In a Feb. 9 interview with former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay for “Extra,” Harrison defended Rachael Kirkconnell — a frontrunner on Matt James’ currently airing season of “The Bachelor,” the first to feature a Black bachelor — for a resurfaced photo in which she appears to be attending a plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018. "I'm contractually bound in some ways. “The Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell made headlines after photos emerged of her at an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018. Johnson & Johnson one-shot COVID vaccine rolls out in the U.S. Dr. Fauci answers COVID vaccine questions in CBSN special, CBS News poll: Many would get vaccine, but hesitancy remains, Rachel Lindsay speaks out against white silence. "I am listening, and I truly apologize for my ignorance and any pain it caused you. Did Chris Harrison not sit through that? Chris Harrison excusing historical racism has left former Black contestants from the franchise divided on how to proceed with the host's future -- … Ever since Chris Harrison’s interview with Rachel Lindsay went viral, a debate within Bachelor Nation has erupted as to whether Harrison’s time as the host of the franchise has come to a … "Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn't mean she is alone. "I'm exhausted. © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not listening to her better on a topic she has a first-hand understanding of, and humbly thank the members of Bachelor Nation who have reached out to me to hold me accountable. “As Black people and allies immediately knew and understood, it was a clear reflection of a much larger issue that The Bachelor franchise has fallen short on addressing adequately for years.”. A post shared by Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison). Related Extras ... Now at the beginning of the season both he and Chris Harrison told me that if all went well no one would be talking about the … "Your advocacy of BIPOC people in the franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability.". Chris Harrison says he's sorry for offending Rachel Lindsay and the entire Black community, by excusing historical racism -- but adds he wants to … Adams, who is Black, added that she is "really hurt" by the response to Kirkconnell's actions, which she called blatantly racist. ‘The Real’ Hosts Applaud Emmanuel Acho’s New ‘Bachelor’ Gig: ‘He Can Have a Real Conversation’. Chris Harrison & Rachel Lindsay Talk ‘Bachelor’ Contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, California Privacy/Information We Collect. I said I was gonna leave if they didn't have leads of color. That was not the case in 2018," Harrison said, estimating that "50 million people did that in 2018. And until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this? After facing backlash over his comments, Harrison posted an apology to social media on Wednesday. Host Chris Harrison is usually the one to put Bachelors and Bachelorettes — and the contestants vying for their love — in the hot seat, asking them probing questions about love and regret. Chris Harrison Apologizes for Comments Made in Rachel Lindsay Interview This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. Rachel Lindsay, the franchise's first Black female lead and one of the show's strongest advocates for racial justice, said Friday that she will not renew her contract with the franchise as a result of Harrison's comments. “I am dedicated to getting educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before.”, A little over a week after Harrison made the announcement he was stepping aside, James posted a lengthy statement on Instagram calling the situation “devastating and heartbreaking.”, “Chris’s failure to receive and understand the emotional labor that my friend Rachel Lindsay was taking on by graciously and patiently explaining the racist history of the Antebellum South, a painful history that every American should understand intimately, was troubling and painful to watch,” James wrote. They added that they "stand united" with Lindsay. COVID-19 vaccine doses are being sold on the dark web. "Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge, jury, executioner thing — where people are just tearing this girl's life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents' voting record. Prior to season 25 airing, Chris released his "Meet the Women" video on YouTube during which he described each of the women competing on the current season. Tayshia Adams, the most recent Bachelorette, said on her Instagram Story on Friday that she is "really hurt and disappointed and confused" by the "ignorance" she's seen surrounding conversations about race this week. I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. This week Good Morning America host Michael Strahan called out The Bachelor host Chris Harrison for issuing what he believes to be a lackluster – … Longtime “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison is stepping away from his role for the time being after facing backlash over his comments defending a contestant accused of racism. “I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful,” Harrison wrote in a lengthy Instagram apology . Chris Harrison’s girlfriend Lauren Zima spoke out about his controversial comments regarding racism and a “Bachelor” contestant, which has ultimately led … Kirkconnell's season features Matt James as the Bachelor, marking the first time the franchise has chosen a Black male for the role. “It was a mistake,” Harrison said in an interview that will air Thursday morning on “Good Morning America,” which you can watch above. Sophie Lewis is a social media producer and trending writer for CBS News, focusing on space and climate change. Delta flight diverted to Sacramento after passenger dies on board, Dr. Seuss books top Amazon bestseller list, Is America a Christian nation? I am ashamed over how uninformed I was. Pastors at odds about faith and politics, How to watch Oprah's interview with Harry and Meghan, Economic fallout from pandemic disproportionately hits Latinas, Doctors, officials react to Texas' reversal of COVID-19 restrictions, CDC finalizing guidance on what's safe for those who are vaccinated, New report lists worst states for kids during the pandemic. Related Story Chris Harrison To Do Interview With Michael Strahan On 'Good Morning America' (Report) Harrison apologized again for the comments … "But how much more do I want to be affiliated with this? "By excusing historical racism, I defended it," Harrison wrote Saturday. "That's not a good look.". “I made a mistake. "My entire reason for doing 'The Bachelorette' — and I was lucky that it worked out for me in the most beautiful way in finding Bryan — is that I wanted to be representative as a Black woman to this audience. