After missing the After the Final Rose special of The Bachelor and losing hosting duties for Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette and Bachelor In Paradise, Chris Harrison likely won't be on Michelle Young's season either. His racially insensitive comments from an interview with Rachel Lindsay continues to affect his career.
Harrison has been slowly but surely losing his job. Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe are the co-hosts of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, a decision that would have made sense even if Harrison hadn't put his foot in his mouth. There will be ways that Tayshia and Kaitlyn will be able to relate to what Katie is going through, not only because they have been through the experience before, but also because they are women. This past week, David Spade was announced as one of Harrison's replacements on Bachelor In Paradise, further throwing the most recognizable face of the franchise into flux. It is beginning to sound like the next domino may fall on Harrison's chances of returning to the show.
A source revealed to Us Weekly that it is not likely Harrison will return to host Michelle Young's season, which begins filming in July. Young was announced as The Bachelorette at the same time as Katie, during an After the Final Rose special that was hosted by Emmanuel Acho. Michelle joined her cast mates in speaking out against Harrison's racist comments made in an interview with Rachel Lindsay.
Harrison has apologized for his comments, but he is having a difficult time escaping his past missteps. Rachel appeared on The View on Friday and brought up her treatment in the finale of her season, criticizing Harrison as well as others involved on the show. It wasn't a good look for a man who would likely jump at the chance to have his old job back as soon as someone decides to call him.
If Harrison does return to host, it looks increasingly likely that it won't be until 2022. Unless a permanent fixture is put in place for season 18, it seems like he still has a chance to return. If in fact he doesn't return to host Michelle's season, it will be the right move for the franchise. There are plenty of better candidates to choose from, and if Harrison doesn't return at any point, the show will have more room to grow and evolve with the times.
The Bachelorette premieres Monday at 8pm EST on ABC.
Source: Us Weekly