Chris Harrison to Step Away From ‘Bachelor’ Franchise for ‘Excusing Historical Racism’

Chris Harrison at ABC Television's Winter Press Tour 2020
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The longtime host of the Bachelor franchise, Chris Harrison, announced on Instagram that he is “stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special.”

Harrison had apologized after defending Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell after pictures from 2018 were posted to social media showing the 24-year-old graphic designer from Georgia at an “Antebellum plantation-themed ball.” She has also liked Confederate flag-related Tik Toks.

Harrison, who suggested that Kirkconnell was entitled to “a little grace, a little understanding” and “a little compassion,” was roundly criticized for his remarks.

Harrison’s post also notes that he is “dedicated to getting educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before. 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.”

See his post below.

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A post shared by Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison)

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  1. O

    OliveTooth

    This is B.S.! Chris Harrison did nothing wrong! All he said was give her a chance to explain! Plus he's not responsible for something someone else did in their past!!!! I am really tired of all this political correctness crap! It's gone way too far!!!! Grow the hell up people!

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  2. R

    RedBowtie

    I guess he was seeing his career circling the drain and is/was trying to preserve it (he's apparently not coming back, at least temporarily) but , frankly, I find the whole "apology" kind of sickening, groveling in front of everyone like that. You want to "own your actions"? Do it but you did nothing wrong and are entitled to your opinion, except if your bosses don't like it (or their advertisers don't). I think your career is shot anyway, so walk away, don't crawl. Good luck on your path to "anti-racism" (I'd love to see who gets to decide what racism actually means). People who "police" other people's opinions and seek to punish them (or "cancel" them) are the real fascists...😡

  3. P

    PurpleChilli

    Sorry, but, she was nasty right from the beginning, and Everyone should have seen it! We the public saw it!! Not just his fault, she should have gone from the start.