Amid controversy, Chris Harrison, ‘The Bachelor’, hosted Michael Strahan in the hot seat on ‘Good Morning America’.
During the interview, Harrison discussed the scandal that led him to abandon the ABC dating franchise he has hosted since his debut in 2002, and admitted that he made a mistake by defending current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. insensitive photos that reappear on social media.
“It was a mistake,” Harrison told Strahan. “I made a mistake. I’m an imperfect man. I made a mistake and I own it.”
The pre-recorded interview that aired Thursday morning was recorded on Wednesday, Variety has learned. Both ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘GMA’ are important ABC properties.
Harrison spoke in the aftermath of a season about the controversy that was meant to advance the franchise by the first black ‘Bachelor’, Matt James.
“I believe the mistake does not reflect who I am or what I stand for,” he said. “I’m committed to progress, not just for myself, but for the franchise as well.”
He also elucidated his position on the party Kirkconnell attended where the photos were taken.
Parties of antebellum are not OK – past, present, future. Knowing what it represents is unacceptable. ”
Harrison also apologized to former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay following his discussion with her about Kirkconnell, as well as the racist online bullying that followed, which led to her Instagram account being deactivated.
“I’m sad and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay,” he said. ‘I did not speak from my heart, and that means I stand against all forms of racism and am very sorry. I talked to Rachel, not since she deactivated her Instagram account, but I spoke to Rachel initially, and I apologized and I want to do it again: I’m incredibly sorry. Stop for anyone who hates Rachel Lindsay. That is unacceptable. “
Harrison said he works with a ‘race educator and strategist’, as well as faith leaders and scholars such as Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
“I’m not a victim here,” he said. ‘I made a mistake and I own it. Racism, oppression, these are big dynamic problems and they take on serious work, and I’m committed to that. “
Harrison also confirms that he wants to remain the host of the franchise.
“I plan to be back and I want to be back,” he said. “This interview is not the finish line, there is a lot more work to do and I am excited to be a part of the change.”
After the recorded interview ended, Strahan commented on the segment, saying: ‘His apology is his apology, but it felt like I got nothing but a superficial response to it, and it’s clear he’s a man is who wants to stay clear on the wise, but only time will tell if there is any meaning behind his words. ‘
The longtime host will not be part of the episode “After the Final Rose”, which serves as the final season. Emmanuel Acho steps in to replace Harrison for the specific episode, which airs after the finale of Matt James’ season of ‘The Bachelor’ on March 15.
There is no word yet on whether Harrison will return for next season within the franchise that is in production this year, this is the 17th season of ‘The Bachelorette’. The network gave no indication of Harrison’s future with the franchise.
Harrison continued to receive widespread criticism after an interview with Lindsay on ‘Extra’, where he spoke extensively through a 14-minute discussion, apparently defending a racist controversy swirling forerunner Rachael Kirkconnell, whose former photos on social media media reappeared and her in attendance at a fraternity formal in the Old South Plantation theme in 2018. She also allegedly liked photos on social media containing the Confederate flag.
Since appearing as the first black star in the franchise in 2017, she starred as ‘The Bachelorette’ in the lead role, he has spoken out a lot about the issues regarding race and diversity of the program. Earlier this week, on her podcast, she suggested that the production on ‘The Bachelorette’ should stand still until the Harrison scandal is dealt with in a meaningful and productive way.
ABC and Warner Bros., which produced The Bachelor franchise, have not released any statement about the scandal. However, producers of ‘The Bachelor’ posted a statement on Twitter this week in which they support Lindsay and take a strong stand against online bullying she has endured since her interview with Harrison.