What Bachelor Nation Really Thinks This About The Chris Harrison Scandal
Bachelor Nation was rocked recently when longtime host Chris Harrison announced he was stepping down from his duties temporarily. The move comes following an interview the rosemaster gave to former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, during which he defended current contestant for Matt James' heart, Rachael Kirkconnell's racially insensitive social media posts, calling for "grace" for the reality star. Harrison subsequently apologized for his comments, and for offending people, but it seems the damage was already done.
The fallout was swift, with the 49-year-old ultimately sharing, "This historic season of The Bachelor should not be overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions. To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special."
Now, stars of the franchise are speaking out as they react to Harrison's scandal, and let's just say they are 100 percent behind his decision to take a break from doling out advice and roses.
The ladies of Matt James' season of The Bachelor unite
The contestants vying for the heart of the first Black Bachelor joined forces to issue a joint statement about the controversy, saying, "We are the women of Bachelor Season 25" (via E! Online). They went on to share in part, "Twenty-five women who identify as BIPOC were cast on this historic season that was meant to represent change. We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism." The ladies announced they stood with Lindsay, who "continues to advocate with 'grace' for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise."
Meanwhile, many other past cast members quickly took to their social media to share stances on what went down with Kirkconnell, Harrison, and the aftermath of what is shaping up to truly be the most dramatic season of the show, ever.
Bachelorettes speak out after the Chris Harrison scandal
Former Bachelorette Hannah Brown shared via her Instagram Story, "Hey yall, I've been catching up and reading about everything that's been going on in Bachelor Nation and Lord knows I've made mistakes. But I have learned this past year if we want to move forward, we have to confront where we have fallen short. And it's so important that we lift up and listen and value and encourage underrepresented voices."
E! Online notes Brown was also accused of racism in the past — USA Today reports she used racist language during an Instagram Live in 2020. But as Brown went on to note in the wake of the Harrison scandal, "We just have to be better and while being accountable has helped me evolve so much, and I'm still not a perfect person but I do remain committed to the work. And I'm so humbled and truly grateful to be on this journey and could only hope that I encourage others to go on the journey as well."
For her past, Lindsay told Extra, "Chris has stepped aside, which I think is the right decision... and I think he needs to understand what was done, what was wrong in that interview. He needs time. He needs to step away to do that." But she added accepting the host's apology is not easy.
Some members of Bachelor Nation want Chris Harrison removed permanently
For several Bachelor alum, a temporary separation from the franchise isn't enough, with cast members calling for Harrison to be permanently removed. For instance, Marshana Ritchie, from The Bachelor season 12, and Leslie Hughes, from season 17, called for the host to undergo Black history training and sensitivity training (via TMZ). Meanwhile, beloved cast member Mike Johnson is hoping Harrison will do some work within the Black community and try to truly connect with viewers who are Black before he returns to his duties.
But season 20's Jubilee Sharpe for one does not want to see Harrison come back to the show. She noted the cast needs to see more diversity as well. A Change.org petition is also calling for Harrison to be fired.
We don't know whether Harrison will return for another season, or if he will be replaced, perhaps by Lindsay? Just sayin'. Either way, it's clear Bachelor Nation, with Becca Kufrin also speaking out to support his stepping away according to People, certainly supports the decision for him to take a hiatus, be it temporary or permanent.