‘The Bachelor’: Chris Harrison Breaks Social Media Silence After Colton Underwood Comes Out as Gay
Chris Harrison had been quiet on social media for exactly two months when he made his big return to Instagram. The host, who has been taking a break from The Bachelor franchise ever since his controversial comments in an interview, has been pretty MIA. But after Colton Underwood came out as gay on Good Morning America, Harrison used his platform to make a statement on the news.
Chris Harrison was on a social break after Rachel Lindsay interview
Harrison appeared on Extra for an interview with former lead of The Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay to talk about The Bachelor during Matt James’ season. While there, Harrison commented on Rachael Kirkconnell’s resurfaced social media posts that were getting pushback from fans.
Harrison’s comments caused a shockwave within Bachelor Nation and ignited many past contestants to speak out against the face of the franchise.
There was such a response that Harrison ended up “stepping aside for a period of time” as host on Feb. 13. Sports journalist and author Emmanuel Acho filled in for Harrison on The Bachelor: After the Final Rose.
After Harrison announced on Instagram that he would be trying to “evolve and be a better man,” he went dark on the platform. He didn’t post anything until April 13, when Underwood came out as gay.
Colton Underwood came out as gay after leading ‘The Bachelor’
Underwood surprised many in his sit-down interview on April 13. The star expressed that he had been struggling with his sexuality for years, and came out as gay.
“For me, I’ve ran from myself for a long time,” he revealed. “I hated myself for a long time. I’m gay and I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it. The next step in all of this was letting people know. I’m still nervous, but yeah it’s been a journey for sure.”
Bachelor Nation responded with support to Underwood’s revelation about his sexuality. And Harrison couldn’t help but show some love to the former lead as well.
Chris Harrison returned to respond to Colton Underwood’s news
Harrison shared a picture of himself and Underwood at Bachelor Mansion on April 14. The photo showed the two men smiling, side by side.
“Very proud of you today @coltonunderwood,” he wrote. “Happy to see you stand up and openly live your truth. You have my love and support my friend.”
Underwood responded to the post: “Love and appreciate you man. Means a lot.”
Producer Julie LaPlaca, and former contestants Adam Gottschalk and Marquel Martin all commented showing more support to the previous lead.
It makes sense that Harrison broke his social media silence to show love toward Underwood. He is the first bachelor from the franchise to come out as gay, which is a huge moment for the shows.
Harrison has yet to comment on when he himself will return to the franchise. The long-running veteran host of the show won’t be coming back yet for The Bachelorette. Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams are filling in for Harrison on Katie Thurston’s season.
