Inside Bachelor Nation’s Reaction To The Chris Harrison Scandal

Who would have guessed that longtime Bachelor host Chris Harrison would be the one to provide fans with the most shocking season ever, but sadly this shock doesn’t seem to be ending with a Neil Lane diamond. Harrison has been in hot water ever since he spoke with the first Black Bachelorette-turned-Extra correspondent Rachel Lindsay about Matt James’ contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who sparked controversy after photos of her attending a “antebellum plantation themed ball” in 2018 resurfaced and went viral, per the Daily Mail.

While speaking with Lindsay, Harrison seemed to have Kirkconnell’s back and asked for “a little understanding” as he slammed today’s cancel culture. However, to illustrate the severity of Kirkconnell’s actions, Lindsay asked, “She’s celebrating the old south. If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?” Although Harrison understood Lindsay’s argument, he highlighted how people are doing the work to be more social conscious today than they were just a few years ago.

After backlash, Harrison issued an apology on Instagram writing, “I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed” adding that he just wanted to give Kirkconnell the opportunity to speak her truth. “What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism.” Harrison then revealed that he is “stepping aside” from the franchise “for a period of time.” Keep scrolling to see what Bachelor Nation is saying. 

Bachelor Nation is denouncing racism

Following Chris Harrison’s eyebrow raising remarks in defense of Rachael Kirkconnell’s old south controversy, the contestant apologized on social media, stating, “I’m here to say I was wrong.” She added, “At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them. My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not acceptable or okay in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.” Kirkconnell later took to her Instagram Story to share a statement from the women on Matt James’ season, reading that the contestants “denounce any defense of racism,” per Daily Mail.

The men featured on Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams’ season of the Bachelorette also issued a similar statement and adding that they stand with Rachel Lindsay. The Extra correspondent went on to share that she isn’t renewing her contract with Bachelor Nation and thinks it was “the right decision” for Harrison to step away, adding, “He needs to take time to get educated.” Adams also spoke out about “the ignorance when it comes to race,” stating that Kirkconnell’s actions were racist and you “cannot be defensive of it.” Continuing, she said, “I am really hurt by this response.”

Prior to the hubbub around Harrison, James spoke out about the Kirkconnell controversy to Entertainment Tonight asked people to give her “the benefit of the doubt.” However, James has yet to address Harrison’s remarks or his exit from the franchise.

Black Bachelor Nation alums have a lot to say about Chris Harrison

Aside from those who have a stake in the scandal, several Black Bachelor Nation alums spoke out about Chris Harrison’s remarks and his fate on the hit show. “I don’t really think he should be allowed to return but it’s not up to me,” season 13’s DeMario Jackson told TMZ.  He went on to slam the show’s “all-white production, all-white cast, all-white show, all white fan base,” adding that “If they do want to have move forward and have a more black fan base I would say it all starts within. Like do you really want to have black fans or do you want to put a Band-Aid over a bullet wound?”

Additionally, season 20’s Jubilee Sharpe told the outlet that she felt producers homed in on the white contestants “more than anyone else.” However, more contestants seem to be calling for change more so than Harrison’s expulsion. Season 12’s Marshana Ritchie and season 17’s Leslie Hughes said Harrison “needs a long break, and a lot education on Black history … plus, sensitivity training before he returns.” Season 10’s Marquel Martin and season 17’s Robyn Jedkins think Harrison should get a second chance but “he needs to do better at understanding the Black perspective before speaking on these issues again.” As for season 15’s Mike Johnson, he wants to see Harrison put in the work to do better before his return. It sounds like Harrison better get started. 

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