Chris Harrison will sit out the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette.”
Harrison – who has hosted “The Bachelor” franchise for nearly two decades since its 2002 debut – announced in February that he would be “stepping aside for a period of time” after controversially defending current “Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racially insensitive behavior.
Although Harrison assured viewers last week that he wouldn’t step down permanently, it wasn’t clear how long Harrison would be sidelined from his hosting duties. Until now.
Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment confirmed to USA TODAY Friday that Harrison’s hosting hiatus will extend through the upcoming 17th season of “The Bachelorette.” He will be replaced by former “Bachelorette” stars Tayshia Adams (Season 16) and Kaitlyn Bristowe (Season 11), who will “support the new Bachelorette through next season.”
“Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette,'” reads a joint statement provided to USA TODAY. “We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing.”
Chris Harrison won’t resign from hosting ‘The Bachelor’; Rachel Lindsay reacts to apology
Harrison faced widespread backlash for defending Kirkconnell from the “woke police” during a Feb. 9 interview with “Bachelorette” alum Rachel Lindsay. Kirkconnell, one of the finalists on Matt James’ current season of “The Bachelor,” has come under fire for liking Confederate flag-related TikToks and, more recently, for a…
