Former Bachelorette Charity Lawson Opens Up About Racism and Mental Health Struggles in Reality TV
Former Bachelorette Charity Lawson Opens Up About Racism in Reality TV World
Former Bachelorette Charity Lawson recently spoke out about the racism and mistreatment she faced as a Black woman in the reality TV world. Lawson, who made history as part of the first Black couple on “The Bachelor,” shared her experience on the podcast “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans.”
Lawson revealed that while she thought she was prepared to take on “Dancing With the Stars,” the experience turned out to be much worse than she expected. She faced online bullying and death threats, which took a toll on her mental health and required the assistance of an on-set therapist.
The 29-year-old family therapist explained that she was perceived as conceited and entitled, partly due to biases against Black women emoting. She also pointed out that editing packages from producers contributed to the negative portrayal of her on the show.
Despite the challenges she faced, Lawson managed to come in fourth place on “Dancing With the Stars.” She shared that she coped by limiting her social media exposure, muting negative accounts, and refraining from engaging in discussions about the show online.
Lawson’s story sheds light on the racism and discrimination that Black women often face in the reality TV world. Her candid revelations have sparked conversations about the need for better support systems for contestants, including the suggestion of a “dance doctor” to provide mental health assistance on set.
As Lawson continues to speak out about her experience, she hopes to bring about positive change in the industry and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Black women in reality TV.