‘The Bachelorette’ 2021: ABC Confirms Rumors That Chris Harrison Will Be Replaced by 2 Unexpected Hosts
Chris Harrison has had a serious fall from grace in the past few weeks. After defending contestant Rachael Kirkconell’s past actions, the host announced that he was taking a break from the Bachelor franchise. Now, it has been confirmed that Harrison will not return for The Bachelorette and instead, will be replaced by two former Bachelorettes.
Chris Harrison’s interview with Rachel Lindsay
Early on in Matt James’ season of The Bachelor, photos surfaced of Kirkconnell attending an old south party. In an interview with former Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, Harrison defended Kirkconnell’s attendance at the party.
“Is it a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?” he said. “I don’t disagree with you. You’re 100 percent right — in 2021. That was not the case in 2018. Again, I’m not defending Rachael. I just know, I don’t know, 50 million people did that in 2018… that was a type of party that a lot of people went to.”
‘The Bachelor’ host Chris Harrison apologizes and steps back
After an initial apology that did nothing to temper fans’ anger, Harrison announced that he was taking a break from the show.
“This historic season of ‘The Bachelor’ should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions,” he said in an Instagram post. “To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special.”
The problem fans had with this was that Harrison didn’t specify how long his break would be. Would he just miss the After the Final Rose ceremony or would he also be absent through The Bachelorette?
In his first post-break interview, he revealed that he was planning on returning to the franchise.
“I plan to be back and I want to be back. And I think this franchise can be an important beacon of change,” Harrison said on Good Morning America. “I know that change is felt, not just by me, but by many others. And we are excited and willing to do the work to show that progress.”
‘The Bachelorette’ is getting new hosts
This week, Bachelor blogger Reality Steve revealed that Chris Harrison would not be returning for The Bachelorette. Now, ABC has confirmed that news.
“Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette,'” ABC’s statement read. “We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing.”
They also revealed that Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe would be taking over.
“In his absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette through next season,” the statement continued. “As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, we are dedicated to improving important steps in effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world.”
Reality Steve has also predicted that Katie Thurston will be the next Bachelorette, however that has not officially been announced yet.
