Former Bachelor contestant Catherine Giudici weighed in on Chris Harrison stepping back as host of the franchise after he defended Rachael Kirkconnell's racially insensitive past. Earlier this year, Chris sat down with Rachel Lindsay for an interview with Extra, where she brought up Kirkconnell attending an antebellum-themed party back in 2018. Chris tried to downplay Kirkconnell's actions by asking viewers to have compassion for her. However, his sentiment did not go over well with fans or Lindsay.
Before The Bachelor was known for its recent controversy, Catherine and her husband Sean Lowe were the faces of the show. The couple met during Sean's season and were engaged by the end. A year later, Catherine and Sean were married during a live television ceremony in California. Since then, the couple has set roots in Texas and has welcomed three children together. They have become one of the more successful couples to come out of the franchise.
During an interview with Us Weekly on Monday, the 35-year-old gave her thoughts on Chris stepping back as host following his controversy. "I want to see him come back," she admitted. "I think he will. I hope he does because I know so many Bachelor fans out there rely on him to be the voice of The Bachelor." She also noted that the 49-year-old has been a "steady" host for the past 20 years and should be given another chance. Plus, he has always been "a good base" for the contestant and the lead to rely on. As long as he puts in the work to educate himself, Catherine doesn't see why he shouldn't return.
Chris has since apologized twice for not condemning racism outright during his interview with Lindsay. Chirs later announced he is temporarily stepping back as host ahead of the After the Final Rose special in March, with Emmanuel Acho replacing him for the night. Emmanuel spoke with Matt James and Kirkconnell, who is now rumored to be back together, about their break up and the racial issues occurring in the country. Catherine believes it is only fair to give Chris the chance to make it right and allow him back as the host unless he decides not to return. However, she is excited to see Tayshia and Kaitlyn take on the role as host, but noted he will "always be The Bachelor [host]" to her and Sean.
Catherine hopes Bachelor Nation will give Chris a second chance as she holds his position as host near and dear to her heart. She fell in love with Sean on the show with Chris by their side. With Chris putting in the work to educate himself on racial issues, Catherine is hoping he will be back for the upcoming seasons of The Bachelor.
Sources: Us Weekly