Rachel Lindsay is revealing how she felt after “Bachelor” franchise host Chris Harrison announced that he would be “stepping aside” for the time being.
Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette, has called out Harrison for his comments about contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist actions.
During an interview with Lindsay, Harrison said everyone should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion" for Kirkconnell, despite social media posts found that depicted racist themes.
While talking to “Extra” host Billy Bush, Lindsay said she thinks it was the “right decision” for Harrison to step aside from being the host temporarily.
The 35-year-old star also expressed how she was “stunned” after her shocking interview with Harrison. She mentioned how Kirkconnell deserved “compassion” after racist social media posts surfaced, including photos of the contestant attending an antebellum plantation-themed ball.
Last week, Harrison announced that he’ll be taking a break from his hosting duties on “The Bachelor” and apologized for the “pain my words have caused.”
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Harrison released a statement, apologizing again for his controversial interview with Lindsay in which he defended current “Bachelor” contestant Kirkconnell’s past racial behavior.
"I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful. My ignorance did damage to my friends, colleagues and strangers alike. I have no one to blame but myself for what I said and the way I spoke," Harrison began in an Instagram post.
"I set standards for myself, and have to meet them. I feel that with every fiber of my being. Now just as I taught my children to stand up, and to own their actions, I will do the same," he added. "By excusing historical racism, I defended it. I invoked the term 'woke police,' which is unacceptable. I am ashamed over how uninformed I was. I was so wrong."
"To the Black community, to the BIPOC community: I am so sorry. My words were harmful. I am listening, and I truly apologize for my ignorance and any pain it caused you," the 49-year-old continued.. "I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the people from these communities who I've had enlightening conversations with over the past few days, and I am so grateful to those who have reached out to help me on my path to anti-racism."
Harrison said he would be “stepping aside for a period of time” and would not be a part of the "After the Final Rose" special that typically takes place at the end of each "Bachelor" franchise season.
Kirkconnell has since apologized for her "racist and offensive" actions.
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