Chris Harrison has apologized for his tone-deaf comments about The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's history of racism and the franchise's inaction toward addressing it. In a recent interview with Rachel Lindsay, the first Black lead in show history, Chris Harrison spoke authoritatively about an issue he has proven, time and time again, ill-equipped to handle.
During an interview with Lindsay on Tuesday on Extra, Harrison tried to defend Kirkconnell's past and the criticism from fans that Matt James' frontrunner has not yet addressed some of her racist behavior. In his answers, Harrison frequently used the words "woke police" to describe those on social media who are concerned that the first Black Bachelor may end up with a woman whose social media activity contains multiple signs of racial insensitivity. Harrison also repeated the words "grace," "compassion" and "understanding" to describe what he wanted the audience to show Kirkconnell as her and James' love story unfolds. He said this to Lindsay, a Black woman who dealt with the show casting a racist contestant on her season.
After upsetting fans, Harrison took to Instagram on Wednesday to apologize for his actions. He wrote, "I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed." He thanked Bachelor Nation for holding him accountable and said he was sorry to Lindsay for not taking into account her experience on the show. Harrison admitted he spoke in a way that "perpetuates racism."
Harrison has now offered an apology, but the real test of whether his words are sincere will be shown through his actions. As he is hopefully realizing, it is not enough to watch nationwide protests for racial equality and simply respond with back-to-back Black leads. Harrison said during his interview with Lindsay, "The show does push these social issues," but it is his responsibility, as the face of the franchise, to make sure it's being pushed in the right way.
A written statement is a small step in earning back the trust of Bachelor Nation. Harrison must understand why his words were demeaning to not only Lindsay, but countless viewers who believe drama and racial equality can co-exist. Lindsay agreed with Harrison that Kirkconnell should be the first one to speak out and either defend herself or apologize. But the franchise needs to explain itself too. If Harrison isn't willing to take the necessary measures to ensure someone with Kirkconnell's history of racism isn't cast on future seasons, it's not because he's still learning how to do it right. It's because he doesn't want to.
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8pm EST on ABC.
Source: Extra, Chris Harrison