‘Bachelor’ host Chris Harrison is speaking out about the ongoing racial controversy which caused him to temporarily step down from his duties on the show.
The ‘Bachelorette’ host sat down for his first interview almost three weeks after announcing he would “be stepping aside” from the show for an unknown period of time. The move came after scrutiny over comments the host made about photos that surfaced of a contestant taking part in a college ‘Antebellum Party.’
‘I stand against all forms of racism,’ the former host told GMA’s, Michael Strahan.
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“It was a mistake, I made a mistake,” Harrison said.
He continued, “I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake, and I own that.”
As we reported, the former ‘Bachelor’ host came under fire after seeming to condone the contestants’ involvement in the plantation-themed party. At the time, he seemed to make the argument that in 2018 this sort of behavior was acceptable, but in 2021 it is now different.
“There is not [a difference between 2018 and 2021]. Antebellum parties are not okay, past, present, future. Knowing what that represents is unacceptable,” he now told the GMA host.
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“I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay. I didn’t speak for my heart, that is to say, I stand against all forms of racism … I’m sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I’m sorry to the Black community,” he continued.
As we reported, the former host was discussing the photos during an interview with former reality show contestant Rachel Lindsay during a previous interview — where he defended the photos and behavior. Lindsay has since deactivated her Instagram account due to harassment online.
“To anyone who Is throwing hate at Rachel Lindsay please stop …I am not a victim here, I made a mistake and I own that. Racism, oppression, this is a dynamic problem and they take work and I am committed to that work,” Harrison added.
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EXCLUSIVE: “It was a mistake.” #TheBachelor host Chris Harrison apologizes for defending frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist social media posts, telling @michaelstrahan he is an “imperfect man” who is “committed to progress.” https://t.co/OfPBBzGd9s pic.twitter.com/0EgbKV99DV
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 4, 2021
Harrison revealed during the interview that he is now working with a race educator and strategist, and scholars like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
“Dr. Dyson often talks to me about counsel, not cancel. That is full accountability … owning from that, learning from that. Seeking counsel from the community that you hurt, gaining experience knowledge, and moving forward,” he explained.
It’s unclear if — or when — Harrison might return to his hosting duties, but it appears he is planning to at some point in the future. For now, it was announced Emmanuel Acho would be fronting the series, including the important after the Final Rose ceremony.
"I plan to be back and I want to be back … This interview is not the finish line," Chris Harrison told @michaelstrahan. #TheBachelor https://t.co/wmtSZrBI99
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 4, 2021
