FORMER Bachelor host Chris Harrison is officially being replaced come the new season of the reality series.
After a series of scandals involving racism in the franchise, the host announced he will be stepping aside for some time reflect after facing backlash.
Who is replacing Chris Harrison on The Bachelorette?
Former Bachelorette stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will take over hosting duties for the next season of the reality show, Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment announced on March 12.
The network released a statement, saying: “Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette.’ 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 the next season.
“As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks.
“These are important steps in effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world,” the statement concluded.
Will Chris Harrison ever come back on the Bachelor?
Harrison claims that he will work to get back into the good graces of Bachelor Nation.
He told Good Morning America: “I plan to be back and I want to be back. And I think this franchise can be an important beacon of change.
“I know that change is felt, not just by me, but by many others. And we are excited and willing to do the work to show that progress.
“This interview is not the finish line. There is much more work to be done. And I am excited to be a part of that change.”
Why did Chris Harrison come under fire?
Harrison was slammed by Bachelor fans for defending Rachael Kirkconnell for attending a plantation-style costume party back when she was in college, despite apologizing after photos surfaced.
Chris defended Rachael from social media trolls, saying: “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion. Because I’ve seen some stuff online… again, this ‘judge, jury, executioner’ thing where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart.
He continued: “I haven’t heard Rachael speak on this yet, and until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say [anything]?”
Harrison released a statement on February 13 that he will be “stepping aside for a period of time” and will not host the upcoming After the Final Rose episode. A month later, ABC and Warner Horizon announced he will not be hosting the upcoming season of The Bachelorette.
His endorsements from other companies like Manly Bands also reportedly dropped him after the scandal.
