The Bachelor

"The Bachelor" finally has an African-American male calling the rose ceremony shots -- Matt James is the show's next leading man.

ABC made the announcement Friday morning, saying it's "privileged to have Matt" as the first black Bachelor. Saying it's been a longtime coming is an understatement ... it hadn't happened in 40 seasons of the franchise.

Rachel Lindsay was the first black female lead on season 13 of "The Bachelorette" ... way back in 2017. It's undeniable Matt finally got the nod due to the whole country becoming laser-focused on equality and increasing diversity.

In fact, ABC said, "We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we're seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in, and we are proudly in service to our audience. This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take action with regard to diversity issues on this franchise. We feel privileged to have Matt as our first Black Bachelor and we cannot wait to embark on this journey with him."

The lack of a black 'Bachelor' has been a big issue for the show for years, and most recently an online petition calling the franchise's lack of diversity "unacceptable" got nearly 100k signatures. At least 'Bachelor' producers, like many companies and individuals, finally seem to be listening and learning.

As for Matt ... he's no stranger to 'Bachelor' Nation. You'll recall he was cast on Clare Crawley's season of "The Bachelorette" in season 16 though nobody really got to know him because production was shut down due to the pandemic.

Here's what ya need to know: The 28-year-old works in real estate, and was a football player at Wake Forest University. He tried to make it on a couple NFL teams, but no dice. Hey, at least he's the 'Bachelor' now.

BTW, Matt is also one of Tyler Cameron's best friends, and at one point even roommates who quarantined together.

Mike Johnson -- one of the few black men who tried to woo Hannah Brown on "The Bachelorette" -- says her use of the n-word was outta line, and he'd love to teach her a lesson.

Mike tells TMZ ... "What Hannah did was unacceptable. Issues like this bring light to the bridge of pop culture and racism within our country." He goes on to explain, "I'm inviting her and everyone to a conversation, in hopes to educate everyone that this type of behavior needs to be changed and is unacceptable. My aim is that in this moment we don't divide, we come together, learn from this and create change for the better."

He also tells us that on Sunday -- when he first addressed the scandal on social media -- he had not seen the video of Hannah dropping the word while reciting DaBaby's "Rockstar" lyrics.

Welp, he has now and he's got strong feelings. His response is a balanced mix between what Rachel Lindsay had to say, and what another one of Hannah's exes, Tyler Cameron, said as well.

Some people called Mike out initially for not backing up Rachel -- who's also African-American -- but he put that matter to bed ASAP.

ICYMI, Rachel -- the first black 'Bachelorette' -- didn't seem satisfied with Hannah's apology, and she went in on her and anyone who isn't black using the n-word, even if it's in song. Tyler was more forgiving, saying we outta use this as a teachable moment.

It appears Mike is splitting the difference, but it's obvious he thinks re-education is needed on Hannah's part. That's huge, considering Mike was a fan fave and reportedly in the running to be the series' first black 'Bachelor.' He still might be, in fact.

BTW, Mike says he never experienced any type of racist behavior or language from Hannah during his time on her season.

Hannah Brown is apologizing to her fans for using the n-word on social media, and then trying to play it off like she didn't say it at all.

The 'Bachelorette' star took to Instagram Sunday and issued a full mea culpa for the viral moment that started making the rounds over the weekend -- which showed her singing a song, in the company of family, and dropping the n-word as she recited lyrics, something she seemed to acknowledge was wholly inappropriate and cringe-worthy in the moment.

Later in the day, Hannah was back on IG Live and noticed people calling her out for it, but she didn't seem ready to cop to it right then and there. She tried playing dumb and being coy about it, with another woman next to her suggesting it might've been her brother.

It definitely wasn't though, and Hannah finally admitted her mistake, writing on IG ... "I owe you all a major apology. There is no excuse and I will not justify what I said. I have read your messages and seen the hurt I have caused. I own it all. I am terribly sorry and know that whether in public or private, this language is unacceptable. I promise to do better."

A lesson learned ... people are always watching, and are more than willing to speak up when they hear/see something wrong. Especially during quarantine.

'Bachelor' Nation, meet your new fix -- a couple dudes in SF started their own quarantine dating show, but they've nixed the roses and replaced it with a way more precious item.

Two former Yelp employees in the Bay Area -- Tyler Cohen and Jimmy Parenteau -- already had a virtual dating show in the works prior to the coronavirus outbreak, but when it hit ... they pivoted and launched "Quarantined Bachelor."

It's exactly how it sounds ... a single gentleman is chosen as a bachelor, and he's introduced to a bunch of potential suitors via Zoom, who then go on individual dates with the fella and eventually ... get whittled down to a final 3 via elimination. Just like ABC's hit series.

