Chris Harrison, a longtime host of the “Bachelor” franchise, faces a growing backlash online after appearing to defend a contestant accused of racist acts. Rachel Lindsay, of the franchise first black female protagonist and one of the firm’s strongest advocates of racial justice, said Friday that she will not renew her contract with the franchise as a result of Harrison’s comments.
The controversy began after photographs appeared of Rachael Kirkconnell, a contestant on this season of “The Bachelor,” who was attending a pre-war-themed party in 2018.
Here is a breakdown of how it developed:
Harrison’s interview with Rachel Lindsay
Lindsay asked Harrison about Kirkconnell’s photos during an interview Tuesday. Kirkconnell’s season features Matt James as a bachelor, marking the first time the franchise has chosen a black man for the role.
“We all need to have a little bit of grace, a little bit of understanding, a little bit of compassion,” Harrison told Lindsay. “Because I’ve seen a few things online (this judge, jury, executioner) where people just break this girl’s life and go into, like her parents, her parents’ voting record. It’s incredibly alarming. see that. I haven’t heard Rachael talk about it yet. And until I feel like this woman has a chance to talk, who am I to say any of this? “
“Well, the picture was of 2018 at a pre-war party in the Old South,” Lindsay replied. “That’s not a good thing.”
“Is it looking good in 2018 or isn’t it looking good in 2021?” Harrison asked.
“He never looks good,” Lindsay said, adding, “If I went to that game, what would I represent in that game?”
“You’re absolutely right in 2021. It wasn’t like that in 2018.” Harrison said, estimating that “50 million people did this in 2018.”
“That was kind of a party,” he said, adding that he “doesn’t defend it.”
Harrison and Kirkconnell apologize
After facing his comments, Harrison posted an apology on social media on Wednesday.
“For my Bachelor Nation family: I’ll always make a mistake when I make it, so I’m here to apologize sincerely,” he said. “I have this amazing platform to talk about love and yesterday I took a stance on issues that should have been better informed.”
“While I don’t speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to apologize for offering her the opportunity to speak on her own,” he continued. “What I now realize I’ve done is hurt by speaking wrongly in a way that perpetuates racism, and that’s why I’m deeply sorry. I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not hearing her better on an issue she has to understand. first hand and humbly thank the Bachelor Nation members who have contacted me to take responsibility. I promise to do better. “
Kirkconnell also apologized Thursday, writing on Instagram, “I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist. I apologize to the communities and people that my actions have harmed and offended. I am ashamed of my lack of education, but no it’s nobody’s responsibility to educate me. “
“I deserve to be held accountable for my actions,” he added. “I will never grow up unless you acknowledge that what I have done is wrong. I do not think a single apology means I deserve your forgiveness, but I hope I can earn your forgiveness through my future actions.”
Franchise stars are pronounced
Lindsay, who hosts a Bachelor Nation podcast and has made frequent cameos on the show, said she will not renew her contract with the franchise when it expires.
“I’m exhausted. I’ve had enough,” Lindsay said in Friday’s episode of her podcast “Higher Learning.”
“My whole reason for doing ‘The Bachelorette’ – and I was lucky enough to come out with the most beautiful way to find Bryan – is that I wanted to be representative as a black woman in this audience. And I wanted to pave the way for more people have that opportunity, ”Lindsay said in the podcast.
“But how much do I want to be affiliated with that? How much can I take from these things? I said I would leave if they didn’t have color tracks. Okay, they did and they made some other changes. They hired a diversity consultant, “I didn’t attend class? Chris Harrison didn’t do that? I’m confused about how you could have whole consultants working for you, even though what happened happened.”
“I can’t take it anymore,” Lindsay said. “I’m contractually bound in some way. But when it’s over, so am I. I can’t do it anymore.”
James has also spoken out in favor of Lindsay.
Matt James / Instagram
“I’m more than grateful to have Rachel as a mentor during this season,” James wrote Friday in his Instagram story. “Your advocacy for the people of BIPOC in the franchise is invaluable. I am with you and the rest of the women who advocate for change and accountability.”
Tayshia Adams, the latest single, said Friday in her Instagram story that she is “really hurt, disappointed and confused” by the “ignorance” she has seen surrounding conversations about race this week.
Adams, who is black, added that she is “really hurt” by the response to Kirkconnell’s actions, which she blatantly called racist.
A number of contestants from the Adams season shared a joint message on Instagram on Friday, “denouncing racist behavior and any defense of it.” They added that they “stay together” with Lindsay.
Season 25 contestants also posted a joint statement on Instagram on Thursday denouncing any “defense of racism.”
“Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals,” the statement says. “These experiences should not be exploited or symbolized.”
“Rachel Lindsay continues to‘ gracefully ’advocate for people who identify as BIPOC within this franchise,” he concludes. “Speaking louder doesn’t mean she’s alone. We’re with her, we listen to her and stand for change by her side.”