Chris Harrison “plans to be back” to host The Bachelor

After voluntarily stepping away from hosting duties, Chris Harrison sat down with Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan to address his controversial remarks made during an interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay. Over the last month, Harrison has been called out for defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell regarding her previous social media posts.

In case you’ve missed it, back in February, pictures of Kirkconnell at an Antebellum party in 2018 surfaced on the internet. While many took to criticize Kirkconnell for attending a party that carries with it negative and racist connotations, Chris Harrison seemingly defended her actions while speaking with Lindsay during an EXTRA interview.

Lindsay stated Kirkconnell’s pictures weren’t a good look, to which Harrison’s controversial and shocking response was, “Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021? Because there’s a big difference.”

The backlash of this interview resulted in Harrison voluntarily putting himself on a hiatus from the franchise to educate himself. But many have been wondering–how is he educating himself and what steps has he taken since stepping down?

Chris Harrison apologizes for controversial comments

Harrison addressed his disappointment and dismay over the comments he made during the interview with Lindsay calling himself “an imperfect man” who is “committed to progress”.

"I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake and I own that. 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."

During Harrison’s interview with Lindsay, terms like “woke police” were repeatedly used, in reference to cancel culture and how it was impacting Kirkconnell. Strahan asked Harrison to address his use of those terms:

"I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was… And I didn’t speak from my heart, and that is to say I stand against all forms of racism, and I am deeply sorry. I am sorry to Rachel Lindsay, and I am sorry to the Black community."

In the days since the interview with Harrison, Lindsay has been the target of intense harassment on her social media and has deactivated her Instagram account. While Harrison did speak to Lindsay following his controversial interview, he has not spoken to her since she deactivated her social media.

"To anyone who is throwing hate towards Rachel Lindsay, please stop. It is unacceptable."

When asked about what steps Harrison has taken since stepping down, he shared that he has been working with a race educator, strategist, faith leaders, and scholars, including Georgetown University sociology professor Dr. Michael Dyson.

"Dr. Dyson often talks to me about ‘council, not cancel. That is full accountability: Understanding what you didn’t understand, owning that, learning from that… Seeking council, often in the community that you hurt and learning from them, listening to them, gaining experience [and] knowledge and moving forward."

Will Chris Harrison return to The Bachelor?

So with all this said and done, the question we’re all asking–is Chris Harrison going to return to The Bachelor franchise?

"I plan to be back, and I want to be back. This interview is not the finish line. There is much more work to be done, and I am excited to be a part of that change."

This isn’t exactly a confirmation as to whether he actually will be able to or can return, but it looks like he’s determined to do so. But even with the work he will put in, there is no guarantee that future contestants and/or leads will feel comfortable with him returning to the franchise at all.

Former contestants Ivan Hall from Clare Crawley/Tayshia Adams’ season and Serena Pitt from Matt James’ season have both addressed their reservations on social media about potentially returning for Bachelor in Paradise. If they were to make the cut and end up in Paradise, neither feels too comfortable doing so if Chris Harrison is the host.

And it’s likely these are just two of many that won’t feel too eager to have Harrison back. But with Harrison’s longstanding relationship with the franchise, it’s tough to say how things will pan out in the coming days.

In the meantime, Emmanuel Acho is taking over hosting duties for the upcoming “After The Final Rose” special, but whether or not he will take over moving forward has not yet been revealed. One way or another, a decision will have to be made given the next season of The Bachelorette is rumored to begin filming in the next couple of months.

Whether that will be Chris Harrison returning or someone else taking over–we’ll have to wait to find out.

What are your thoughts on Chris Harrison’s interview with Good Morning America? Share your comments below!