Tyler and Jimmy told the SF Chronicle the big difference with their show -- besides no physical interaction -- is the rose ceremony ... which ditches the petals and replaces it with paper. Toilet paper, that is!!!

It also goes without saying, the stakes for 'QB' aren't as high ... no proposal, just an eventual in-person date.

The first season of 'Quarantined Bachelor' is actually already wrapped and completely up episode by episode on the show's official IG page. They also found their leading man -- his name is Richard Shall, and he seems like quite a catch.

Peter Weber's season of "The Bachelor" is over, but he's still getting around ... putting in time with another contestant -- Kelley Flanagan, at least for now.

Pilot Pete was seen playfully slinging Kelley over his shoulder Wednesday afternoon in Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. Folks who saw them tell us Pete was super-flirty and very handsy with Kelley.

Peter can't make up his mind ... remember, his season was marked by his flip-flopping ways. He got engaged to Hannah Ann, called it off months later so he could get with Madison.

Now, he's apparently moved on to Kelley -- making for a pretty impressive trifecta.

'Bachelor' fans are gonna go crazy for this latest twist in Pete's complicated love life. Rumors were swirling about something brewing between Kelley and him, but this is visual confirmation. It's the first time they've been seen together since she was eliminated from the show.

We can't confirm Pete's favorite song is Tupac's, "I Get Around" ... or The Beachboys "I Get Around," if he's really OG -- but it's a good bet.

'Bachelor' star Colton Underwood looked worse for wear when he emerged for the first time since announcing he tested positive for coronavirus.

The former leading man of the reality show surfaced Saturday from a home he's been staying at in Huntington Beach, CA ... and as he made his way out to the balcony, certainly looking like someone who was down and out and going through it -- COVID-19, that is. He revealed last week he'd tested positive for the novel virus.

Hood on, sad face ... his look here says it all. He's not happy right now.

Luckily, his girlfriend, Cassie, is right there by his side -- and it appears Colton's neighbors are well aware of his condition and are wishing him well. Cassie was photographed coming to the front porch to receive a bouquet of flowers someone had left there ... presumably for CU.

The coronavirus has officially infiltrated Bachelor Nation ... Colton Underwood says he's tested positive for COVID-19.

Colton just announced his test results Friday on his social media ... the 28-year-old 'Bachelor' star and former NFL player says he tested positive for the virus and has been following all of the social distancing guidelines since last week.

Colton's symptoms started showing a few days ago, and he says he was tested and just got his results back Friday.

He's also got a message for folks out there who are so far hesitant to self-quarantine ... saying we should all stay home as a favor to ourselves and our loved ones.

Colton's staying positive despite the diagnosis ... he says we're all gonna beat the pandemic and emerge stronger than before.

Tons of celebs have revealed positive test results in the past week ... from Tom Hanks to Kevin Durant, Idris Elba, Rudy Gobert, Prince Albert of Monaco, NFL head coach Sean Payton and more.

'Bachelor' star Peter Weber already proved he's got moves in the fantasy suites ... but did you know he can ball out on the football field too?!?

TMZ Sports has obtained video of PW hitting up a flag football game in California over the weekend ... and we gotta admit -- Pilot Pete's got skillz!!

Of course, it's been a crazy time for Peter -- he cut things off with Madison, got engaged to Hannah Ann, broke up with Hannah Ann, got back together with Madison, pissed off his mom, and broke up with Madison again.

Pretty easy to follow, right??

Anyway ... it looks like everyone is getting over the breakups in their own ways, 'cause Madi has been spotted hanging out with Selena Gomez ... while Peter balls with his bros at the Flag Football California league.

Weber looks like a rec league superstar in the video ... snagging a good interception with a solid return ... and throwing a dart on offense.

The 'Bachelor' might be losing its stakes as far as engagements go, but it's becoming a great set-up show for future dating ... exhibit A being, Tyler Cameron and Hannah Brown.

The former 'Bachelorette' lead and her runner-up contestant last season were spotted together Saturday at the Palm Beach International Airport -- just 30 minutes outside of TC's hometown of Jupiter, FL -- where the guy was doing a chivalrous curbside pickup.

In video obtained by TMZ, you can see Tyler packing Hannah's luggage away in the back, before they both hop in and drive off. Hannah's face isn't perfectly visible here ... but she was there. HB put up tons of video of herself hanging at an empty airport the same day.

We're also told fans were coming up to her in baggage claim to tell her how much they loved her -- so there's no question, this is definitely our girl.

Put two and two together ... and it seems Hannah is once again in Tyler's backyard, hanging out with the guy more than a year after her season ended, and she gave him the boot.

You'll recall ... Hannah was by Tyler's side last weekend following his mother's tragic sudden passing -- where she's said to have attended some events with him. Now, a week later ... here she is again flying back into town to see the dude. Talk about being a good friend!

