For the first time since the launch of The old guy franchise, an installment will not be offered by Chris Harrison. Amid ongoing controversy, Harrison will not be hosting the upcoming season The Bachelorette, ABC and The franchise producer Warner Horizon said Friday night.
The speculation that Harrison would be fired was further fueled when TMZ revealed on Friday morning that he was not under the cast and crew of The Bachelorette at a resort near Albuquerque. Production begins at the end of the month.
ABC and Warner Horizon did not announce a formal host and instead said former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette through next season.
Related story
Chris Harrison says he plans “To be back and I want to be back”; Michael Strahan sounds like ‘Bachelor’ Host’s ‘Surface Response’ to controversy
‘Chris Harrison is not hosting next season The Bachelorette, “The companies said in a statement. “We support Chris in the work he is committed to doing. In his absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette until next season. As we continue the dialogue on achieving greater equality and inclusion within The old guy franchise, we are committed to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew members, among the executive producer groups. These are important steps to bring about fundamental change so that our concession is a celebration of love that is reflected in our world. ‘
Harrison refrained from offering duties last month Bachelor: After the final rose duties following his divisive comments in an interview with contestant Rachel Lindsay. he was replaced by Emmanuel Acho.
In the Extra Harrison defended Rachael Kirkconnell who came under fire after photos of her attending a fraternity party with antebellum plantation appeared on the internet again in 2018.
Harrison later apologized for his comments, and in an interview with Michael Strahan Good morning America, he called them a ‘mistake’.
He said in that interview that he intended to “be back and I want to be back” The old guy.