News

Chris Harrison In First Interview Since ‘Bachelor’ Controversy Says He Wants To Be Back as Host; But GMA’s Michael Strahan Says Apology was a “Surface Response”

March 4, 2021

Photo: ABC

Thursday’s Good Morning America featured the highly-publicized first interview with ‘Bachelor’ franchise host and executive producer, Chris Harrison, since he stepped away from the show following his controversial remarks on current Bachelor contestant Rachel Kirkconnell, amid the airing of a season that has seen the first-ever Black male lead of the reality series, Matt James.

Speaking with GMA co-host, Michael Strahan, Harrison spoke of remarks he made during his interview with ex-Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay on Extra that sparked the firestorm.

Harrison admitted the words he spoke to Lindsey were “in a manner that perpetuates racism,” adding “I am an imperfect man I made a mistake and I own that. I believe that mistake doesn’t reflect who I am or what I stand for.”

The incident began when photos surfaced on social media of Kirkconnell at an Old South-themed party that she attended back in 2018, along with allegations she “liked” many Instagram posts that were racist in nature, and what many viewed as Harrison coming to her defense in this time of what he then called “cancel culture”.

On GMA, Chris expressed: “Antebellum parties are not OK, Past, present, future, knowing what that represents is unacceptable.”

He also apologized to Lindsay, who had to shut down her Instagram account because of viral vitriol being sent her way over the incident with Harrison, adding this message to the public, “Anyone who is throwing hate towards Rachel Lindsay, please stop. It’s unacceptable.”

Photo: ABC

As to how he is trying to make amends, Harrison shared: “I made a mistake and I own that, Racism, oppression, these are big dynamic problems and they take serious work. I am committed to that work.” The longtime Bachelor host then announced he is working with race educator Dr. Eric Dyson who has taught him about the idea of “counsel, not cancel”.

Chris says he plans to be back hosting the reality-dating series, expressing: “I plan to be back. I want to be back. This interview is not the finish line. There is much more work to be done.”

Following the exclusive, Michael Strahan described his conversation with Chris Harrison stating: “His apology is his apology, but it felt like it got nothing more than a surface response on any of this. Obviously, he is the man who wants to clearly stay on the show, but only time will tell if there is any meaning behind his words.”

So, what do you think of Chris Harrison’s responses during his first interview since the controversy? Should he return to hosting The Bachelor franchise? Comment below. But first check out his GMA exclusive.

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GH’s Wes Ramsey Makes Statement on Criticism, Social Media, and Professionalism

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Guest

Rose

Cancel culture DOES need to end.

Guest

Carrie

The real tragedy is our society was doomed 2 decades ago when shows like this went on the air. Just cancel the show and the entire franchise. The premise of this franchise is trashy. Competing for companionship? Gross. Give the time slot to actors, storytellers and artists. Chris, recognize that this new generation will never accept apologies. They don’t WANT your apologies. They want your livelihood taken from you. You should stop apologizing now and find a more dignified job. It’s a good thing to not be associated with this franchise.

Guest

whynot

The real tragedy is the mindset embedded in people’s brains, which causes comments like Harrison’s and responses like yours. It’s ingrained in people and apparently some, like you and him, don’t want to grow. Cancelling the show doesn’t solve anything.

Guest

Charday

What a pointless controversy. No apology was necessary, but he looked feckless apologizing on GMA.

Guest

Momo

I didn’t watch, but what type of apology would Michael have wanted? And yes, I do think Chris wants his job back.

Guest

davlestev1

You are a C-E-L-E-B-R-I-T-Y. And long before Me-Too and PC and Woke, Critics made and broke the Hollywood elite. Simple fact. Keep your mouth shut, your opinions to yourself, bask in the spotlight, photograph your food, your cute kids, your significant other and stay out of hotbed issues. You wanna look clever and have your say on the state of the world then expect to come out on the losing end. END OF!

