If you're not familiar with why fans have been in an uproar over comments made by longtime Bachelor [1] franchise host Chris Harrison, we've got you covered. On Feb. 9, Harrison joined former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay on Extra to discuss the recent controversy surrounding current Bachelor contestant [2] Rachael Kirkconnell's social media activity. Fans were quick to point out that the 15-minute interview sees Harrison seemingly dismissing Lindsay's concerns [3] while defending Kirkconnell. This criticism led to a petition from fans [4] for the host's removal from the franchise. Ahead, we've broken down the controversy, including everything from Kirkconnell's social media activity and the Extra interview to Lindsay and Harrison's responses.
Why Fans Are Upset With Rachael Kirkconnell
Controversy surrounding Kirkconnell first started in January after a Reddit user uploaded a picture of The Bachelor [6] contestant wearing Native American attire as a costume [7]. More recently, pictures of Kirkconnell allegedly attending an antebellum plantation themed formal [8] for the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity in 2018 resurfaced. In the pictures, she can be seen wearing an antebellum-style gown, perpetuating the "Old South" image. She has also been accused on TikTok of racist behaviour, including bullying an alleged high school classmate [9] for "liking Black guys" and liking photos containing the Confederate flag [10]. Kirkconnell has yet to publicly address the photos and allegations. ABC also had no comment [11] when reached out to by People on Feb. 10.
Chris Harrison and Rachel Lindsay Talk Bachelor Contestant Rachael Kirkconnell
On Feb. 9, Chris Harrison and Rachel Lindsay discussed the controversy surrounding Kirkconnell. In the interview, Harrison kept speaking over Lindsay while admitting he wasn't completely informed about the situation and that he hadn't spoken to Kirkconnell. Lindsay went on to say that Harrison's line of thinking is part of the problem and that "we weren't looking through those lens and we should have been. And just because it was a popular party, you know, doesn't necessarily make it right." She also added that she found the situation with Kirkconnell frustrating because "she hasn't spoken out" and "there's nothing that contractually stops her from" addressing the photos.
Harrison also asked that "we all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion" when it comes to Kirkconnell, because we haven't heard her speak yet. Fans have criticized the interview, saying that Harrison's commentary is essentially defending racist behaviour [12].
Chris Harrison Apologises For Statements Made on Extra
After receiving backlash for his Extra appearance, Harrison posted an apology statement on Instagram. Not only did he admit to "wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism," he offered up an apology to Lindsay for not listening when she tried to speak on the topic. He also thanked fans of The Bachelor [13] and its franchises for holding him accountable and promised to do better in the future.
Rachel Lindsay Responds to a Fan's Tweet
In regards to the backlash Chris Harrison received from the Extra interview and his apology, Rachel Lindsay has yet to make an outright statement. Lindsay did respond to a Twitter thread calling out Harrison by HuffPost senior reporter Emma Gray, saying, "My days are numbered." The former Bachelorette did not expand on what context her comment should be taken in.
On Feb. 11, she posted a picture of herself meditating on Instagram with the caption: "God grant me the serenity [14] to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference 🖤"
