Bachelor Nation fans have officially learned that veteran show host Chris Harrison will not be returning for the next season of "The Bachelorette," and will be replaced by past show contestants Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Harrison's departure, and Adams and Bristowe's new co-hosting gig, was confirmed in a joint statement from Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment, PEOPLE reported on Friday.
"Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of The Bachelorette," the statement said.
"We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing. In his absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette through next season."
"As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within The Bachelor franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks," the statement continued. "These are important steps in effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world."
The news comes after Harrison was accused of defending past racist social media posts from recent "Bachelor" contestant Rachael Kirkconnell.
Photos of Kirkconnell showed her dressed in Native American attire while attending an antebellum plantation-themed college party in 2018.
Harrison has since apologized for defending Kirconnell, admitting, “I am not a perfect person.”
Harrison also shared in an interview with GMA that he is working with a “race educator and strategist” as well as faith leaders and scholars, like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
"I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay,” Harrison said in reference to Lindsay, who was the first Black "Bachelorette" in the franchise’s history.
“I didn't speak for my heart, that is to say I stand against all forms of racism ... I'm sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I'm sorry to the Black community," he said, adding that he is "committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise."
It is unclear if and when Harrison will return to the franchise.
Last month, former NFL linebacker and Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho was tapped to step in for Harrison to host "The Bachelor: After the Final Rose."
The episode is set to air on Monday, March 15 at 10 p.m. immediately after "The Bachelor" season finale.
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