Did Chris Harrison Just Make His Return To Social Media?
Chris Harrison's absence as the host of "The Bachelor" is being felt as fans watch Katie Thurston continue her journey on "The Bachelorette." Harrison officially announced that he was stepping down from his hosting duties back in June 2021 (via Us Weekly). The shocking exit came weeks after Harrison sparked controversy while defending "Bachelor" contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. During the show's run, Kirkconnell's racially insensitive posts from the past were unearthed, causing fans to speak out against her. During an interview with former lead of "The Bachelorette" Rachel Lindsay, Harrison defended Kirkconnell and asked fans to take it easy on the reality star. Harrison was placed on leave from the franchise shortly thereafter, and stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe stepped into fill his shoes, per Variety.
After weeks of speculation about Harrison's future with the franchise, the host announced that he was exiting the show permanently. "I've had a truly incredible run as host of 'The Bachelor' franchise and now I'm excited to start a new chapter," he wrote on Instagram. "I'm so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we've made together. While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I've made will last a lifetime." This week, Harrison has returned to social media and he's interacting with "Bachelor" fans once again.
Chris Harrison shared his love for Bachelor Nation
Us Weekly reported that Chris Harrison returned to his Twitter account this week to interact with some fans of "The Bachelor" who shared their thoughts about missing the former host on their television screens. "You think @chrisbharrison misses us as much as we miss him? #TheBachelorette," one fan tweeted. Well, it didn't take long for Harrison to respond and reveal his true feelings for Bachelor Nation. "I truly do!" the longtime host replied. "The shows just aren't the same," a Canadian viewer said of Harrison's absence on the franchise. "Miss you all too. So many loyal fans up in Canada. Thank you!" Harrison admitted. When another fan shared their love for Harrison, he sweetly commented back, "Love all of you too. Always have, always will!"
According to Page Six, Harrison didn't leave "The Bachelor" franchise empty-handed. The host was reportedly paid nearly $10 million in his exit deal. The outlet claimed that $9 million of that was his settlement to leave the show, while the rest was his unpaid contract earnings. "Chris Harrison's whole life was 'The Bachelor,' and he didn't want to let go. He still is really sad to leave, and there have been very tough and very heated negotiations going on for weeks," a source said of his departure.
Meanwhile, it appears that for the foreseeable future, fans will watch guest hosts tackle Harrison's duties until a permanent host is named.