Amid his ongoing controversy, Chris Harrison will be kicking out of “The Bachelorette” next season. Variety learned.
Harrison will be temporarily replaced by rotating fans of the franchise, including former Bachelorette stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Apart from the next season of ‘The Bachelorette’, at this stage no permanent decision has been made regarding Harrison’s future with the franchise, according to numerous sources close to the show. Two people familiar with production say that strategy talks continue, are constantly evolving and remain fluid.
“Chris Harrison is not presenting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette’. We support Chris in the work he is committed to doing, ” according to a joint statement from ABC Entertainment and Warner Horizon, obtained by Variety.
“In his absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette through next season,” the statement continues. As we continue the dialogue on achieving greater equity and inclusion in The Bachelor franchise, we are committed to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew members, including 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. ‘
Three sources say that cameras will start shooting somewhere next week, and given the COVID-19 regulations, the cast and crew are forced to quarantine at the spot where ‘The Bachelorette’ will be filmed in a sequestered bubble.
Adams and Bristowe are currently being quarantined on the premises, along with contestants for the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette”, which Variety previously reportedly expected to play Katie Thurston, who starred in Matt James’ current season of ‘The Bachelor’.
Neither Adams nor Bristowe will be called ‘host’ or ‘co-host’. Variety hear, indicating that their roles are not permanent performances – in other words, the door has been left open for Harrison’s future. While Harrison’s role for future affairs remains inflexible, sources describe the situation as a ‘wait-and-see’ approach.
Harrison was in the midst of an escalating scandal for persistent racism by defending his comments controversial “Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who came under fire when old photos of her appeared on social media, pointing her to An old South Plantation-themed fraternity party. She also likes photos on social media that contain the Confederate flag, and is accused on TikTok of bullying a classmate for dating a black man.
Kirkconnell, who remains a forerunner in the current season of “The Bachelor,” has since apologized, saying, “I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”
The controversy reached a boiling point when Harrison sat down for an interview with former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay on “Extra,” and made the effort to voice the “awake police” and suggest that Kirkconnell’s photos do not was insulting when they were taken. in 2018.
“The photo was from 2018 during an Old South antebellum party … it’s not good,” Lindsay said during the interview with Harrison. Harrison became defensive and replied, ‘Well, Rachel, is this a good look in 2018? Or is it not a good look in 2021? Because there is a big difference. ‘
“It never looks pretty,” Lindsay said. “If I were to go to that party, what would I represent at that party?”
Harrison had earlier announced that he would “put off” the franchise indefinitely following the controversy. In an interview on “Good Morning America” earlier this month, Harrison told Michael Strahan he plans to return as host.
‘I believe the mistake does not reflect who I am or what I stand for. I’m committed to the progress, not only for myself, but also for the franchise, ‘Harrison told Strahan, who then said live on air:’ His apology is his apology, but it felt like I was nothing more if got a superficial response to any of this, and it’s clear he’s a man who clearly wants to stay in the program, but only time will tell if there is any meaning behind his words. ‘
Next Monday’s “After the Final Rose” will be presented by Emmanuel Acho, who will act to replace Harrison for the special episode, which addresses the racist controversy and the treatment of race and diversity in the program. James, who was the first black star of ‘The Bachelor’ ever, addressed social media during this week’s episode to talk about ‘dangerous stereotypes’ being perpetuated in the media. In light of the controversy, James also issued a statement explaining that the situation ‘revalues and processes’ what my experience with ‘The Bachelor’ suggests. “
“The Bachelorette” Season 17, with Adams and Bristowe, is expected to debut in the spring.
Adams recently starred as ‘The Bachelorette’ in the season that aired in 2020. She steps in for original star Clare Crawley, who leaves her season early after finding love. Adams, who is now engaged after meeting Zac Clark in the dating show, has shown interest in television shows, and recently hosted ‘Entertainment’ Tonight ‘.
Bristowe was first introduced to Bachelor Nation as a participant in Chris Soules’ season of “The Bachelor”, and then became “The Bachelorette” for season 11 in 2015. She is one of the most popular “Bachelor” albums of all time, and stayed in the ABC family and recently participated and won season 29 of “Dancing With the Stars”.