Chris Harrison says he plans to return to his role as host of ABC’s “The Bachelor” franchise in his first interview since he stepped away from his longtime role.
On Thursday, “Good Morning America” aired Michael Strahan’s interview with Harrison, in which he expressed his regret for defending current “Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell after photos of her attending a party reappeared “Old South” themed in a plantation in 2018.
“I am an imperfect man. I made a mistake and I recognize that. I believe that this mistake does not reflect who I am or what I stand for. I am committed to progress, not just for me, but also for the franchise,” Harrison said when asked why he defended Kirkconnell last month.
Harrison now says that pre-war parties “are not ok [in the] past present Future.
‘BACHELOR’ HOST CHRIS HARRISON SPEAKS AFTER PASSING OUTSIDE THE SHOW: ‘I MAKE A MISTAKE’
“Knowing what that means is unacceptable,” added Harrison.
The longtime host said he was surprised by his own behavior and how he treated “Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay. It was Harrison’s words to Lindsay during an “Extra” interview last month that resulted in his controversy over racism.
“I am sad and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay and did not speak from the heart, which means that I am against all forms of racism and I am deeply sorry. I am very sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I am very sorry to the black community “added Harrison.
Earlier this week, Lindsay deactivated her account due to the intense reaction and online bullying she has received since her interview with Harrison went viral. Harrison revealed on Thursday that he has not communicated with Lindsay since she deactivated her account, but spoke to her initially to apologize.
“I want to do this again,” said Harrison of apologizing to Lindsay. “For anyone who is playing hate against Rachel Lindsay, please stop. It is unacceptable.”
‘BACHELOR’ HOST CHRIS HARRISON ‘PASSING TO THE SIDE’ FOLLOWING THE RETREAT ON THE RACISM CONTROVERSY
Chris Harrison spoke after dropping his duties as a ‘Bachelor’ host.
(Rodin Eckenroth / WireImage)
Harrison continued to note that he does not consider himself a victim in the situation.
“I am not a victim here. I made a mistake and I recognize that. Racism, oppression, are big and dynamic problems and require serious work and I am committed to that work,” said Harrison.
Since then, he has been speaking with a “racial educator and strategist” as well as with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
“Dr. Dyson always talks to me about the board not canceling, and that is full responsibility, ”he said. “Understanding what you didn’t understand, owning it, learning from it, seeking advice often from the community that you hurt, learning from them, listening, gaining experience, knowledge and moving on.”
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY ADDED TO THE EPISODE “CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE” BY CHRIS HARRISON
Asked if he believes he is the “right” person to continue the role of “Bachelor” presenter, Harrison shared his hope – and plans – to return.
“I intend to go back and I want to go back. This interview is not the finish line. There is a lot more work to be done and I am excited to be part of this change,” said Harrison.
After the pre-recorded interview aired on Thursday, Strahan told his co-hosts that he was unsure whether Harrison’s responses were sincere.
“I felt like I got nothing more than a superficial response to any of this,” said Strahan. “Only time will tell if there is any meaning behind your words.”
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In last month’s “Extra” interview, Harrison and Lindsay debated the severity of Kirkconnell’s photos, and during the conversation, he asked for “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” for the competitor and implied that many people went to such parties celebrating the “Old South” in 2018.
Shortly after, he went on Instagram with an apology.
“I have spent the past few days listening to the pain my words have caused and I am deeply sorry. My ignorance has hurt my friends, colleagues and strangers. I have no one to blame but myself for what I said and how I said it,” he wrote in a long statement shared on Instagram at the time.
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His statement continued: “I set standards for myself and did not live up to them. I feel it with every fiber of my being. Now, just as I have taught my children to stand up and recognize their actions, I will do the same. , I defended him. I invoked the term ‘woke up the police’, which is unacceptable. I’m ashamed of how uninformed I was. I was so wrong. “
The broadcaster has announced that TV writer and personality Emmanuel Quero will take over as a presenter for the time being. It is unclear when Harrison will return and whether he will return to any “Bachelor” spin-offs – which include “The Bachelorette”, “Bachelor in Paradise” and “The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart”.
Fox News’ Nate Day contributed to this report.