Who will replace Chris Harrison? 'The Bachelor' ex-host out of 'Bachelor in Paradise' as well after racism row
Former 'The Bachelor' host Chris Harrison, who faced immense criticism for his 'racist' remarks during a February 2021 episode of the show, is reportedly being replaced on 'Bachelor in Paradise' as well. According to Variety, insider sources have revealed that Harrison will be replaced by a series of celebrity guests who will host the show on a rotational basis. Harrison stepped back as the host of 'The Bachelor' franchise earlier this year, now he will be absent from the upcoming season of 'Bachelor in Paradise' as well.
Meanwhile, a source close to Harrison has revealed to E! News that the decision of replacement 'disappointed' him. "He's been having conversations with his team and the studio and was hoping to be able to come back. He hopes his return will happen in 2022," the source shared, adding that he would prefer to live away from the limelight now, with his family in Texas.
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Who will replace Chris Harrison?
According to preliminary reports obtained by Variety, comedian and actor David Spade has been confirmed as one of the celebrity guest hosts to appear in the absence of Harrison. The creators of the show are reaching out to other celebrities for hosting the show, but no one's deal has been confirmed so far other than Spade. Harrison first landed in a controversy earlier this year during an interview about 'The Bachelor' contestant and eventual winner Rachael Kirkconnell.
In 2018, Kirkconnell had attended a racially insensitive antebellum-themed frat party in college. As the images from the event resurfaced this year, Harrison defended her during his interview with Rachel Lindsay (former 'Bachelorette' winner). The controversy soon blew up into a media scandal, ruining the career prospects of the millionaire reality TV host. It also led to a break-up between 'The Bachelor' last season winners Kirkconnell and Matt James, the first Black male lead of the dating show. However, the pair later reconciled burying their differences.
In the meantime, Harrison offered his apologies about the remarks and stepped aside 'indefinitely' from the franchise even before the finale was shot. The finale was hosted by guest Emmanuel Acho. "I am dedicated to getting educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before," Harrison declared at the time. Soon afterward, he was barred from hosting 'The Bachelorette' new season which would premiere on June 7, 2021.
Harrison wishes to continue being an integral part of the reality franchise which he had hosted since 2002. However, a major section of the audience that was offended by his racist remarks does not wish to see him back on the show.