Devin Strader sitting in a field with Jenn Tran and a sheep during a date in 'The Bachelorette' Season 21

Thanks, I Hate It

‘The Bachelorette’ Controversy Over Devin Strader, Explained

There's controversy surrounding 'The Bachelorette' Season 21 contestant Devin Strader. Here's what fans are talking about in regards to his social media activity.

by Lauren Weiler

Published on August 12, 2024

2 min read

What is the controversy over Devin Strader in ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21?

Skeletons are coming out of Devin Strader’s closet as The Bachelorette Season 21 continues. At the start of the season, Devin strongly connected with Jenn Tran, and she appreciated how he took small opportunities to make her feel special. Unfortunately, as the season begins to close, unfavorable information regarding Devin’s character is being revealed.

Fans on Reddit discovered that Devin had rapper aspirations before joining the show. He rapped under the name 96dev and had music on major streaming platforms. Unfortunately, a 2019 track called “96waves” featured derogatory racist language. Since this information came to light, many of the tracks are no longer available to stream.

Additionally, Devin liked Instagram posts that expressed anti-vaccine, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-immigration sentiments. He also followed a right-wing Instagram account that made fun of liberal ideals. Not only that, but on night 1, Reality Steve revealed that Devin admitted that he’s a 9/11 conspiracy theorist. ABC did not air this conversation.

The contestant is allegedly trying to cover his tracks on social media

Devin Strader and Jenn Trans standing next to each other and in front of an indigenous person on their one-on-one date in 'The Bachelorette' Season 21 Episode 4

Devin Strader and Jenn Tran on their one-on-one date in ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Episode 4 | Disney/John Fleenor

The Bachelorette Season 21 fans think Devin Strader is desperately trying to perform damage control. Reddit followers noticed that Devin appeared to follow a string of left-leaning accounts after The Bachelorette fans noticed his likes. Additionally, Devin seemed to have unliked many inflammatory posts.

“He actually deleted 17 posts and unfollowed 300 accounts after filming ended, so who knows what else he had up …,” a fan wrote on Reddit.

Devin also commented on social media after a fan wrote, “Imagine being a Trumper in 2024.”

The contestant replied, “Imagine feeling the need to comment your opinion when the latter wouldn’t waste a breath on you. Go touch grass, bro.”

Reddit fans commented on Devin’s internet activity.

“I love that his version of course correcting is liking more Joe Biden posts than I even do as a liberal,” a fan wrote.

“The sudden likes on Biden/Harris posts are fooling no one,” another added.

How far does Devin Strader make it in the show?

So, how far does Devin Strader make it in The Bachelorette Season 21? According to spoilers from Reality Steve, Jenn Tran chooses Devin, and they get engaged.

After filming ended, Jenn admitted she was “very happy” with how her season ended. “I’m very happy with the ending and I’m very happy with the way everything panned out,” Tran told People. “I learned so much every day that I was there [to find out] about myself and what I wanted in a relationship. There was so much growth.”

It’s unclear if Jenn and Devin will discuss Devin’s past behavior during the After the Final Rose special. Given the current heat on Devin, it seems likely that host Jesse Palmer will ask the couple about it.

Elements of this article were originally reported by Distractify and Reality Steve.

The Bachelorette Season 21 airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.