'Bachelor' host Chris Harrison says he regrets defending Rachael Kirkconnell's racism
Presenter of the Bachelor, Chris Harrison, states that he regrets defending Rachel Kirkconnell’s past racist actions
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to W&H Newsletter Newsletter

Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Chris Harrison states, “It was a mistake," to defend Rachael Kirkconnell’s previous racist actions in a new interview with Good Morning America.
Chris Harrison, the host of the Bachelor, has spoken up about his mistake when it came to defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. “I made a mistake. I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake, and I own that," said Harrison.
On the current season of The Bachelor, a contestant, Racheal Kirkconnell, has been accused of racism after old social media posts have resurfaced. One post shows the contestant in Native American clothing that she is wearing as a costume at a party. Another image shows her attending a distasteful plantation-themed 'Old South' ball.
Read more from woman&home:
• Best pillow for a comfortable, pain-free night’s sleep
• Best scented candles for a warm and cozy home this winter
• Best kindles for digital book lovers - we help you decide which one to buy
.@chrisbharrison to @michaelstrahan: "I made a mistake." See the exclusive interview TOMORROW on @GMA. https://t.co/wmtSZrBI99 pic.twitter.com/ALtcUbTmG1March 3, 2021
Chris Harrison first defended Rachael’s behavior in an interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay. In the interview, Chris stated that people should have, "a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion," for Racheal Kirconell.
Rachel Lindsay agreed that attending an old south-themed party was “not a good look.” Chris then further defended Rachael Kirkconnell by suggesting that in 2021 we may view her behavior differently than it was perceived in 2018. “Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or, is it not a good look in 2021? Because there's a big difference," said Chris.
The former bachelorette replied critically, "It's not a good look ever, because she's celebrating the Old South. If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?"
Since this conversation, Rachel Lindsay has said on her podcast, ‘Higher Learning With Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay.’ That she was unimpressed by Chris Harrison’s behavior during their interview. She said, “During that conversation, his privilege was on display, he never gave me room to talk and he never gave me room to share my perspective, he wasn't trying to hear it, he just wanted to be heard."
Chris Harrison and Rachel Lindsay
Since this interview, it is clear that Chris has retracted his former statements. He has apologized to Rachel by stating, "I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay. I can't believe I didn't speak against antebellum parties, what they stand for.”
He has also stated, "I stand against all forms of racism, and I am deeply sorry to Rachel Lindsay and to the Black community."
Chris Harrison's future as the host of The Batchelor and Batchelorette is now uncertain. With some stating that he should step back and others saying that he has apologized and the problem is over.
Fans have been divided about this issue. One fan commented, “He apologized. Let’s move on. It’s being dragged out way longer than it needs to be. If he doesn’t return to the franchise then that’s fine, he owns his mistake. But when is this going to end?” Another fan replied to this statement, “it ends when he stops saying uneducated stuff. he’s his own worse enemy.”
Laura is a news writer for woman&home who primarily covers entertainment and celebrity news. Laura dabbles in lifestyle, royal, beauty, and fashion news, and loves to cover anything and everything to do with television and film. She is also passionate about feminism and equality and loves writing about gender issues and feminist literature.
Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.
-
-
Here's how Martha Stewart and her friends keep each other young at heart
Martha Stewart and her friends have an agreement that all but assures they will stay young forever
By Anna Rahmanan • Published
-
Pamela Anderson on why she gained 25 pounds while writing her much anticipated memoir
The star of a new Netflix documentary, Pamela Anderson noted she "had a physical reaction to telling my story" while writing her recent memoir
By Anna Rahmanan • Published