News

Eileen Davidson, Judith Chapman and Kim Waltrip Talk Plans & Launch Campaign To Make ‘Dial Emme For Murder’ into a Series

July 23, 2021

Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, and soap opera favorite Eileen Davidson (Ashley, Y&R and Ex-Kristen/Susan, Days) is bringing one of her soap opera mystery novels to life with a proposed six-part series for the soapy and hilarious mystery, Dial Emme For Murder.

Joining Eileen in the cast will be none other than Judith Chapman (Gloria, Y&R) , Knots Landing favorite, Donna Mills (Ex-Abby), and primetime TV and film actress, Nancy Valen. More cast members will be announced in the future.

Photo: JPI

In Dial Emme for Murder, Davidson plays actress Emmanuelle “Emme” Peterson, a successful soap star who finds herself smack dab in the middle of a whodunit.

Now, in conjunction with the Palm Springs Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT), and its president and director/producer, Kim Waltrip, Davidson is launching a fundraising campaign to get the series made.

Photo: EDavidson

In an exclusive interview on the Michael Fairman Channel, Eileen, Judith and Kim exclusive reveal key Intel on the project, campaign and working together. The proposed series has also launched its official website here.

About PSWIFT: PSWIFT (Palm Springs Women in Film & Television) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2001 dedicated to promoting our members, both men and women in the Entertainment, New Media Creative arts community. In 2020 Palm Springs Women in Film & Television created and launched a Filmmakers’ Lab to teach members how to make a film, by making a film, hands-on.

PSWIFT is currently seeking donations through their non-profit – which are 100% tax-deductible – to fund the Filmmakers’ Lab’s next venture Dial Emme for Murder. You can find out more on the different perks and packages if you donate to the project here.

Watch the interview with Michael, Eileen, Judith, and Kim below.

Then let us know, if you think Dial Emme for Murder featuring powerhouse actress, Eileen Davidson, Judith Chapman and Donna Mills, will be a must-see for you via the comment section.

Days Of Our Lives

‘Backstreet Boy’ A.J. McLean To Appear on Days of our Lives

July 22, 2021

More stars from different walks of life and entertainment are making their way to NBC’s Days of our Lives.

Now comes word from Backstreet Boy member, A.J. McLean himself that he just taped an appearance on the long-running soap opera.

According to his TikTok post, McLean shared that his grandmother was a huge DAYS fan and he used to watch the soap together with her while he was growing up.

In his video, A.J. gave some intel on his upcoming appearance, “Yours truly is making a guest appearance as a driver. That’s my name on the show, on this show right here.” He then panned to the DAYS signature hourglass logo on the hallways between studio 2 and 4 at Burbank Studios.

Check out McLean’s reveal below. We can now add A.J. to the list of surprising celebrity soap fans who have loved the genre!

Looking forward to seeing McLean on DAYS? Comment below.

@ajmcleanofficial

Thanks to everyone here today making my experience on “DOOL”! A success. Love to the cast and everyone that made this dream come true! Let’s go!

♬ original sound – AJ McLean

Days Of Our Lives

Marla Gibbs Joins Days of our Lives

July 22, 2021

Nearly 24 hours, after beloved TV star Marla Gibbs, almost passed out during her induction ceremony to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, comes more news. Now, Gibbs is set to appear on NBC’s Days of our Lives.

According to SOD, Gibbs will play the mother to Jackée Harry’s, Paulina. Look for her first appearance in the role of Olivia Price on August 17th.

The former star of The Jeffersons, now 90-years-old, was giving her speech in Hollywood yesterday when suddenly she stopped and began to appear to faint. Gibbs’ son helped get her into as chair and some water, so she could recover.

The hot temperatures were to blame for Gibbs’ moment, but it all ended up ok. Her daughter, Angela, told the crowd Marla needed a moment and would continue.

Later after she resumed her speech, Marla told ABC’s George Pennacchio on the Walk of Fame honor: “I never thought it would happen, but here it is. I just got overwhelmed for a minute. I haven’t been excited until this moment!”

Watch a segment from ABC7 on Marla’s Hollywood Walk of Fame induction below. Then let us knowl what you think of Gibbs coming to DAYS via the comment section,