In terms of drama, Matt James' season of The Bachelor might be the only one of 25 seasons where the drama outside the world of the reality television series is surpassing whatever is going on inside.
Earlier this year, The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell came under fire for photos from her past that had resurfaced over social media. She was photographed at an antebellum plantation-themed formal back in 2018. A few months later, TikTok users accused Kirkconnell of her insensitive, racist online behavior, which included liking photos that featured the Confederate flag.
Longtime host Chris Harrison had an opportunity to comment on the growing controversial situation last week. The host appeared on an interview that aired on Extra, conducted by former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay.
Instead of expressing his concerns for the contestant's offensive actions, Harrison spoke out strongly against those who jump to conclusions due to social media controversies, completely disregarding Kirkconnell's faults.
Naturally, the interview didn't sit well with...anyone, and the host is facing major online backlash. Harrison has since issued a formal apology for his ignorant statements, but Bachelor Nation isn't having it.
Fans Want Rachel To Host The Bachelor
Fans have taken to Twitter, and are calling out for ABC to replace the host with Rachel Lindsay!
"OK SO WHEN IS RACHEL LINDSAY REPLACING CHRIS HARRISON," shared @AshWatchingTV, and several other Bachelor Nation fans had similar queries.
Prior to the host's public apology, @BrettSVergara wrote, "Instead of Chris Harrison releasing a notes app apology to Rachel Lindsay for that disturbing interview in a few days, how about ABC just gives her his job?"
It's hard to imagine the former Bachelorette would join the show permanently, since Lindsay previously expressed the lack of diversity made her feel "embarrassed" to be affiliated with it.
Kirkconnell also released an apologetic statement on Thursday, after which the show’s female contestants got together to take a united stand in support of Lindsay, denouncing the defense of racism.
Although this season of The Bachelor features the most diverse cast we have seen yet, the franchise’s handling of race and controversy surrounding diversity is poor as ever.
While some fans want Rachel Lindsay to take on the role as a host, others believe she deserves better than the reality show.