Chris Harrison controversy puts racial “single” issues back in the spotlight

Chris Harrison controversy puts racial “single” issues back in the spotlight

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Harrison was being interviewed by Rachel Lindsay, current Extra presenter and ex-star of “The Bachelorette” of 2017, when she defended a current competitor who would have been photographed in a plantation-themed fraternity before the 2018 civil war.

Harrison has since apologized, writing on his Instagram that he was “deeply sorry” for the pain and damage his “ignorance” had caused to his “friends, colleagues and strangers”, before announcing that he would be “away” from his duties as a presenter during this “historic season” of “The Bachelor”, which features the show’s first black actor, Matt James.

The franchise, which debuted in 2002, did not choose a person of color as its protagonist until Lindsay, who is black. Now, she said she no longer wants to be associated with the series.

“I’m exhausted. I really had enough,” said Lindsay in the last episode of her Higher Education podcast after her interview with Harrison. “How much more do I want to affiliate with that? I said I would leave if they didn’t have colorful clues. Okay, they did this and made some other changes. They hired a diversity consultant. Who didn’t attend the class? Chris Harrison didn’t Did you watch it? I can’t take it anymore. I’m contractually bound in some ways. But when I’m done, so am I. “

When James was cast as “The Bachelor” last summer, ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said in a statement: “We know that we have a responsibility to ensure that the love stories we see on the screen represent the world. that we live in, and we are proud to serve our audience. “

Its cast followed a Change.org petition calling on ABC and Warner Bros., which produces “The Bachelor”, to improve the diversity in the series and its derivative programs.

“The franchise, and all those who represent it, must reflect and honor our country’s racial diversity – both in front and behind the camera,” said the petition. (Like CNN, Warner Bros. is part of WarnerMedia.)

After Harrison’s interview with Lindsay, participants in the current season of “The Bachelor” released a joint statement on Instagram, writing in part: “We are the women of season 25 of bachelor. Twenty-five women who identify themselves as BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] were launched this historic season that was meant to represent a change. We are deeply disappointed and we want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism. Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. These experiences should not be exploited or tokenized. “

Despite the addition of more color contestants over the past few seasons – and Juan Pablo Galavis, who is Latin, cast as 18th season “Bachelor” – both critics and fans of the franchise said the work towards progress continues.

Harrison, for his part, suggested that he agrees.

“I am dedicated to being educated on a deeper and more productive level than ever,” said Harrison in his statement. “I want to assure our cast and crew members, my friends, colleagues and fans: this is not just a moment, but a commitment to a much greater understanding that I will actively make every day.”

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