Amid the ongoing controversy, Chris Harrison will be left out for the next season of “The Bachelorette”, Variety Learned.
Harrison will be temporarily replaced by fan-favorite alumni of the franchise, including former “Bachelorette” stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Aside from the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette”, no permanent decision about Harrison’s future with the franchise has yet to be determined, according to several sources close to the program. Two people familiar with the production say that conversations about strategy are ongoing, constantly evolving and remain fluid.
“Chris Harrison will not be presenting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette’. We support Chris in the work he is committed to doing, ”according to a joint statement from ABC Entertainment and Warner Horizon, obtained by Variety.
“In their absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette next season,” the statement continues. “As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within the ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC representation of our team, including among executive producers. These are important steps to make fundamental changes so that our franchise is a celebration of love that reflects our world. “
The cameras are due to start shooting next week, say three sources, and according to COVID-19 regulations, the cast and crew are expected to quarantine where “The Bachelorette” will be filmed in a kidnapped bubble.
Adams and Bristowe are currently quarantined at the site, along with contestants for the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette”, who Variety previously reported is expected to star in Katie Thurston, who competed in Matt James’ current season of “The Bachelor”.
Neither Adams nor Bristowe will be named “host” or “co-host”, Variety listens, indicating that their roles are not permanent shows – in other words, the door has been left open for Harrison’s future. While Harrison’s role for the future remains in limbo, the situation has been described by sources as a “wait and see” approach.
Harrison is in the midst of a growing scandal for perpetuating racism through his comment defending the controversial “Bachelor” contender Rachael Kirkconnell, who was criticized when old photos of her surfaced on social media, showing her on an Old-themed plantation South fraternity party. She also liked photos on social media containing the Confederate flag and was accused on TikTok of intimidating a colleague for dating a black man.
Kirkconnell, who remains one of the pioneers in the current season of “The Bachelor”, has since apologized, saying, “I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”
The controversy reached a boiling point when Harrison sat down for an “Extra” interview with former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay, making a big effort to speak out against the “awake police” and suggesting that Kirkconnell’s photos were not offensive when they were taken in 2018.
“The photo was from 2018 at an Old South party before the war … that’s not a good look,” Lindsay said during the interview with Harrison. Harrison was on the defensive and replied, “Well, Rachel, are you looking good in 2018? Or is it not looking good in 2021? Because there is a big difference. “
“It never looks good,” said Lindsay. “If I went to that party, what would I represent at it?”
Harrison had previously announced that he would “walk away” from the franchise for an undisclosed period after the controversy. In an interview on “Good Morning America” earlier this month, Harrison told Michael Strahan that he planned to return as a presenter.
“I believe that this error does not reflect who I am or what I stand for. I’m committed to progress not only for me, but for the franchise as well, ”Harrison told Strahan, who then said live:“ Your apologies are your excuses, but it seemed like I received nothing but a superficial response to any of this, and obviously he is a man who clearly wants to stay on the show, but only time will tell if there is any meaning behind his words. “
This Monday’s “After the Final Rose” will be presented by Emmanuel Quero, who is replacing Harrison in the special episode, which will address the racist controversy and the way the program deals with race and diversity. James, who is the first black star of “The Bachelor”, took to social media during this week’s episode to speak out against the “dangerous stereotypes” perpetuated in the media. James also released a statement, in light of the controversy, explaining that the situation made him “reevaluate and process what my experience in ‘The Bachelor’ represents”.
The 17th season of “The Bachelorette”, with Adams and Bristowe, is set to debut in the spring.
Adams recently starred as “The Bachelorette” in the season that aired in 2020. She replaced the original star Clare Crawley, who left her season before finding love. Adams, who is now engaged after meeting Zac Clark on the dating show, expressed interest in being a television presenter and recently introduced “Entertainment Tonight”.
Bristowe was first introduced to Bachelor Nation as a competitor in Chris Soules’ “The Bachelor” season, then becoming “The Bachelorette” in Season 11 of 2015. She is one of the most popular alumni of all. the times and has remained in the ABC family, recently competing and winning the 29th season of “Dancing With the Stars”.