American television show host Chris Harrison is permanently leaving ABC’s reality dating show “The Bachelor” after being under fire earlier this year for defending a contestant’s past racist behaviour.
Harrison stepped down from his role in February after nearly 20 years of hosting the popular franchise. This after he defended former “Bachelor” contestant Rachel Kirkconnell who’s photos circulated attending an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018. Harrison made the comments defending Kirkconnell during an “Extra” interview with former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay.
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That to which Lindsey (who is black) responded:
“It’s not a good look ever, If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?”
Harrison, who is white, later admitted that he had “made a mistake” in an interview with ABC News’ “Good Morning America.”
“Chris Harrison is stepping aside as host of The Bachelor franchise. We are thankful for his many contributions over the past 20 years and wish him all the best on his new journey,” Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment said in a statement sent to NBC News on Tuesday.
Harrison recently shared a post on his Instagram saying that he was excited to start a new chapter after an “incredible run” as host of the franchise.
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“I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we’ve made together,” Harrison said. “While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”
Chris Harrison is being replaced by a slew of celebrities on “Bachelor in Paradise” this summer which includes Lil Jon, David Spade, Tituss Burgess, Lance Bass, and more.
*Cover Image Credits: ERIC MCCANDLESS/GETTY IMAGES
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