'Bachelor' Alums Slam Chris Harrison After Rachael Scandal

Bachelor Nation alums are calling out Chris Harrison after he spoke out about the social media controversy involving Rachael Kirkconnell. The host later apologized after receiving backlash from fans who thought he was being too sympathetic toward the contestant from Matt James’ season.

The drama began when Rachael, who is a frontrunner on season 25, came under fire when a TikTok user accused her of mistreating her in high school, saying the graphic designer “bullied” her for “liking Black guys.” Shortly after, another TikTok user claimed the contestant “liked” racist photos on Instagram that contained the Confederate flag and QAnon conspiracy theories. Since then, more insensitive photos of Rachael began circulating, including the Georgia native attending an Old South antebellum party in 2018.

While Rachael, 24, eventually issued a public apology on Thursday, February 11, the Bachelor host appeared on Extra on Tuesday, February 9, beforehand to talk about the situation with host and former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay.

“First and foremost, I don’t know. I haven’t talked to Rachael about it. And this is, again, where we all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion,” the ABC personality said. “Because I’ve seen some stuff online — again this judge-jury-executioner thing — where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart and diving into, like, her parents and her parents’ voting record. It’s unbelievably alarming to watch this. I haven’t heard Rachael speak on this yet. And until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this?”

The Extra host then pointed out the photos of Rachael attending the antebellum party in 2018 was “not a good look” because the contestant was “celebrating the Old South.”

“Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or, is it not a good look in 2021?” Chris asked, to which Rachel replied, “It’s not a good look ever.”

“You’re 100 percent right in 2021,” Chris continued. “That was not the case in 2018. And again, I’m not defending Rachael. I just know that, I don’t know, 50 million people did that in 2018. That was a type of party that a lot of people went to. And again, I’m not defending it; I didn’t go to it.”

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After the host’s comments received negative attention, Chris released a public apology the following day.

“To my Bachelor Nation family — I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology,” he wrote via Instagram on February 10. “I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday, I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed. While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf. What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that, I am so deeply sorry. I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not listening to her better on a topic she has a first-hand understanding of, and humbly thank the members of Bachelor Nation who have reached out to me to hold me accountable.”

Members of Bachelor Nation are speaking out against Chris amid Rachael’s controversy. Keep scrolling to see their statements.

Bryan Abasolo

Rachel Lindsay’s husband, Bryan Abasolo, said he “definitely lost respect” for Chris during the February 15 episode of his “Talking It Out” podcast with Mike Johnson.

“I was very disappointed … What he said was irresponsible, it was hurtful. It was just flat out, unacceptable,” the Miami native said. “I’m not saying that he should be canceled. I’m not saying that because I don’t believe in cancel culture … But we all should be seeing the accountability.”

Hannah Brown

“Hey y’all, I’ve been catching up and reading about everything that’s been going on in Bachelor Nation,” the 26-year-old told fans via her Instagram Stories on February 12. “And Lord knows I’ve made mistakes. But I’ve learned in this past year if we want to move forward, we have to confront where we have gone short. And it’s so important that we lift up and listen and value and encourage underrepresented voices. We just have to be better, and while being accountable has helped me evolve so much as a person, I’m still not a perfect person but I do remain committed to the work and am so humbled and truly grateful to be on this journey. And I can only hope that I encourage others to educate themselves to go on the journey as well.”

Women of ‘Bachelor’ Season 25

“We are the women of Bachelor Season 25. Twenty-five women who identify as BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and People of Color] were cast on this historic season that was meant to represent change,” all of the ladies posted via Instagram on Thursday, February 11. “We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism. Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized. Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with ‘grace’ for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise. Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn’t mean she is alone. We stand with her, we hear her, and we advocate for change alongside her.”

Kit Keenan

“Yes, 2020 has spurred greater awareness of white privilege. That doesn’t mean racist behavior in the past should be excused nor does it mean out work here is done,” the season 25 contestant wrote on her Instagram Story. “For people of color with the Bachelor franchise, viewers and beyond, I see you and I hear you. Silence is complicity.”

Olivia Caridi

The former contestant from Ben Higgins’ season shared a post from a separate interview Chris did on the “Here to Make Friends” podcast.
“Does it have its place where it needs to be socially responsible and relevant and important? Sure … but more over there’s a lot of people who want to stay employed,” the host said at the time about the franchise.
Olivia wrote on her Instagram Story, “‘Relevance’ and ‘employment’ should never ever top social responsibility, especially with the massive viewership this show has. Do better.”

More Contestants React

Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew of “The Blckchellorettes With Vic & Mi” podcast shared a video explaining the historical meaning behind the Old South party Rachael attended and why Chris’ response was not appropriate.
“I loved every word,” show alum Ashley Spivey commented. Season 25’s Pieper James added, “Yes please and thank you,” while former contestant Tammy Ly wrote, “Every single word you said holds power. Thank you.”

Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson said Rachel was “super eloquent” during the interview, but Chris “disappointed” him.

“I do think absolutely [Rachael] needs her day to speak … Chris said some things in [the interview] that just weren’t good, as simple as that,” the former Bachelorette contestant said. “All in all, I think that there is a double standard, I can give you so many examples. Not gonna ease up on this one.”