The Golden Bachelor Australia finale is approaching, and Sunny Long and Janette Bendle are fighting it out for Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden’s heart.
Sunny has won over a legion of new fans in Australia and has worn her heart on her sleeve during the whole process, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the CEO, with Sunny also having to battle racist comments and interactions as the only Korean woman on the show.
Sunny’s daughter Chloe calls out racist comments from Australian public
Sunny’s daughter, Chloe, recently took to TikTok saying that the casual racism towards Sunny in the comments sections of social media and articles has been “worse” than what she could’ve imagined.
@chloebunnie_ Replying to @Maree @Channel 9 you need to moderate your comments. i don't know how this racism is allowed to continue? i was terrified of the racism that mum would inevitably face being on australian reality tv. but this is worse than i expected… so horrific. #thegoldenbachelor #goldenbachelor #realitytv ♬ original sound – chloe
“Living in Australia with an Asian mum, I have seen mum experience so much racism. And so obviously, you know, her being on the show, I was terrified for that from the possible contestants and the Australian public,” she said. “And it’s just worse than I could have imagined.”
Singling out Channel Nine, Chloe said she thought there’d be better moderation from the social media team.
“I thought there would be some moderation from Channel Nine. Like, it’s actually a joke. Top comments with … with 100 likes and they just leave it there,” she said. “It is not OK. And obviously, you know, white boomers, unfortunately, you’re going to expect a lot of racism among that group. So maybe I should have known.”
Chloe on how The Golden Bachelor contestants perceived her mum: ‘Some of them look down on her’
Speaking with Chattr, Chloe said that it’s been really hard to see her mum being treated badly and called out the other women on The Golden Bachelor.
“It’s also been really hard to see how some of the other women look at or treat my mum. Of course, editing might play a part, but it still feels clear that some of them look down on her. Unfortunately, I’ve seen that a lot throughout my life – people judging or underestimating her because she doesn’t act how society expects an older woman to act.
“And being Korean adds another layer, as racism might be involved. It’s heartbreaking to see her treated as if she’s beneath them when she is a beautiful, strong, intelligent and passionate woman,” Chloe shared.
Touching on the moment she asked Bear during hometowns if he identified as a feminist, Chloe said:
“It was important for me to check if Bear was a feminist because my mum is such a strong, independent woman. She’s financially independent, super confident, and takes up a lot of space (in the best way possible), which can sometimes intimidate people who aren’t used to women like that. She deserves someone who not only respects that, but actively celebrates it,” she said.
“She’s also a Korean woman living in Australia, so she also deals with racism and the kinds of everyday biases that come with that. So she needs to be with someone who’s actually aware of racism and sexism, and who’s willing to stand beside her through that.”
Chloe said she’s proud of her mum for being vulnerable on the show.
“There have been many tears shed watching her open up about some of the painful things she’s been through like her previous relationship, losing her mum (my grandma, who I’m also still grieving), and her experience with breast cancer. I’m so proud of her for being so open and vulnerable, because that’s not easy to do, especially on national TV! I think there’s so much strength in vulnerability, and I know a lot of people watching will really relate to her story,” Chloe said.
The Golden Bachelor airs on Sundays and Mondays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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