Chris Harrison, the longtime host of The Bachelor franchise, exited the show in 2021 amid controversy—but was he fired? The truth is more complicated. Harrison stepped away after facing intense backlash for comments he made defending a contestant’s past actions. But what exactly happened that led to his exit?
Here are all the details and more.
Why did Chris Harrison leave The Bachelor?
No, Chris Harrison was not fired from The Bachelor. Instead, he voluntarily left the franchise after nearly 20 years as its host.
His exit from the show was because of a controversial interview in which he defended The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. The latter had faced criticism for attending an antebellum-themed party in 2018. Notably, the antebellum period is associated with slavery and racial segregation.
During an interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, who is Black, Harrison questioned whether Kirkconnell’s actions should be judged by today’s standards.
“Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or is it not a good look in 2021? Because there’s a big difference,” he said. Lindsay firmly responded, “It’s not a good look ever. If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?” (via NBC)
Harrison faced backlash for his comments. He later admitted, “I was embarrassed. I was mad at myself. I was disappointed in myself” (via The Hollywood Reporter). He also publicly apologized for his statement.
Though Chris Harrison wasn’t fired, the controversy made his The Bachelor position, untenable. In a statement, Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment said, “Chris Harrison is stepping aside as host of The Bachelor franchise.” Harrison also shared on Instagram that he was ready for a new chapter after an “incredible run.”
However, on his podcast, The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever…With Chris Harrison, he reflected on the fallout. “Things spun out of control… I was scared to death,” he admitted. (via People)
While he stands by his original point, he acknowledged, “The way I did it, it was messy, it was disappointing.” Ultimately, it seems Chris Harrison’s leaving The Bachelor was a mutual decision.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
