Chris Harrison Opens Up About Leaving ‘The Bachelor’ After Controversy: I’m ‘Grateful That I’m Gone’

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Bachelor Nation has been stuffed with twists and turns, with Chris Harrison’s exit being among the many most surprising. The longtime host, 52, left the franchise after immense backlash over his defending of season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s previous racist habits. Trying again on his sudden departure in a brand new interview, Chris admits the scenario was “tumultuous” for him.

“The present was a blessing,” Chris mentioned on the Buying and selling Secrets and techniques podcast, hosted by The Bachelorette alum Jason Tartick. “I nonetheless take a look at this as a blessing in my life. It was onerous at first, clearly, it wasn’t quick the place I felt nice about all the pieces as a result of what I went by was tumultuous. I don’t want it on anyone.”

Chris admitted that the fallout to his protection of Rachael was “horrifying on numerous ranges” and “one thing that I pray to God my worst enemy by no means goes by.” He added, “However, with that mentioned, I knew I needed to take away myself from what turned a really poisonous scenario, and I did, and that was a really tough scenario.”

The 52-year-old famous that he’s “proud” of his resolution to stroll away. “I’m proud that I dealt with it the way in which I did and I nonetheless take a look at it as a blessing as a result of it modified my life on so many ranges,” he mentioned. “Financially, after all. It modified my life. It modified my youngsters’ lives.”

He continued, “It was a blessing. It modified my life, however on the identical time, I can be grateful that I’m gone. That’s a relationship I don’t have to be in anymore as a result of it wasn’t wholesome.”

The controversy began throughout Chris’ February 2021 interview with The Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay. The host defended Rachael when photographs surfaced of her attending a plantation-themed school formal in 2018. He later apologized for talking “in a fashion that perpetuates racism.” Chris quickly introduced he was taking a break from the franchise, and he left for good in June 2021.

Chris had hosted the exhibits of Bachelor Nation for nearly 2 many years. After his departure, Jesse Palmer took over as host of the Bachelor Nation franchise.