Chris Harrisonis speaking out about hisdeparturefrom theBachelorfranchise.
Harrison confirmed his exit from the hit ABC reality dating franchise after nearly two decades as host, saying in an Instagramposton Tuesday that he is “excited to start a new chapter.”
“I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of The Bachelor franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter,” he wrote. “I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we’ve made together. While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”
“It will never be the same. Love you buddy,” commented Sean Lowe as his wife, Catherine Giudici Lowe, wrote: “Love you @chrisbharrison ❤️ you have a lot to be proud about. Can’t wait to support you in your next endeavors :).”
“Love you my friend ❤️,” said Joelle Fletcher.
Added Becca Kufrin: “Wishing you the best in your next chapters, Chris. So much love 💖.”
Emily Maynard Johnson shared, “I hope you were on a yacht in the South of France when you wrote this. You deserve it! Can’t wait to see what’s next and sending you a big hug ❤️❤️❤️.”
“Love you Chris. Thank you for your friendship ❤️,” Colton Underwood added.
Said Kelley Flanagan: “You will be missed Chris! ❤️.”
Graham Bunn commented, “Can’t wait to see what you do next brother @chrisbharrison.”
J.P. Rosenbaum left a simple message, writing, “❤️ You.”
Arie Luyendyk Jr. posted, “Love you brotha. On to bigger and better things 👏🏼.”
Harrison’s statement comes hours after asource confirmed his departureto PEOPLE.
Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment also confirmed the news of Harrison’s departure in a joint statement on Tuesday: “Chris Harrison is stepping aside as host of The Bachelor franchise. We are thankful for his many contributions over the past 20 years and wish him all the best on his new journey.”
While the details of Harrison’s exit have not been disclosed, according toDeadline, the television personality will reportedly receive a massive payout to step away and stay mum about his parting of ways with the franchise.
Harrison’s exit comes four months after the franchise became embroiled in controversy, whenRachael Kirkconnell— a 24-year-old contestant who would go on to winMatt James' season ofThe Bachelor— was called out for racially insensitive social media posts which saw her attending an antebellum plantation-themed college party in 2018. (She has sinceapologized.)
Listen below toour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Dayfor more on Chris Harrison’s departure from theBachelorfranchise.
In February, Harrison, 49, addressed the situation during an interview with former BacheloretteRachel LindsayonExtra. During their14-minute, unedited conversation,he appeared to defend Kirkconnell, saying people should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” in the wake of the resurfaced photos and questioning the “lens” of 2021 compared to 2018.
Chris Harrison.Eric McCandless via Getty
While former NFL star-turned-authorEmmanuel Achowas called on to host theAfter the Final Rosespecial for James' season and alternate hosts were found for bothThe BacheloretteandBachelor in Paradise, Harrison previouslyhinted at a return to the franchiseduring an appearance onGood Morning Americain March.
During the interview, he issued an apology to Lindsay, the franchise’s first Black lead, and the Black community. (Lindsay, 36, has remained outspoken in hercriticism of the franchiseand has sinceleft her gigas co-host of theBachelor Happy Hourpodcast.)
“There is not [a difference between 2018 and 2021]. Antebellum parties are not okay, past, present, future. Knowing what that represents is unacceptable,” Harrison said onGMA. “I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay. I didn’t speak for my heart, that is to say I stand against all forms of racism.”
Still, “I plan to be back and I want to be back,” he said at the time, adding that he was “committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise.”
source: people.com
