Chris Harrison plans to return and continue as the host of the popular reality TV dating show, ‘The Bachelor’. He plans to return after his suspension and replacement after a racial scandal.
Chirs Harrison had on Thursday, revealed is plans when he appeared on the hot seat with Michael Strahan on “Good Morning America.”
During the interview, Chris Harrison discussed the racial scandal that has caused him to step aside from the ABC dating show franchise that he has hosted since its debut in 2002, admitting he made a mistake by defending current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who has been under fire for racially insensitive photos that re-surfaced on social media.
“It was a mistake,” Harrison told Strahan. “I made a mistake. I am an imperfect man. I made a mistake and I own that.”
Harrison spoke to the controversy in the wake of a season that was meant to advance the franchise by featuring the first Black “Bachelor,” Matt James.
“I believe that mistake doesn’t reflect who I am or what I stand for,” he said. “I am committed to the progress not just for myself but also for the franchise.”
He also clarified his stance on the party Kirkconnell attended where the photos were taken. “Antebellum parties are not OK, past, present, future. Knowing what that represents is unacceptable.”
Harrison also apologized to former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay in the wake of his discussion with her about Kirkconnell, as well as the racist online bullying that followed, which caused her to deactivate her Instagram account.
“I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay,” he said. “I didn’t speak from my heart, and that is to say I stand against all forms of racism and I am deeply sorry. I talked to Rachel, not since she deactivated her Instagram account, but I talked with Rachel initially, and I apologized and I want to do so again: I am incredibly sorry. To anyone who is throwing hate towards Rachel Lindsay, please stop. It is unacceptable”
Harrison said he’s working with a “race educator and strategist,” as well as faith leaders and scholars like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
“I am not a victim here,” he said. “I made a mistake and I own that. Racism, oppression, these are big dynamic problems and they take serious work and I am committed to that work.”
Harrison also confirms that he wants to stay the host of the franchise.
“I plan to be back and I want to be back,” he said. “This interview is not the finish line, there is much more work to be done and I am excited to be a part of that change.”
After the taped interview ended, Strahan commented on the segment, saying, “His apology is his apology, but it felt like I got nothing more than a surface response on any of this, and obviously he’s a man who wants to clearly stay on the show, but only time will tell if there’s any meaning behind his words.”
The longtime host will not be part of the “After the Final Rose” episode, which serves as the season finale.
Emmanuel Acho is stepping in to replace Harrison for the “After the Final Rose” episode.