After long-running host of the US version of The Bachelor Chris Harrison temporarily stepped aside from the franchise over accusations of racism, it has now been revealed that he will be replaced by former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe next season.
The announcement was made by Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment via a statement on Saturday.
“Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of The Bachelorette,” the statement said.
“We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing. In his absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette through next season.”
The move is part of the franchises ongoing mission to improve “equity” and “inclusion.”
“We are dedicated to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks,” the statement continued.
“These are important steps in effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world.”
Harrison came under fire last month for defending season front-runner Rachael Kirkconnel after photos of her attending an antebellum themed sorority party emerged. The reason it’s insensitive is because the antebellum era (or plantation era) was the period of black slavery in the south of the United States. These types of parties sometimes use Confederate flags as decorations, they are also largely banned at US colleges.
Harrison spoke about the controversy with Rachel Lindsay, the first black Bachelorette.
“The woke police is out there. And this poor girl Rachael, 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,” Harrison said.
Shortly after the interview, Harrison announced he would be temporarily stepping down from The Bachelor, just before The Bachelor: The Final Rose special was due to be filmed. The long-time host was then replaced by former NFL player Emmanuel Acho for the special.
Well, it seems like The Bachelor is finally ready to move on from Chris Harrison.
