Chris Harrison’s girlfriend Lauren Zima spoke about his controversial comments on racism and a competitor “Bachelor”, which eventually led him to temporarily step down as host.
“What Chris said was wrong and disappointing. The defense of racism can never happen,” wrote Zima in an Instagram story on Saturday. “Responsibility comes first, what comes next is learning and growth.”
‘BACHELOR’ HOST CHRIS HARRISON APOLOGY FOR ‘SPEAKING IN A WAY THAT PERPETES RACISM’
Zima, 33, is a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and she is also the host and creator of “Roses And Rosé”, a critique program that is dedicated to recapitulating ABC’s reality show “The Bachelor”.
Chris Harrison’s girlfriend two years ago, Lauren Zima, spoke about his recent scandal in an Instagram Story post. (Gregg DeGuire / WireImage)
Her critical post from Harrison, 49, went up for her 189,000 followers to see, and comes two days after her famous boyfriend apologized for defending contestant “Bachelor” Rachael Kirkconnell, who was asked to attend an 2018 Antebellum party among others. actions with racial accusation.
In an “Extra” interview with former “Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay on Tuesday, Harrison expressed that he thinks Kirkconnell should receive “a little grace, a little compassion, a little understanding”.
‘BACHELOR’ HOST CHRIS HARRISON ‘PASSING TO THE SIDE’ FOLLOWING RETURN ON RACISM CONTROVERSY
On Wednesday, Harrison apologized to fans who thought he despised the situation and allegedly perpetuated racism during his discussion with Lindsay, 35.
“For my Singles Nation family – I will always recognize a mistake when I make one, so I am here to sincerely apologize. I have this incredible platform to talk about love and yesterday I took a position on topics I should have been better informed about. “wrote Harrison in an Instagram post. “What I now realize that I did was to cause harm by speaking incorrectly in a way that perpetuates racism, and for that I deeply regret.”
Three days later, Harrison shared another long apology via Instagram that further acknowledged the language he regrets using the term “woke up the police” along with notifying fans that he will be leaving “The Bachelor” temporarily.
RACHAEL KIRKCONNELL, COMPETITOR ‘BACHELOR’, APOLOGY FOR RACIST’S PAST ACTIONS
Chris Harrison, 49, made two apologies for his comments in defense of “Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. (ABC / Craig Sjodin)
“My words were damaging. I am listening and I truly apologize for my ignorance and for any pain this has caused you … I am very grateful to those who sought to help me on my path to anti-racism,” he wrote in reference. to the Black and BIPOC community. “This historic season of The Bachelor should not be hindered or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions. To that end, I consulted Warner Bros. and ABC and will be away for a period of time and will not join for the special. After the Final Rose. “
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The 25th season of “The Bachelor” features 29-year-old real estate agent and entrepreneur Matt Jones, who is the first African American to act as the main love interest in the “The Bachelor” series. Meanwhile, Kirkconnell, 24, is one of the pioneers of the season.
Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James on a date during an episode of “The Bachelor”. (ABC / Craig Sjodin)
Kirkconnell broke her silence on Thursday with a statement she shared on Instagram.
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“Although rumors are circulating, there are also truths that have surfaced and that I need to address. I heard you and I’m here to say that I was wrong, ”she wrote. “At one point, I did not recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that does not excuse them. My age or when it happened does not justify anything. They are not acceptable or correct in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist. “