Chris Harrison is temporarily ‘stepping aside’ from ‘Bachelor’ franchise for ‘excusing historical racism’
Chris Harrison, longtime host the Bachelor, Is “diverting” from the television franchise after apologizing for defending the contestant Rachel Kirkconnel, Who was accused of racism.
The 49-year-old host said, “I have spent the last few days listening to the pain of my words and I am very sorry.” Wrote on instagram Saturday. “My ignorance hurt my friends, co-workers and strangers alike. I have no one to blame but myself for what I said and the way I spoke. I set the standards for myself, And didn’t meet them. I think with every fiber. Being me. Now, like I taught my children to stand up, and to do their tasks, I’ll do that. “
He continued, “By defending historical racism, I defended it. I used the term ‘woke police’, which is unacceptable. I am ashamed of how oblivious I was. I was so wrong.”
The scandal began on February 4, when pictures of 24-year-old Kirkconnell, a season 25 white contestant the Bachelor (Matt James, who is the first black bachelor in the show’s 21-year history), before appearing at an 2018 fraternity party with an antebellum plantation theme, and a Ticketock user alleged that Kirkconnell once lured a black man Was provoked to dating.
Amid the subsequent attack, James spoke in defense of Kirkonnell. “Rumors are dark and vile and can ruin people’s lives,” he said. Entertainment Tonight. “Then I will give people the benefit of the doubt, and hopefully he will have time to speak on it.”
Harrison joined on Tuesday when he told Rachel Lindsay as the franchise’s first black bachelor in 2017 that she had sympathy for Kirkconnell. “We all need a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion,” Harrison said. Apart from Interview. “Because I’ve seen some stuff online – this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are tearing apart this girl’s life and dive into, like, her parents, her parents’ voting record. It’s Incredibly dangerous to watch. T. Rachel has spoken on it so far. I can’t say the same thing as long as I really give this woman a chance to speak. I sorority five years ago. Saw a picture of him at the party and that’s it. “
When Lindsey commented that the photo was “not a good look,” Harrison replied, “Is it a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?”
Lindsay reported that Kirkconnell was representing the “Old South”, to which Harrison responded, “… you’re 100 percent right – in 2021. That wasn’t the case in 2018. Again, I’m not defending Rafael I’ve been. I know, I don’t know, 50 million people did that in 2018 … It was a party of sorts that a lot of people went to. “The television host was cashed in for his comments, which included Bachelor nation Contestants, and Issued an apology To “speak in a manner that eradicates racism”. Corkconnel too Apologized For her “ignorant” and “racist” actions, in an Instagram post.
On Friday, Lindsey said on that Higher education Podcast She had a “love-hate relationship” with the television series. “I’m contracted in some ways,” she added. “But when it’s happening, so am I. I can’t do it anymore.”
In his Saturday post, Harrison admitted that his words were harmful to the Black and BIPOC communities. “I’m listening and I really apologize for my ignorance and it hurts you,” he wrote. “… It’s historic season the Bachelor My mistakes should not be married or overshadowed. To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will step aside and join for some time. After the last rose special.”
Harrison said he would focus on educating himself on a deeper and productive level than ever before “before adding”. From here on, I can only strive to grow and be a better person and I humble myself in front of you all. Live up to those expectations again, all of which are fine for you and for me. “
Shortly after Harrison’s announcement, his girlfriend and Entertainment Tonight Host Lauren Jima spoke. “What Chris said was wrong and disappointing,” she wrote on Instagram. “Racism can never be defended. Accountability comes first, learning and development what’s next.”
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