Chris Harrison won't host the next 'Bachelorette' season after defending racism in controversial interview
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Darcy Schild
Mar 13, 2021, 20:53 IST
Tayshia Adams (left) and Katilyn Bristowe (right) will replace Chris Harrison as hosts for "The Bachelorette" season 17.Kwaku Alston/ABC via Getty Images; John Fleenor via Getty Images; Craig Sjodin/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images
Chris Harrison won't host the next "Bachelorette" season, ABC Entertainment and Warner Horizon said.
A statement on Friday said Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will host the next season.
Harrison stepped down as the host after defending a controversial contestant, Rachael Kirkconnell.
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The next season of "The Bachelorette" will have two new hosts, though they're no strangers to the reality TV series.
"We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing," ABC Entertainment and Warner Horizon said Friday in the widely reported statement. "As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within 'The Bachelor' franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) representation of our crew."
After Harrison's remark from the interview made headlines, he apologized in an Instagram post, writing in February: "I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed."
"I want to ensure our cast and crew members, to my friends, colleagues, and our fans: this is not just a moment, but a commitment to much greater understanding that I will actively make every day," he said.
"I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake, and I own that," Harrison said. "I believe that mistake doesn't reflect who I am or what I stand for. I am committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise. And this is a franchise that has been a part of my life for the better part of 20 years, and I love it."
He continued: "I plan to be back and I want to be back. And I think this franchise can be an important beacon of change. I know that change is felt not just by me but by many others. And we are excited and willing to do the work to show that progress."
Representatives for ABC Entertainment did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
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