‘Bachelor’ Host Opens up About ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Scandal

The scandal that shut down production on the set of Bachelor in Paradise rocked reality TV this summer and now Chris Harrison, host of The Bachelor, has opened up about the situation.

Speaking to Variety, Harrison was asked about sit-down interviews that he taped with both DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios, the two cast members at the center of the controversy, as well as a filmed conversation with the rest of the cast.

When asked about his “goals for that segment,” Harrison replied, “First and foremost, it was to take the temperature and feel the room. It was such an unknown and such an extraordinary situation. There were subjects that needed to be discussed. Like Corinne and DeMario … Had anyone talked to them? What was the feeling? Was anybody taking sides? How do we handle this?”

He then added, “We knew we had to have a serious conversation before we could go back to Paradise. I think it would have been irresponsible and silly for us not to.”

Eventually, Harrison was asked about scenes from the show where Jackson and Olympios were seen together in a hot tub, and whether or not those specific moments that were shown were part of the alleged events.

Harrison answered saying, “No, the event that raised the allegations happened later. What we wanted to show is that they spent a lot of time together throughout the day. That [time in the pool that aired] happened within the first few hours of being there. That’s how quickly they hit it off.”

He did acknowledge that, as previously reported, the events in question were captured on film.

“All of that was on tape. All of it was agreed upon — and I think in everyone’s best interest — that we didn’t show it. There was nothing to be gained from showing it. I stand behind that decision 100%,” Harrison said. “I think we will show enough for everyone to form their opinion. You will see both Corinne and DeMario get the opportunity to separately sit down with me and give their sides of the story. I told them: ‘This is your chance to say whatever you want … no holds barred… go. This is your forum.’”

Lastly, when asked how the production halt would affect this season’s episodes, Harrison confessed, “It will be a very condensed schedule. In the finale, the show will continue outside of Paradise. Some relationships were still going and still brewing. I will be finding out a lot of things along with the viewer.”