Deaf contestant on “The Bachelor”
Matt James will be the newest Bachelor for season 25 and he will be the first Black man to be featured as the bachelor. Matt’s season will begin on January 4, 2021. It seems that he will have over 40 female contestants. There’s something exciting about one of the contestants -- there is a deaf woman.
Abigail Heringer (25) is from Beaverton, Oregon. She is a client financial manager. She was born deaf, but she has had cochlear implants since she was two years old. Based on an article from “Cosmopolitan” magazine, it seems that Matt the Bachelor has given Abigail the first impression rose.
We learned from a deaf man, Howard Lee Gorrell, who is familiar with Abigail’s family, that Abigail’s sister, who is also deaf and wears cochlear implants too, tried out for the Deaflympics Tennis team in 2008. Howard mentioned Abigail is very good at golf and almost won the state championship in 2013 (senior in high school). Abigail went to Linfield College with a 4 years scholarship. She did not continue her golfing journey but was more committed to her academic journey and her sorority: Alpha Phi. Other articles seem to have also emphasized Abigail and her commitment to her sorority. Howard also said that Abigail is deaf, yes, but she doesn't know sign language and is not involved with the Deaf community, but respects the Deaf community.
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In an Oregon local newspaper, Abigail’s mother Suzie, mentioned that she was surprised that Abigail shared about her “hearing loss” (her words) because Abigail is not usually open about that. Suzie also said that she is proud of her daughter and hopes that Abigail has fun on the show. Suzie did mention that she is not sure that “The Bachelor” is the right kind of platform to meet someone, but she is still excited about Abigail being involved with this show.
In various articles that talk about Abigail, they use the word “deaf” or “hearing loss,” but for ABC’s “The Bachelor” show, they used the word “hearing impaired.” Recently, the host Chris Harrison was introducing the contestants and when introducing Abigail, he mentioned “hearing impaired.” This was on ABC’s “The Bachelor” Facebook Live show and the video itself was not subtitled.
Articles said that taping was done in Pennsylvania and was finished right after Thanksgiving.
We, The Daily Moth, did reach out to Abigail and her mother Suzie in hopes of an interview. We got a response from Abigail’s PR manager. They said that Abigail is not available for interviews until after the elimination if that happens. So, we will see how this show unfolds.
In the past, two CODAS (Child of Deaf Adults) have appeared on “The Bachelorette” show. It was Jerry Ferris for season 3 and Matt Donald for season 15.
If you’re interested in watching “The Bachelor” and to catch Abigail on it, watch it on January 4, 2021 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a34450524/who-is-abigail-heringer-matt-james-bachelor/
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a34439933/bachelor-spoilers-2021-matt-james/
https://www.tvshowsace.com/2020/11/23/bachelor-deaf-contestant/
https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2020/10/17/the-bachelor-season-25-salem-oregon-abigail-heringer-portland/3663635001/
Photo Credits: ABC