Chris Harrisonis speaking out amid the ongoingBachelorfranchise controversy.
“It was a mistake, I made a mistake,” Harrison, 49, began on Thursday morning’s episode. “I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake, and I own that.”
For more on Chris Harrison’sGood Morning Americainterview, listen below to the episode of PEOPLE Every Day.
Harrison came under fire for hisExtrainterview with Lindsay last month, in which he weighed in on currentBachelorcontestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s resurfaced social media posts, which saw her dressed in Native American attire in costume and attending an antebellum plantation-themed college party in 2018. (Kirkconnell has since issued anapologyand asked those defending her actions to “please stop.")
In the interview, Harrison questioned the “lens” of 2021 compared to 2018 and said people should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” in the wake of Kirkconnell’s resurfaced photos.
Chris Harrison.Eric McCandless/Getty Images
Upon receiving backlash for appearing to defend Kirkconnell, Harrison firstapologizedonFeb. 10. A few days later, heapologized for a second timewhile also announcing that he would be “stepping aside” from the franchise for an unspecified amount of time, including that he would not appear in theAfter the Final Rosespecial.
“There is not [a difference between 2018 and 2021]. Antebellum parties are not okay, past, present, future. Knowing what that represents is unacceptable,” Harrison toldGMAco-host Michael Strahan before extending another apology to Lindsay and the Black community. “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 … I’m sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I’m sorry to the Black community.”
Harrison then explained that he reached out to Lindsay to apologize following theExtrainterview but had not talked to her since shedeactivated her Instagram account due to harassment. Addressing those who have been harassing Lindsay online, he said: “To anyone who Is throwing hate at Rachel Lindsay please stop …I am not a victim here, I made a mistake and I own that. Racism, oppression, this is a dynamic problem and they take work and I am committed to that work.”
The franchise host also revealed that he is working with “a race educator and strategist” and faith leaders and scholars likeDr. Michael Eric Dyson.
“Dr. Dyson often talks to me about counsel, not cancel. That is full accountability … owning from that, learning from that. Seeking council from the community that you hurt, gaining experience knowledge and moving forward,” Harrison explained to Strahan, 49.
Rachael Kirkconnell, Rachel Lindsay, Chris Harrison.rachael kirkconnell/instagram, getty images (2)
“It’s both an honor and privilege to be hostingAfter the Final Rose. This is an incredibly pivotal episode on one of the most storied shows in television history,” Acho, a former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker-turned sports analyst, said in a statement about the news of his casting.
Emmanuel Acho.Alexis Mitchell
Looking ahead, Harrison said at the end of hisGMAinterview, “I plan to be back and I want to be back” as the franchise’s host, adding that he is “committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise.”
“This interview is not the finish line,” he said. “There is much more work to be done. And I am excited to be a part of that change.”
RELATED VIDEO: Emmanuel Acho on Hosting The Bachelor’s After the Final Rose Special: ‘This Is Huge’
Agreeing with Harrison that a lot more work needs to be done as the interview concluded, Strahan told his co-hosts, “His apology is his apology, but it felt like nothing more than a surface response on any of this.”
“I mean, obviously, he’s a man who clearly wants to stay on this show, but only time will tell if there is any meaning behind his words,” he added.
The Bachelor: After the Final Rosewill air on Monday, March 15 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, immediately following the season finale ofThe Bachelor.
source: people.com
