Chris Harrison Exits As ‘The Bachelor’ Host After Controversy

Chris Harrison will no longer be the host of The Bachelor.

After being the show’s host for 19 years, Harrison will not be returning for any of the show’s spin-offs or future seasons.

Harrison announced the end of his career in The Bachelor franchise through Instagram. On the post, he said he “had an incredible run as host” and is “excited to start a new chapter.”

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In February, pictures of season 25 contestant Rachel Kirkconnel went viral on the internet in which she was seen in a “plantation-themed” sorority party in 2018.

Harrison was later interviewed by Rachel Lindsay on Extra and asked the host about his opinion on the photos. Though Harrison did not defend Kirkconnell for attending the controversial party, he criticized the people who were attacking her.

“This poor girl Rachel, who has just been thrown to the lions, I don’t know how you are equipped when you have never done this before, to be woke enough, to be eloquent enough, to be ready to handle this. And my guess is, the woman needs a little time,” he said.

Kirkconnell apologized for attending the party and for dressing up as a Native American. On her apology, which she shared via Instagram, she admitted that she “didn’t recognize how offensive and racist [her] actions were” and said that being unaware “doesn’t excuse” what she did.

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Many people were upset at Harrison’s comment on the incident and as a result, he apologized twice on Instagram and once more on Good Morning America.

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He didn’t make an appearance on The Bachelor’s After the Final Rose special episode. The host of Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man, Emmanuel Acho, took Harrison’s spot for the episode.

On March 13, ABC and Warner Horizon announced that Harrison would not be returning for the new season of The Bachelorette.

Harrison’s permanent replacement has not been announced, but former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will be hosting season 17 of The Bachelorette. Bachelor in Paradise will return for season 7 on August 17; each episode will have a different celebrity as a host.