The Bachelor’s host, Chris Harrison has been silent for the past few weeks after his controversial exit from the show.
Today in an interview on ‘Good Morning America’ Harrison stated his actions were “a mistake”. Harrison had jumped to defend Racheal Kirkconnell’s racist social media post in the past. Furthermore, he stated he has been “working closely with a race educator” and also he plans to return to The Bachelor.
“I made a mistake. I am an imperfect man. I made a mistake and I own that. I believe that mistake doesn’t reflect who I am or what I stand for,” Harrison shared on his liking of a post made by Kirkconnell. “I am committed to the progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise. And this is a franchise that has been a part of my life for the better part of 20 years and I love it.”
His defense of Kirkconnell came during an interview by the shows’ first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay. He apologized for the way how he spoke to her and not listening to Lindsay.
“I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay, I didn’t speak from my heart and that is to say I stand against all forms of racism. I am deeply sorry. I am sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I’m sorry to the Black community,” Harrison said during his interview.
“I sought out leading scholars, teachers, faith leaders, people like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, who I am so grateful for, and I’ve also been working closely with a race educator and strategist. I thank them all, but Dr. Dyson often talks to me about counsel. Not cancel, and that is full accountability, understanding what you didn’t understand, owning that, learning from that, seeking counsel often in the community that you hurt, learning from them, listening, gaining experience, knowledge and moving forward.” Harrison said in his interview.
As far as hosting The Bachelor, Harrison does have his eyes on a return
“I plan to be back and I want to be back,” Harrison said. “And I think this franchise can be an important beacon of change. I know that change is felt, not just by me, but by many others. And we are excited and willing to do the work to show that progress.”
Despite conducting the interview on Good Morning America, Michael Strahan is waiting to see if Harrison will change and not just hear what he has to say.
“His apology is his apology, but it felt like I got nothing more than a surface response on any of this,” Strahan shared after the interview. “Obviously, he’s the man who wants to clearly stay on his show, but only time will tell if there is any meaning behind his words.”