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "My words were harmful," he said. "It's not a good look ever," Lindsay said, adding, "If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party? James has also spoken out in support of Lindsay. Matt James shared his support for Rachel Lindsay on his Instagram Story. "What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry. "I want to ensure our cast and crew members, to my friends, colleagues and our fans: this is not just a moment, but a commitment to much greater understanding that I will actively make every day," he said. "I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed. The controversy began after photos surfaced of Rachael Kirkconnell, a contestant on this season of "The Bachelor," attending an antebellum-themed party in 2018. "These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized. I haven't heard Rachael speak on this yet. "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison is apologizing after defending a frontrunner on the current season of the show who has come under scrutiny for photos … ", "I can't take it anymore," Lindsay said. ", Harrison wrote that he was sorry to the Black and BIPOC community. ", "While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf," he continued. ", "That was a type of party," he said, adding that he is "not defending it.". To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special,” Harrison said at the time. Season 25 contestants also posted a joint statement on Instagram on Thursday denouncing any "defense of racism. The removal of Chris Harrison as host of the "Bachelor" franchise is a quintessential example of how "ridiculous" cancel culture has become, critics tell Fox News. Rachel Lindsay speaks out against white silen... "Bachelor" host temporarily "stepping aside" amid controversy, Macaulay Culkin cast in Season 10 of "American Horror Story", Emilia Clarke says she's been pressured to film nude scenes, "Friends" reunion special with original cast reportedly in the works, Disney is bringing back Hilary Duff for a "Lizzie McGuire" reboot. Lindsay, who hosts a Bachelor Nation podcast and has made frequent cameos on the show, said that she will not renew her contract with the franchise when it expires. But when it's up, I am too. ), “The historic season of The Bachelor should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions. ", "Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals," the statement reads. "To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special.". February 14, 2021 / 7:18 AM "This historic season of The Bachelor should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions," Harrison wrote in an announcement posted to Instagram, referencing the current lead of the show, Matt James, who is the first Black male lead. The bombshell announcement comes in the wake of a controversial interview, in which he defended a current contestant's racist photos. I'm confused as to how you could have whole consultants working for you, yet what happened just happened. On Monday, “Bachelor” producers issued a statement condemning the online harassment Lindsay has received over her interview with Harrison and her remarks of uncertainty regarding if Harrison should remain host of the ABC reality dating franchise, which led her to delete her Instagram account. BACHELOR host Chris Harrison has been DROPPED from Cameo following ongoing backlash for his comments on the reality show’s racism problems. "I am beyond grateful to have Rachel as a mentor during this season," James wrote on his Instagram Story on Friday. ", "Well, the picture was from 2018 at an Old South antebellum party," Lindsay replied. "Is it a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?" I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the people from these communities who I've had enlightening conversations with over the past few days, and I am so grateful to those who have reached out to help me on my path to anti-racism.". I don't think one apology means that I deserve your forgiveness, but rather I hope I can earn your forgiveness through my future actions.". ", First published on February 12, 2021 / 8:45 PM. In a brief snippet of his upcoming interview Thursday morning, “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison apologized again for his comments that defended a “Bachelor” contestant who appeared in racially insensitive photos. ", Kirkconnell also apologized on Thursday, writing on Instagram, "I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist. Comments. Required fields are marked *. ", "I deserve to be held accountable for my actions," she added. I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake and I … And I wanted to pave the way for more people to have this opportunity," Lindsay said on the podcast. Harrison’s comments did not sit well with some fans and social media users, who started a Change.org petition to have the ABC host removed from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.” The petition stated Harrison needs to go because he “has a history of misogyny and … I was so wrong. I made a mistake and I own that.”