'The Bachelor': Chris Harrison Is Still On-Air After Scandal, and It's Awkward
Matt James' season of The Bachelor continued on Monday night. But, given that the episode aired in [...]
me watching tonight wanting to support matt but not support chris harrison #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/xacGT8K9QK
— ⚡️P W I L K Z⚡️ (@pwilkz_) February 16, 2021
During his interview with Lindsay, Harrison defended Kirkconnell and the controversy surrounding her alleged racist actions. He even noted that he took issue with the "woke police" and said that there needed to give the "poor girl" more time before she released a statement about the matter. As Lindsay pointed out, it has been some time since this scandal arose, and fans have been curious as to how Kirkconnell would address her alleged behavior especially since she is competing on a season with the franchise's first Black male lead.
prevnext
When is #TheBachelor going to record new voice overs that aren’t Chris Harrison?
— priscilla farina (@PrissillaFarina) February 16, 2021
It didn't take long for Harrison to receive backlash for his comments. In fact, many Bachelor Nation fans, and former contestants on the shows, have even spoken out about this matter.
prevnext
Why does it seem like Chris Harrison has appeared in this episode more than he has throughout this entire season? 🙄 #TheBachelor
— Maura Mae (@Maura_Mae) February 16, 2021
Following the controversy, the longtime Bachelor host did release a statement in which he apologized for "wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism." He wrote, "What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that, I am so deeply sorry." He then offered an apology to Lindsay for not "listening to her better" during their interview. Harrison also noted, "I promise to do better."
prevnext
I would very much like to not see Chris Harrison or Rachael on my tv #TheBachelor
— larry (@wblawrimore) February 16, 2021
Harrison didn't just release an apology, he also addressed his future with this season of The Bachelor. In a separate message, the host said that he will be stepping aside for the traditional After the Final Rose special that airs at the end of each Bachelor and Bachelorette season. It has not yet been announced who will be taking his place.
prevnext
Every time Chris Harrison shows up on my television #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/0CEkgiF3Ho
— petty betty (@ghost_realtor) February 16, 2021
Kirkconnell, who has been at the center of this controversy, offered up her own apology amidst this scandal. She wrote, in a statement that was posted on Instagram, "While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. I hear you, I am here to say I was wrong. At one point, I didn't recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn't excuse them. My age or when it happened doesn't excuse anything. They are not acceptable or okay in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist."
prevnext
Seeing Chris Harrison tonight now that we know what we know #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/rSrhiA1bqI
— Career-Obsessed Banshee (@edenwillow) February 16, 2021
Many Bachelor viewers noted that it was awkward to watch the episode considering everything that has taken place in Bachelor Nation over the past week. One user even wrote, "Watching Chris Harrison now is like looking at a ghost."
prevnext
Chris Harrison: *walks on screen*
Me: #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/IBeaLAo0Nv
— W. E. B. Dem Bois (@WEB_DemBois) February 16, 2021
As previously stated, Harrison will not be taking on his typical hosting duties for the After the Final Rose special. As far as his future with the franchise is concerned, it's unclear what his role will be (if he does have one) going forward.
prev