ABC's hit reality dating show, "The Bachelorette," is facing scrutiny as it is revealed that the show's newest winner, Devin Strader, was previously arrested seven years ago. The arrest, for which Strader pleaded guilty to charges of criminal trespass and simple criminal damage to property, has sparked concerns about the franchise's vetting process and the safety of contestants. Both ABC and producer Warner Bros. have declined to comment on the matter.

The revelation of Strader's arrest came to light when RealitySteve, a prominent reporter in Bachelor Nation, published an affidavit reportedly from Strader's arrest warrant. The legal documents, filed by an unnamed ex-girlfriend on March 19, 2017, detailed allegations of a burglary at her residence, during which a diamond necklace gifted by Strader was stolen. The affidavit also mentioned instances of Strader's aggressive behavior, including banging on her door and screaming at her.

In response to the alleged incidents, the ex-girlfriend filed a restraining order on March 22, 2017. The affidavit claimed that Strader set fire to the actual restraining order and laughed at her when her tire was being changed. Entertainment Weekly has also revealed the contents of the restraining order, which included claims of physical assault, such as spitting and throwing a drink on the ex-girlfriend in a public setting and placing her in a chokehold.

Despite these alarming details, ABC and Warner Bros. have insisted that they conduct thorough diligence and prioritize the safety of their contestants. However, a source close to the production revealed that the protective order did not surface during their vetting process. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the show's background checks.

This is not the first time that "The Bachelorette" franchise has faced controversy over undisclosed backgrounds of its contestants. During Becca Kufrin's 2018 season, it was revealed that one of the contestants, Lincoln Adim, had a prior arrest for indecent assault and battery. Warner Bros. had claimed ignorance of the incident at the time, further fueling concerns about their vetting procedures.

In the most recent season of "The Bachelorette," Strader emerged as the winner and briefly got engaged to lead Jenn Tran. However, he broke off the engagement shortly after the finale aired on September 3. In a now-deleted Instagram video, Strader attempted to defend himself and shared private messages between him and Tran.

While the controversy surrounding Strader's past continues to unfold, all eyes are now on Tran as she is set to make her debut on "Dancing with the Stars" premiere on Tuesday night. The incident has once again brought attention to the need for improved vetting processes in reality TV, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. ABC and Warner Bros. are yet to comment on any potential changes they may implement in light of this controversy.