Chris Harrison Is Out As The Bachelorette Host
Chris Harrison will not be hosting the new season of The Bachelorette, ABC confirmed in a statement released on social media on March 12, 2021. After weeks of speculation surrounding Harrison's fate, it was revealed that two people from Bachelor Nation will take over hosting duties while Harrison takes time away. According to People, Harrison decided to step aside from his hosting duties after he defended The Bachelor frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell's "past racist actions" during an interview with Rachel Lindsay on Extra.
Since that time, Harrison has been dedicated to learning by working with BIPOC educators and BIPOC in his community to get "educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before" (via Instagram). Harrison has since apologized on social media and during an interview with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America (via People). Harrison's initial plan was to sit out Matt James' After the Final Rose, according to his Instagram post, but he had been planning on making a return to the Bachelor franchise, which he made clear while talking with Strahan. "I plan to be back and I want to be back," he said.
Now, however, ABC has decided that Harrison's return — assuming it happens at all — will not come when The Bachelorette returns to television in the spring. Read on to find out what ABC said in its statement and who will take Harrison's place.
Chris Harrison will be replaced by two former Bachelorettes
ABC's statement about Chris Harrison not returning to the franchise for the new season of The Bachelorette also revealed two familiar names that will take over his hosting duties. Former Bachelorette stars Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams have been chosen to lead the way. ABC did not reveal whether or not Harrison would return to the franchise to host new seasons of Bachelor in Paradise or subsequent iterations of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but explained that the network supports Harrison "in the work that he is committed to doing."
The statement noted that Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment are "dedicated to improving...BIPOC representation" when it comes to the crew. They went on to express that those connected to the show feel that "these are important steps in effecting fundamental change," adding that the changes that will be made will help the franchise become "a celebration of love that is reflective of our world."