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Chris Harrison Leaves ‘The Bachelor’ For Good After Racism Controversy

Mifzal Malik

THE BACHELOR - "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All" - Twenty of the most unforgettable women this season will return to confront each other and Colton and offer the lowdown on their quarrels and personal hostilities as they battled to capture Colton's heart. Chris Harrison takes a look back at some of the "memorable breakdowns and breakups" in series history. Dramatic feuds are revived between Oneyka and Nicole, Demi and Courtney, and Katie and Caelynn. Colton also must face the scrutiny of the women he sent home, while the ladies must defend their own behavior. Then take a look at some of the hilarious bloopers from this season and a sneak peek of one of the most unpredictable endings in franchise history on "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All," TUESDAY, MARCH 5 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on The Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Television Network. (Eric McCandless via Getty Images) CHRIS HARRISON

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.

 

 

In his interview with Lindsay, Harrison expressed sympathy for Kirkconnell and implied that the criticism directed against her was unfair because the photos were from the past. When Lindsay said it was not a good look that Kirkconnell attended a party celebrating the antebellum South — a time period when slavery was present — Harrison said:
“Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or is it not a good look in 2021? Because there’s a big difference.”

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.

 

“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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