The Truth About Emmanuel Acho, Chris Harrison's Replacement For The Bachelor: After The Final Rose
Matt James' season of The Bachelor has brought a lot to light. It's been a really cool season, but it's also brought change in a major way. Case in point: Chris Harrison is "stepping aside" from the ABC show for "a period of time," according to CNN, after an interview with former star of The Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay.
During the interview, Rachel spoke about a photo involving season finalist Rachael Kirkconnell, who was photographed in 2018 at "an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity party," per CNN. During the interview, Chris defended Rachael and said, "Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or, is it not a good look in 2021? Because there's a big difference." Rachel replied, "It's not a good look ever. If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?"
Rachael has since broken her silence and Matt himself has weighed in on the controversy. Chris won't be hosting After the Final Rose special. Instead, the event will be hosted by Emmanuel Acho. Here's the story about him!
Emmanuel Acho is our host with the most
Emmanuel Acho is taking over Chris Harrison's spot as host of the special After the Final Rose, according to Us Weekly, to wrap up Matt James' season of The Bachelor. The special will air on March 15, 2021, where Emmanuel will sit down and talk with the final woman, including Rachael Kirkconnell.
Emmanuel has an impressive résumé. He graduated with a degree in sports management in 2012 and was an NFL linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. He was then drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, according to his website. Emmanuel then got his master's degree in sports psychology and began working in broadcasting, including a slot on ESPN. If he can broadcast sports, it'll be a seamless transition hosting After the Final Rose!
He also hosts the weekly series Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man, which provides "a safe place to have the uncomfortable conversations about race that many white people have never been able to have," per the website. Emmanuel has also written a book of the same title, which covers topics like: "How can I have white privilege if I'm not wealthy?"
So what does Emmanuel have to say about taking over this role for Chris?
Will Emmanuel Acho take over as permanent host?
Emmanuel Acho shared the news that he's hosting After the Final Rose on Instagram on Feb. 27, 2021. He is oh so fittingly holding a rose and captioned the pic with: "IT'S OFFICIAL: I've accepted the Rose and am honored to be hosting [The Bachelor's] After the Final Rose this year. It's been a pivotal season, and this episode will hopefully be one of the most storied shows in TV history. Empathy is needed and change is coming."
"I love being a bridge for reconciliation," he added. "Our world is disconnected & divided, my goal is to unify." Matt James responded: "Looking forward to it!" Nick Viall wrote: "Congrats!"
Will Emmanuel be taking over as host for the rest of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise? It seems too soon to say. Reality Steve jumped on Twitter to give us an answer, as much as anyone knows at the moment: "No word yet on if he'll be the permanent host moving forward."