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Amid his ongoing controversy, Chris Harrison will be missing next season of “The Bachelorette,” Variety has learned.
Harrison will be temporarily replaced by former franchise fan favorites, including former “Bachelorette” stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Beyond the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” no permanent decision regarding Harrison’s future with the franchise has been determined, at this point, according to multiple sources close to the show. Two people familiar with production say that strategic conversations continue, constantly evolve, and stay fluid.
“Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette’. We stand behind Chris in the work he’s committed to doing, ”according to a joint statement from ABC Entertainment and Warner Horizon, obtained by Variety.
“In her absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette until next season,” the statement continued. “As we continue the dialogue on achieving greater equity and inclusion within ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, we are committed to improving the BIPOC representation of our team, including among the ranks of executive producers. These are important steps in making a fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that reflects our world. “
The cameras are expected to start rolling next week, according to three sources, and given COVID-19 regulations, the cast and crew are mandated to quarantine on site where “The Bachelorette” will be filmed in a sequestered bubble.
Adams and Bristowe are currently quarantined on site, along with contenders for the next season of “The Bachelorette,” which Variety previously reported is expected to play Katie Thurston, who appeared in Matt James’ current season of “The Bachelor.”
Neither Adams nor Bristowe will be named “host” or “co-host”, Variety hears, indicating that their roles are not permanent gigs – in other words, the door has been left open for Harrison’s future. While Harrison’s role going forward remains in limbo, the situation has been described by sources as a ‘wait and see’ approach.
Harrison has been in the midst of a growing scandal for perpetuating racism through her comment defending controversial ‘Bachelor’ candidate Rachael Kirkconnell, who was criticized when old photos of her emerged on social media, showing her present at an Old South themed plantation fraternity party. She also liked the social media images featuring the Confederate flag and was accused on TikTok of bullying a classmate for dating a black man.
Kirkconnell, who remains one of the favorites for the current season of “The Bachelor,” has since apologized, saying, “I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”
The controversy reached a boiling point when Harrison sat down for an interview on “Extra” with former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay, going to great lengths to expose the “police awake” and suggesting that the photos of Kirkconnell were not offensive when they were taken. in 2018.
“The photo was from 2018 at a pre-war party in the Old South … it’s not a good look,” Lindsay said during the interview with Harrison. Harrison turned defensive and replied, “Well, Rachel, is that a good look in 2018? Or isn’t that a good look in 2021? Because there is a big difference.
“It’s never a good look,” Lindsay said. “If I went to this party, what could I represent at this party?”
Harrison had previously announced that he would “retire” from the franchise for an undisclosed period of time following the controversy. In an interview on “Good Morning America” earlier this month, Harrison told Michael Strahan he plans to return as host.
“I believe this error does not reflect who I am or what I represent. I’m committed to progress not only for myself but for the franchise as well, ”Harrison told Strahan, who then said live on air:“ His apologies are his apologies, but I felt like I had nothing more than a surface response to it all, and obviously he’s a man who clearly wants to stay on the show, but only time will tell if there’s any meaning behind his words. .
This coming Monday “After the Final Rose” will be hosted by Emmanuel Acho, who steps in to replace Harrison for the special episode, which will address the racist controversy, and the management of race and diversity of the show. James, who is the very first black star of “The Bachelor,” took to social media during this week’s episode to speak out against the “dangerous stereotypes” perpetuated in the media. James also released a statement, in light of the controversy, explaining that the situation had caused him to “reassess and process what my experience on ‘The Bachelor’ represents.”
Season 17 of “The Bachelorette,” starring Adams and Bristowe, is slated to debut in the spring.
Adams recently starred as “The Bachelorette” in the season which aired in 2020. She stepped in for original star Clare Crawley, who left her season soon after finding love. Adams, who is now engaged after meeting Zac Clark on the dating show, has expressed interest in television hosting and recently hosted “Entertainment Tonight”.
Bristowe was first introduced to Bachelor Nation as a contestant for Chris Soules’ season of “The Bachelor,” then becoming “The Bachelorette” for season 11 in 2015. She is one of the former “Bachelor” s. most popular of all time, and has remained in the ABC family, recently competing and winning season 29 of “Dancing With the Stars.”
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