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For years, Chris Harrison stood as the frontman in the famous dating show, The Bachelor. However, his stint came to a scandalous end following his exit from the franchise at the height of a racism controversy. Since then, the former host has remained mum on the topic, only choosing to break his silence in his new podcast.
The 51-year-old, who attracted scrutiny for failing to condemn Rachael Kirkconnell over racism allegations during a sit-down with first-ever Bachelorette lead, Rachel Lindsay, is now ready to speak up. In the first episode of his podcast, The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever… With Chris Harrison, the icon addressed the aftermath of his actions, which ultimately led to his ousting from the show and subsequent replacement by former contestant Jesse Palmer. He said:
“I was sick to my stomach. I lost 20 pounds, I didn’t sleep. I didn’t eat.”
Chris regretted His Words On-Air
Despite regretting his approach to the racism controversy, that moment on air with Lindsay eventually spelled doom for his career on The Bachelor. In the wake of the interview, Chris announced his temporary step back from the franchise, but as the backlash worsened, it unfolded into a permanent closure to his nearly two decades on the ABC show.
The turn of events admittedly made the father of two feel heartbroken, ashamed, and disappointed in himself. In the aftermath of the racial controversy, Chris Harrison faced the tough phase of confusion, not knowing where to turn, having dedicated twenty years of his life to the how. But he knew his exit would avail him the much-needed space to think and set his priorities right. That also spurred his decision to hold off discussing the subject.
Chris Harrison Never Intended To Become Part Of A Racism Controversy
During the podcast, Chris Harrison also admitted he never intended to become a subject of hate, racism conflict, or any negative controversy, especially not on the ABC show. But somehow, he became caught up in the moment, taking him on a downhill dive after the Matt James season.
Fans may recall that things went south for Chris after season 25 of The Bachelor, featuring Matt, the first-ever black bachelor. The season’s winner, Rachel Kirkconnell became engulfed in a racism scandal after a photo of her at an Old South antebellum college party from 2018 emerged. Addressing the sensitive subject with Lindsay on Extra, appeared to defend Kirkconnell’s attendance at the party, saying:
“Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018, or is it not a good look in 2021? Because there’s a big difference.”
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In response, an agitated Lindsay pointed out it was not a good look either way. This marked the onset of a wave of media onslaught and criticism thrown Chris’ way for months to come. The happening of COVID lockdown and the Black Lives Matter movement further worsened his plight, as he became a scapegoat for the resulting anger and frustration despite his apologies. He explained:
“I shined a big bright light on more than what needed to be, that was on me. And to have brought that on my house? It was shameful, and it just crushed me. To the bottom of my soul. I was just sick to my stomach.”
Chris Harrison noted that many advised him to just stay silent at the time until things blew over, and he took the counsel, but while at it, several agents began pinning for his job on The Bachelor. Thus, his time with the franchise ended. Through it all, the dad of two managed to find the bright light, noting that it gave him the chance to spend more time with his kids. He also got to fall in love, and become engaged to the woman of his dreams, something he considers a “much better life” than he previously had.