. I am an imperfect man. They hired a diversity consultant — who didn't attend the class? Chris Harrison landed himself in some very hot water after an interview with Extra correspondent and former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay.Here's what the longtime host of The Bachelor said that caused such an uproar from Bachelor Nation.. Harrison's controversial comments came during an interview he had with Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette who is now a correspondent for Extra. (Emmanuel Acho has been tapped to replace him for the upcoming live season finale and “After the Final Rose” special on March 15. Michael Strahan says “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison gave a weak apology on “Good Morning America” Thursday for his decision to defend some … Chris Harrison & Rachel Lindsay Talk ‘Bachelor’ Contestant Rachael Kirkconnell by extratv on YouTube Harrison and Kirkconnell apologize After facing backlash over his comments, Harrison … Okay, they did that, and they made some other changes. Harrison asked. We stand with her, we hear her, and we advocate for change alongside her. Related: Bachelor: Rachel Lindsay's 'Double Standard' For Claudia Oshry & Chris Harrison Explained While his world was recently flipped upside down as a consequence for his actions, Chris may have known this was coming all along. "We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion," Harrison told Lindsay. Harrison added that he was "dedicated" to educating himself on a more profound and productive level. If … ", "You're 100% right in 2021. Chris Harrison Apologizes (Again) for ‘Bachelor’ Comments in First Interview: ‘I Made a Mistake’ (Video) Your Evening Briefing: India’s Controversial Covid Shot May Measure Up PCWorld’s March Digital Magazine: Samsung’s Galaxy S21 vs. Apple’s iPhone 12 AMD’s game-boosting Smart Access Memory is coming to Ryzen 3000 Chris Harrison is reportedly going to sit down with Michael Strahan this week on Good Morning America to address the controversy surrounding his recent comments … The disgraced face of the ABC franchise has charged $350-$500 for personalized videos but on Monday, the website shut down access for fans to book Chris. Harrison addressed his disappointment and dismay over the comments he made during the interview with Lindsay calling himself “an imperfect man” who is “committed to progress”. Your email address will not be published. How much more can I take of things like this? I promise to do better. "The Bachelor" host Chris Harrison has apologized for his widely-criticized, racially insensitive comments in defense of contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. Are they real? Chris Harrison, the longtime host of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," announced Saturday that he is "stepping aside" from the franchise for an undisclosed "period of time." I have truly had enough," Lindsay said on Friday's episode of her podcast "Higher Learning.". Chris Harrison apologizes for controversial comments. In an interview with GMA's Michael Strahan, Chris Harrison publicly apologized to Rachel Lindsay following his controversial comments and confirmed he'll return to … https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/13/arts/television/chris-harrison-bachelor.html "I invoked the term 'woke police,' which is unacceptable. Cuomo accuser recalls alleged harassment: "The governor's trying to sleep with me", Earth's largest-ever mass extinction is a warning for humanity, Senate votes to kick off debate over $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, Capitol police seek 2,000 troops to stay to protect Congress. ", "Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with 'grace' for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise," it concludes. Harrison has faced increasing backlash online this week after defending a contestant who has been accused of racist acts. A slew of contestants from Adams' season shared a joint message to Instagram on Friday, "denouncing racist behavior and any defense thereof." Your email address will not be published. It's unbelievably alarming to watch this. 120+ Deep Questions for *Really* Getting to Know Someone, ‘TheWrap-Up’ Podcast: Sacha Baron Cohen, ‘The Flight Attendant’ Showrunner Steve Yockey, An Amazon Alexa app is headed for the Xbox, Liverpool to host RB Leipzig in Budapest for Champions League last 16 second leg, Scottish League 1 & 2 clubs united on 22-game season starting on 20 March, Weekly Watchlist: What Recovery Feels Like for Millions of Americans, New FA and PFA chiefs must ‘value inclusion’, says Kick It Out’s new boss, Stunning Astronomy Photographs Look like They’re Shot from Space, ‘Agatha All Along’ from ‘WandaVision’ Has Already Streamed Almost 2 Million Times on Spotify, Emmanuel Acho has been tapped to replace him, James posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, if Harrison should remain host of the ABC reality dating franchise, Your Evening Briefing: India’s Controversial Covid Shot May Measure Up. / CBS News. “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison issued an apology Wednesday for controversial comments made in a recent interview, admitting he spoke “in a manner that perpetuates racism.”. Thursday’s “GMA” interview, which airs on the same network as the longrunning reality TV franchise, marks his first interview since he stepped away from the ABC dating series’ currently airing season amid backlash over his support for a current contestant accused of racist behavior. "To my Bachelor Nation family — I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology," he said. Rachel Lindsay has accepted Chris Harrison’s apology after GMA interview with Michael Strahan Thu Mar 04, 2021 at 8:56pm ET Thu Mar 04, 2021 at 8:56 pm EST By Natalie Hunter "I will never grow unless I recognize what I have done is wrong. Chris Harrison is stepping aside from The Bachelor franchise amid growing controversy after defending current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist behavior. It is not clear how long Harrison will be absent from the franchise, or who will take his place during the "After the Final Rose" special, which is not pretaped. I can't do it anymore.". On Tuesday, in a nearly 15-minute interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, who is now a host for ExtraTV, Harrison spoke passionately about the need for “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” for Rachael Kirkconnell, a contestant on this season of “The Bachelor” — its first with a Black lead.