Chris Harrison is speaking out for the first time since stepping down from hosting duties on "The Bachelor" last month in an exclusive interview with "Good Morning America" airing Thursday.
A sneak peek of the conversation shows "GMA" co-anchor Michael Strahan asking Harrison why he would defend Rachael Kirkconnell, a contestant on the current season of "The Bachelor" starring Matt James, the franchise's first Black male lead. Kirkconnell had previously been called out for past racist social media activity, specifically for a photo of her at an "Old South" college formal, a plantation-themed party, in 2018.
"It was a mistake," Harrison responded to Strahan. "I made a mistake. I am an imperfect man. I made a mistake and I own that."
During a Feb. 9 interview with former "Bachelorette" star Rachel Lindsay, the franchise's first Black female lead, Harrison called for "a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion" for Kirkconnell, adding that he thought it was "unbelievably alarming" to watch because "people are just tearing this girl's life apart."
When the conversation specifically turned to a recently surfaced photo of Kirkconnell depicting her at an "Old South" college formal, a plantation-themed party, in 2018, Harrison alluded to Kirkconnell as potentially being a victim of so-called "cancel culture."
"Well, the picture was from 2018 at an Old South antebellum party ... that's not a good look," Lindsay said, to which Harrison responded, "Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021? Because there's a big difference."
"It's not a good look ever because she's celebrating the Old South," Lindsay replied. "If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?"
Harrison has since shared two apologies on social media. In the first, posted Feb. 10, he apologized for "not listening" to Lindsay during the interview and for "speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism."
In the most recent apology, shared Feb. 13, he acknowledged his "ignorance."
"I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful," Harrison wrote. "My ignorance did damage to my friends, colleagues and strangers alike. I have no one to blame but myself for what I said and the way I spoke. I set standards for myself, and have not met them. I feel that with every fiber in my being."
"To the Black community, to the BIPOC community: I am so sorry," he added. "My words were harmful. I am listening, and I truly apologize for my ignorance and pain it caused you."
In the same post, Harrison announced he would be "stepping aside for a period of time" from the show and will not be hosting the "After the Final Rose" special for James' current season.
Author and TV personality Emmanuel Acho has since been announced as the replacement host for the live episode, set to air March 15 immediately following the season finale.
Harrison has also acted as the host of "The Bachelorette" since its premiere in 2003.
He also hosted several of the franchise's spin-offs, including "Bachelor in Paradise, "The Bachelor Winter Games" and "The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart."
Tune into "Good Morning America" Thursday at 7 a.m. for much more from Harrison's interview.
Chris Harrison speaks out after stepping away from 'The Bachelor' originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
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