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”
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.
6
Cancel culture DOES need to end.
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.
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.
What a pointless controversy. No apology was necessary, but he looked feckless apologizing on GMA.
I didn’t watch, but what type of apology would Michael have wanted? And yes, I do think Chris wants his job back.
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!
General Hospital
Lynn Herring Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Her General Hospital Debut; and ‘We Love Lucy’
All My Children
All My Children Alum Cornelius Smith Jr. Joins the Cast of Apple TV+ Limited Series, ‘Five Days At Memorial’
Daytime fans remember him fondly as the son of Jesse (Darnell Williams) and Angie Hubbard (Debbi Morgan), Frankie, on All My Children. And now, actor Cornelius Smith Jr., is set to join a major limited series based on the acclaimed nonfiction book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sheri Fink, about the the first five days following Hurricane Katrina made landfall entitled Five Days at Memorial.
Written by John Ridley and Carlton Cruse, Smith will play a doctor, (something he is very familiar with playing since Frankie Hubbard was a doctor in Pine Valley!) named Dr. Bryant King, an internist and one of the few doctors of color at the hospital, who finds himself very much in the middle of the crisis. He will headline the show alongside Vera Farmiga and Adepero Oduye.
Photo: JPI
The series will stream on Apple TV+, and no word yet as to when it will have its debut following its filming.
Since his time on All My Children, Smith has appeared on ABC’s Scandal, and had recurring roles on God Friended Me, Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker and Manhunt.
Deadline broke the casting news.
So, looking forward to seeing Cornelius back on our screens? Do you remember his work as Dr. Frankie Hubbard on All My Children? Comment below.
News
OLTL Alum Renée Elise Goldsberry Joins Disney+ Marvel Series, ‘She-Hulk’
Lynn Herring Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Her General Hospital Debut; and ‘We Love Lucy’
All My Children Alum Cornelius Smith Jr. Joins the Cast of Apple TV+ Limited Series, ‘Five Days At Memorial’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Don Diamont & Scott Clifton Shine In Father/Son Scenes; As Bill Watches Liam’s Meltdown Over the Accident that Killed Vinny
GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
OLTL Alum Renée Elise Goldsberry Joins Disney+ Marvel Series, ‘She-Hulk’
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
‘Soap Con Live’ Event to Feature Panels from The Doctors, ATWT, OLTL, GH, Plus Virtual Meet & Greets
Y&R’s Sharon Case Shares Bittersweet Goodbye to Alyvia Alyn Lind: “We Wish You Well with Your New Endeavors & Of Course We Will Love & Miss You Always”
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Pregnancy News; She is Expecting a Baby Boy!
The Stars of Y&R and B&B Ask the Questions & Appear on Virtual Game Show ‘Soap Opera Know-It-All’
Y&R’s Sharon Case Shares Bittersweet Goodbye to Alyvia Alyn Lind: “We Wish You Well with Your New Endeavors & Of Course We Will Love & Miss You Always”
GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn to be Featured in Alexis-Centric Episode to Mark Her Upcoming 25 Years on the ABC Daytime Drama
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
Cameron Mathison Joins General Hospital
‘Soap Con Live’ Event to Feature Panels from The Doctors, ATWT, OLTL, GH, Plus Virtual Meet & Greets
GH’s Josh Swickard and Wife Lauren Welcome Baby Girl!
Daytime Emmy Winner and Soap Alum Hayley Erin Expecting Twins
GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan Reveals Pregnancy News; She is Expecting a Baby Boy!
Joe LoCicero on His B&B Demise: “I Do Believe I’m Done Filming But it is a Soap Opera So Anything is Possible”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Don Diamont & Scott Clifton Shine In Father/Son Scenes; As Bill Watches Liam’s Meltdown Over the Accident that Killed Vinny
GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
The Stars of Y&R and B&B Ask the Questions & Appear on Virtual Game Show ‘Soap Opera Know-It-All’
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Takes Supporting Actress Honors for ‘7 Days to Vegas’ in Garden State Film Festival Awards
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick and Sharon Band Together to Help Faith in Crisis Reminiscent of Cassie Tragedy
Y&R’s Newman Kids Talk 48th Anniversary, Storylines, Camaraderie, and Take the Trivia Challenge
B&B Celebrates its 34th Anniversary Today
‘Days of our Lives’ Writing Team Bests ‘General Hospital’ for Daytime Drama WGA Award
TONIGHT: Lauralee Bell in V.C. Andrews’ Lifetime Movie ‘Pearl in the Mist’
GH’s Maurice Benard Welcomes Former TV Son, Bryan Craig to ‘State of Mind’
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NewsApril 7, 2021Y&R’s Sharon Case Shares Bittersweet Goodbye to Alyvia Alyn Lind: “We Wish You Well with Your New Endeavors & Of Course We Will Love & Miss You Always”
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General HospitalApril 3, 2021GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn to be Featured in Alexis-Centric Episode to Mark Her Upcoming 25 Years on the ABC Daytime Drama
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General HospitalApril 8, 2021GH’s Kin Shriner Talks on Franco’s Demise, Scott’s Budding Romance with Obrecht, and His Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Genie Francis
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Breaking NewsApril 5, 2021Cameron Mathison Joins General Hospital
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As The World TurnsApril 8, 2021‘Soap Con Live’ Event to Feature Panels from The Doctors, ATWT, OLTL, GH, Plus Virtual Meet & Greets
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General HospitalApril 4, 2021GH’s Josh Swickard and Wife Lauren Welcome Baby Girl!
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General HospitalApril 2, 2021Daytime Emmy Winner and Soap Alum Hayley Erin Expecting Twins
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General HospitalApril 8, 2021GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode