In his first interview since dealing with backlash for defending racist habits, Chris Harrison apologized, and revealed his plans for his future within the ‘Bachelor’ franchise.
Chris Harrison appeared on the March 4 episode of Good Morning America to debate the racism controversy surrounding The Bachelor franchise. The drama stemmed from Chris defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s previous racist actions throughout an interview with Rachel Lindsay in February. Now, Chris is taking possession for the “mistake” he made in excusing Rachael’s previous habits.
EXCLUSIVE: “It was a mistake.” #TheBachelor host Chris Harrison apologizes for defending frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell’s previous racist social media posts, telling @michaelstrahan he’s an “imperfect man” who’s “dedicated to progress.” https://t.co/OfPBBzGd9s pic.twitter.com/0EgbKV99DV
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 4, 2021
“I’m an imperfect man,” Chris admitted. “I made a mistake and I personal that. I imagine that mistake doesn’t replicate who I’m or what I stand for. I’m dedicated to the progress, not only for myself, but additionally for the franchise.” Interviewer Michael Strahan referred to as Chris’s responses within the GMA interview “floor degree,” however Chris mentioned that he plans to proceed as host of The Bachelor franchise sooner or later. “I plan to be again and I wish to be again,” he insisted. “This interview isn’t the end line. There may be extra work to be executed and I’m excited to be a part of that change.”
He added, “I’m saddened and shocked at how insensitive I used to be in that interview with Rachel Lindsay. I didn’t converse from my coronary heart. I stand towards all types of racism and I’m deeply sorry. I’m sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I’m sorry to the Black neighborhood.” Chris additionally referenced the hate that Rachel has been getting on social media, which brought on her to deactivate her account. “I wish to [apologize] to her once more,” he mentioned. “I’m extremely sorry. To anybody who’s throwing hate in the direction of Rachel Lindsay please cease. It’s unacceptable.”
Chris mentioned he’s working with race educators and strategists, in addition to religion leaders and students, to teach himself. “I’m not a sufferer right here,” he clarified. “I made a mistake and I personal that. Racism, oppression — these are large, dynamic issues they usually take critical work and I’m dedicated to that work.”
Rachael Kirkconnell is likely one of the remaining three ladies on Matt James’ season of The Bachelor. Buzz concerning the contestant started when the season first began, as a lady who claimed to have gone to highschool together with her accused her of bullying up to now. Then, in February, images surfaced of Rachael attending an Previous South/antebellum celebration in faculty. She was slammed for glorifying a time when slavery was prevalent. One other TikTok person additionally uncovered alleged controversial Instagram posts that Rachael had beforehand preferred, together with one in every of buddies posing in entrance of the accomplice flag.
When Rachel Lindsay requested Chris concerning the controversy throughout an interview on Further in February, he diminished the racist nature of the Previous South celebration images. Backlash instantly started pouring in, and Chris issued an apology the following day. Then, Rachael got here ahead with an apology of her personal, the place she took accountability, denounced her previous actions and vowed to be taught and do higher sooner or later.
The scandal continued to explode, as each followers and former members of the Bachelor franchise began calling for change on the present. Chris finally decided to “step aside” as host for this season’s After The Ultimate Rose particular on March 15, and it was revealed that former soccer participant, Emmanuel Acho, can be main the dialog as an alternative. Chris’s future with the franchise stays unclear.
