Chris Harrison Reveals He Had THIS Former 'Bachelor's Support Amid Controversy

Chris Harrison reveals he had a well-known Bachelor Nation figure in his corner!

Harrison faced an immeasurable amount of criticism nearly two years ago after he came to the defense of then-contestant on "The Bachelor," Rachael Kirkconnell. Photos of Kirkconnell during her college years where she was seen in attendance at an antebellum south fraternity party had surfaced while Kirkconnell had been competing for Matt James' heart on the series, and the franchise's host memorably expressed his dissatisfaction to Rachel Lindsay during an interview with Extra.

The criticism led to Harrison's decision to step down from the franchise after nearly two decades of being at the center of Bachelor Nation.

After maintaining a low profile since the early 2021 incident, Harrison recently came back to the spotlight as he launched a podcast called "The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever." One of Harrison's main intentions for the podcast is to reveal his side of his infamous Bachelor Nation exit.

On the podcast's latest episode, Harrison reveals the identity of a central Bachelor Nation figure who gave him a bit of grace. While Harrison notes that he and this mysterious 'Bachelor' figure aren't necessarily the closest of friends, he felt "very grateful" to him.

Read on to find out who Harrison is referring to, and what they did to make the former 'Bachelor' franchise host feel positive during a dark time.

Harrison would lobby for Kirkconnell to be given a chance to speak out after the old photos had surfaced, in his Extra interview, hosted by Lindsay.

"...it's unbelievably alarming to watch this," Harrison exclaimed, referring to the extent of the criticism Kirkconnell received. "I haven't heard Rachael speak on this yet! And until I hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this?"

Lindsay would then attempt to reiterate the reason why Bachelor Nation had been so apt in criticizing Kirkconnell, and Harrison's response to Kirkconnell being in attendance at an antebellum south fraternity party, would not only land him in hot water but would be the reason for his eventual exit from Bachelor Nation.

"Well, Rachel, is it a 'good look' in 2018, or is it not a good look in 2021," Harrison asked in response to Lindsay calling Kirkconnell's past actions "not a good look."

Several members of Bachelor Nation would react positively to Harrison's podcast launch on Instagram after it was announced last month. Another Bachelor Nation member reportedly always had Harrison's back, even in the face of backlash.

Harrison brought up former 'Bachelor' Nick Viall on the latest episode of "The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever," and revealed how the recently-engaged Viall stood behind him.

"Nick is a friend of mine," Harrison explained. "Nick was very supportive of me when I was going through all this. He defended my character, I've been on his podcast, we talk from time to time, as he said, we're not besties, we don't hang out every day, we don't barbecue all the time, but I consider him a friend," Harrison continued. "And he did defend me, and he allowed people to come on his show and defend me, and for that, I'm very grateful, and I appreciate it."

Harrison then goes on to reveal how there had been "no shade" thrown in Viall's direction for his defense of Harrison, and he had figured out why; Viall allegedly did not want any negative press overshadowing his recent engagement to girlfriend of two years, Natalie Joy. Harrison did not disclose a specific time period in which Viall's defense allegedly took place.

As of this writing, Viall has not responded to Harrison's comments or commented on his story that he and fiancée Lauren Zima had FaceTimed Viall after the engagement. Viall and his now-fiancée announced their engagement last week.