Chris Harrison Shares If He Plans To Return To The Bachelor
Fans of The Bachelor truly were in for the most dramatic season ever. First, contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's past racially insensitive social media posts resurfaced. Chris Harrison, longtime host and formerly beloved member of Bachelor Nation, then went on Extra and gave a cringeworthy interview to Rachel Lindsay, asking for grace for Kirkconnell's troubling posts. The fallout was swift, with the rosemaster soon announcing he would be stepping down for a time and apologizing for his comments. Next, it was announced that Emmanuel Acho would be filling in for Harrison during the After the Final Rose special.
Now, Harrison is speaking out about the future of his role with the franchise that is synonymous with his name, and answering questions about exactly what it meant that he would be temporarily parting ways with the show, in a new interview.
Appearing on Good Morning America, the 49-year-old started out by again apologizing for his words during the interview with Lindsay, saying, "It was a mistake, I made a mistake. I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake, and I own that" (via People). He then revealed whether he plans to come back to The Bachelor.
Chris Harrison's apology may not be enough for some to want him back
Harrison, who shared he's working with a "race educator and strategist" in the wake of his offending interview, wasn't done with his public mea culpa, telling GMA's Michael Strahan, "I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay. I didn't speak for my heart, that is to say I stand against all forms of racism ... I'm sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I'm sorry to the Black community."
The host then noted, "I plan to be back and I want to be back." He shared his commitment "to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise," and added he is "excited to be a part of that change."
Meanwhile, according to TooFab, Strahan later questioned Harrison's sincerity, telling viewers that in his opinion, "His apology is his apology but it felt like I got nothing more than a surface response. Obviously, he's a man who clearly wants to stay on the show." The former host of Live With Kelly and Michael added, "Time will tell if there's any meaning behind his words."
Strahan isn't the only one who would want to see more from Harrison, with Serena Pitt, who it's been rumored may be the next Bachelorette, saying, "With the Bachelorette season being so soon ... I would struggle [with Chris as host], because [of] the amount of work that needs to be done here" (via Us Weekly).