Of course, Tyler and Hannah could be seeing each other again -- two get-togethers in a week's time could possibly point to that. Plus, they have post-show hang out history as it is.

Despite the fact 'Bachelor' star Peter Weber didn't take his mom's dating advice ... he says she's definitely entertaining enough to get her own show.

The now single pilot was out Friday in L.A. when a photog asked him about his mom, Barbara, stealing the show -- for better or worse -- after appearing in this week's "After the Final Rose" episode.

Peter has no doubt about it ... Babs would kill it if she had her own reality show.

Yeah, he's clearly biased -- but, truth be told, she DID captivate everyone's attention during her tense showdown with Peter's now ex, Madison Prewett.

Remember, Barbara straight-up told Madi she was never gonna be on board with her and Peter's relationship. Barbara also threw immediate shade after Peter and Madi announced their break up Thursday ... posting a video of her dancing to "Leaving on a Jet Plane."

And, if ya thought that was harsh ... don't expect an apology. Peter was also asked about Madi hanging out with Selena Gomez. Ya gotta see his reaction.

"The Bachelor" star Peter Weber learned the hard way mama knows best -- she was never a fan of Madison Prewett and now Madi's a goner cause the couple is dunzo.

Madi and Peter revealed the split Thursday night ... just 2 days after an incredibly tense and awkward "After the Final Rose" finale where Peter's mom, Barbara, let it be known in not so friendly terms ... she's never gonna get on board with the relationship.

Madi, who initially tagged the wrong Pilot Pete account in her Instagram breakup post, said she and Peter decided to go separate ways but never elaborated.

Didn't seem to bother Madi all that much, at least on the surface, because moments after announcing her breakup she was seen partying --  yes, hanging at Target can constitute as partying -- with none other than Selena Gomez.

As for Peter, he seems to be taking this all in stride too. He said, "Madi and I have mutually decided to not pursue our relationship any further. Believe me this was not easy for either of us to be ok with, but after a lot of honest conversations, we have agreed that this is what makes most sense for the two of us."

Tyler Cameron looks devastated in the wake of a family emergency that has reportedly claimed his mother's life.

TMZ got photos of the former 'Bachelorette' star out Sunday with people we're told looked like close family members. They were dining in Jupiter, Florida at a restaurant called Brass Ring Pub. As you can see ... he appears to be distraught, with a lot on his mind.

At one point, he had his face buried in the palm of his hand. It was a small gathering -- we're told he wasn't drawing attention, and not too many people around even recognized him.

According to reports ... Tyler's mom, Andrea, passed away after being rushed to the hospital Thursday. The ex-reality TV star announced a "family emergency" Friday on social media, saying he'd have to cancel a 'GMA' appearance ... and asked for prayers.

It appears friends of the family are also mourning her apparent death on Facebook, with a few different people sending their condolences to Tyler, his father and his two younger brothers.

He hasn't commented on her status himself just yet. That said, we've been hearing Andrea has indeed passed, but have to yet to definitively confirm it. His rep had no comment.

Tyler and Andrea were incredibly close -- which was well-documented on his social media feed. While she lived in Florida, it looks like she made the trek out to New York back in November to support her son while he ran the NYC Marathon.

At the time, he wrote ... "So grateful for all of the support that I got from my family, friends, and BN! Couldn’t have done this race with out all of y’all." Andrea herself was a huge supporter of her boy -- and appeared to keep tabs on him during Hannah B's season.

In one photo of them two together, she said of her son ... "I love you Tyler! You are America’s sweetheart!! Thank you for that wonderful experience!!"

She was 55. RIP

Chad Johnson is continuing to freak out his fans and followers on social media -- less than 24 hours after cops checked on him for a possible suicide threat.

The ex-'Bachelorette' star posted two new videos on his Instagram story overnight -- one of which shows him sitting at a table and blaring Billy Joel's "Piano Man" song, with what appears to be the cord he showed off on his door yesterday and a lone bottle cap.

Another video that follows shows Chad seemingly talking to someone from behind a door, with him quickly saying ... "I have no choice." Of course, these new clips come on the heels of Friday's terrifying post, which depicted what looked like a makeshift hanging contraption.

He captioned that photo, "it'll be okay." Cops told us they went out to his San Fernando home on a welfare check yesterday, but determined no imminent threat on his life.

The scary moment comes just a few days after he was arrested for domestic violence and robbery after he allegedly got physical with his ex-girlfriend, Annalise Mishler. Chad addressed the situation the following day, denying he'd put hands on her while also apologizing.

We got a call into West Valley office of the LAPD to see if they're dropping in on Chad again in light of this new disturbing information. We're told officers were on the scene this AM for a possible welfare check, but no further details are known at this time.