Film & TV
Chris Harrison Exits ‘The Bachelor’ After Continued Criticism
Chris Harrison has officially left the hit US dating show after 25 seasons as host.
Harrison had already been replaced by David Spade as the host of ‘Bachelor In Paradise‘. Former contestants Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe have similarly taken over as hosts for ‘The Bachelorette‘.
Reportedly Harrison demanded a $25 million payout to leave the show quietly. A source for Page Six said the former presenter had “nearly 20 years of dirt.”
The long-time host’s exit came after weeks of controversy. Harrison defended contestant, Rachael Kirkconnell, who was pictured at a antebellum-themed party and accused of racism.
“We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion.” Harrison had said in her defence.
He later backtracked on his comments and issued an apology on Instagram.
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According to Deadline, Warner Bros. Television and ABC have been eager to move on from the controversy and have been negotiating for Harrison’s exit behind the scenes.
Page Six also said that the networks wanted Harrison to leave quickly in order to “leave the public relations nightmare behind them”. In previous article, Page Six reported that producers for the franchise wanted the show to take a “radical new approach”.
In a new Instagram post, Chris Harrison lamented his departure from the franchise and said he was “excited to start a new chapter.”
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