Chris Harrison Speaks Out About Leaving ‘The Bachelor,’ Says He’s ‘Grateful That I’m Gone’

Longtime Bachelor franchise host Chris Harrison is speaking out following his controversial exit from the show following allegations of racism made against him during an interview.

On a podcast appearance Trading Secrets, which is hosted by Bachelor Nation alum Jason Tartick, Harrison talked about what happened.

“What I went through was tumultuous. I don’t wish it on anybody,” Harrison said. “It was horrifying on a lot of levels and something that I pray to God my worst enemy never goes through.”

“But, with that said, I knew I had to remove myself from what became a very toxic situation,” he added.

Harrison said he was proud of his decision.

Despite his qualms, Harrison is still very appreciative of his time on the show, saying that it changed his life for the better.

Harrison left the Bachelor franchise following a February 2021 interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, where he was accused of being racist after defending Rachel Kirkconnell for attending a plantation-themed college formal.

“We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion,” he said to Lindsay, who became the first black lead of the show, about the controversy.

Harrison later issued a statement in which he apologized to Lindsay following his comments. He has since been replaced by Jesse Palmer.