Netflix facing backlash over Colton Underwood reality show

Los Angeles Times

Reports last week that Underwood would be starring in a reality show about his coming out experience have sparked backlash from people concerned that he is being rewarded after his Bachelor ex Cassie Randolph filed a restraining order against him last year for harassment, stalking and placing a tracking device on her car (Randolph later dropped the restraining order). Netflix has yet to officially announce the reality show, which reportedly involves Olympian Gus Kenworthy acting as his guide. A Change.org petition has picked up more than 20,000 signatures. "Cassie is a victim of Colton’s abuse, and he does not deserve a platform in any way," states the petition that was created anonymously. "Regardless of his sexuality, Colton should not be given a platform as a result of his abusive, manipulative, and dangerous behavior." John Casey, editor at large for the LGTQ magazine The Advocate, calls the Netflix reality show "Underwood's underhanded attempt to make a buck," adding: "Being closeted is not an excuse for Underwood’s harassment. What he was alleged to have done was hurtful and illegal. But one thing is for sure. The accusations meant that Underwood was finished in the world of straight, reality TV." He called the Good Morning America "a PR gambit, a tease, for his new reality show, which will put him back in the news when it premieres. The interview was all part of a big plan. A push. A way to generate publicity for the real story, which is that Netflix series, and Underwood’s next lucrative way to cash in on his celebrity."