Getty Images Chris Harrison stepped away as host of "The Bachelor" after a controversial interview with Rachel Lindsay on ExtraTV.
Chris Harrison took to Instagram to say his official goodbyes to Bachelor Nation just a few hours after Deadline reported that he would not be returning as the host of the long-running franchise.
“I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter. I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we’ve made together. While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime,” Harrison wrote.
According to Deadline’s report, Harrison’s exit contract from the franchise included an “8-figure payoff,” as well as some type of non-disclosure agreement. Further details about the package were not made available. At this time, it’s also unclear if Harrison quit or if he was fired by ABC.
Harrison has been the host of the Bachelor franchise shows since 1993.
Here’s what you need to know:
Harrison Received Support From Several Former Cast Members
Harrison fans have taken to the comments section of his Instagram post to share their well-wishes to him as he embarks on a new journey. The post received more than 34,000 likes in the first 20 minutes it was posted, and dozens of people have been commenting. Harrison even received some support from former cast members.
“Love you my friend,” former “Bachelorette” star JoJo Fletcher wrote.
“[Love] you,” added JP Rosenbaum, substituting the word love with a red heart emoji.
“Love you brotha. On to bigger and better things,” former “Bachelor” Arie Luyendyk wrote.
“Love you @chrisbharrison you have a lot to be proud about. Can’t wait to support you in your next endeavors,” former “Bachelor” star Catherine Giudici commented. Her husband, former “Bachelor” Sean Lowe also commented. “It will never be the same. Love you buddy,” he wrote.
ABC Has Yet to Release a Statement About the Decision to Part Ways With Harrison
Despite the news being out in the open, ABC has not yet released a statement of any kind about the decision to let Harrison go.
The only time that ABC has spoken out about Harrison was when producers announced that he would not be returning to host “The Bachelorette.”
“Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette.’ We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing. In his absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette through next season. As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks. These are important steps in effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world,” ABC’s statement read.
It is unknown who will replace Harrison on upcoming seasons. While Bristowe and Adams have “The Bachelorette” covered, there will be rotating guest hosts for “Bachelor in Paradise” this summer. Beyond that, Michelle Young‘s season of “The Bachelorette’ is set to start filming in late summer, and, so far, no host has been announced.
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