiced her opinion on Tuesday’s episode of her morning talk show, calling it “gross.”
“You guys, you know how I feel about the show, it disgusts me,” she said. “I was disgusted because I couldn’t stand the idea of 25 exceptional women fighting over one ordinary fella, in my opinion. You know how I feel, ladies, we are too special to be arguing over a guy.”
“Look out #BachelorNation,” he tweeted. “@KellyRipa is coming after you and your ‘disgusting’ Monday night habit.”
Chris Harrison’s tweet.Twitter/Chrs Harrison
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images; Noam Galai/Getty Images; Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Of the drama, a source told PEOPLE on Thursday that Ripa has never shied away fromcritiquing the show.
Ripa poked fun at the whole situation on Thursday when she welcomed Brown, 24, on her show.
“Hannah, I’m not sure what they told you backstage … if you blink twice, I will get you out of here,” she joked before Brown laughed and said she was happy to be there.
The Bacheloretteairs Mondays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC andLive! With Kelly and Ryanairs weekdays (check local listings).
source: people.com
