Breaking News
Chris Harrison ‘Stepping Aside’ from ‘The Bachelor’ Amid Racism Controversy; Rachel Lindsay Says She’s Ready to Cut Ties with the Franchise
The historic season of The Bachelor is now marred in controversy. Matt James, became the reality-dating franchise’s first black lead bachelor, and his season is currently airing on ABC. Over the past few days things took a troubling turn when front-runner contestant Rachael Kirkconnell was called out for “liking” racially-insensitive social media posts, and one which saw her in costume, attending an antebellum plantation-themed ball.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Chris Harrison addressed the situation during an interview on Extra with Rachel Lindsay, the franchise’s first black ‘Bachelorette’ back in 2017. During their conversation, Harrison expressed that that people should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” for Kirkconnell. Lindsay did not agree with his view of Kirkconnell and the situation, nor did many fans of the show, who after Harrison’s interview aired started a petition for his removal from the show, and called him about for racist comments. The next day, Harrison apologized for his comments in a post.
Photo: ABC
On Thursday, Kirkconnell apologized for racist behavior on her Instagram here.
That brings us to Saturday, where now Harrison is stepping aside for now from his hosting duties with the show. He shared on Instagram: “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. 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. 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. 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.”
He then said, “The historic season of The Bachelor should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions. To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special. I want to ensure our cast and crew members, to my friends, colleagues and our fans: this is not just a moment, but a commitment to much greater understanding that I will actively make every day. From here I can only try to evolve and be a better man, and I humble myself before all of you. I hope I will again live up to the expectations you all rightfully have for me and the expectations I have for myself.”
Photo: JPI
As for Lindsay, she publicly shared she was not O.K. with her interview with Harrison, and on Friday, and on her podcast, shared: “When I finished that interview with Chris Harrison, he had no problems with it. He was fine. He texted me after. He appreciated the conversation. He was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll probably get a little flack,’ but thought it was great that we could disagree but do it in a civil way.”
Rachel added: “During that conversation, his privilege was on display. He never gave me room to talk, and he never gave me room to share my perspective. He wasn’t trying to hear it, he was just trying to be heard.”
Now, Lindsay wants nothing more to do with the franchise, sharing, “I can’t take it anymore. I’m contractually bound in some ways. But when it’s up, I am too. I can’t do it anymore.”
So, what do you think of this latest dilemma and controversy facing The Bachelor franchise? But first, watch Harrison’s interview with Lindsay on Extra, then share your comments on the situation below.
The worse thing that ever has happened to this country social media we have literally hit bottom of the pit ! Tell me when was the last time your family looked at each other in the face? Had a conversation ? Did a puzzle played scrabble said I love you said a prayer and was thankful for food on the table took a bike ride took a walk tucked your child in bed made popcorn went skating ! Just a question ? So very sad for our country ! You won’t find the answers if you become involved with tearing each other apart ! Just a thought!!! And yes my post had nothing to do with the subject just a sad day for me and hoped maybe we just all might treating each other with kindness.
@Kay slavery and the racism attached to it as a by product is a real thing for all black Americans. It’s a hurtful, hateful thing perpetuated through the years by far too many white people world wide. To consistently fob it off, tell people to get over it and deal with it is beyond the pale. Popcorn, puzzles, skating, and prayers that it will all simply just vanish in the wind shows why this is and always will be something one race of people will deal with for decades and centuries to come. That’s just sad and pathetic. You can’t swan off into an alternate bubble of reality, put your fingers in your ears and loudly shout “LA LA LA LA LA LA”. Black people certainly can’t.
ALL people have problems!
I agree, davlestev1. I have the same disagreement with someone in my book group. He even rationalized Southern house slavery with “at least they learned a trade.” Seriously? The book CASTE has really opened my eyes to some insidious, subtler forms of racism that are STILL present every day. It makes me feel quite ashamed of our nation’s apathy.
Kay, this is a good post. It does remind those who checked out, social media has taken away face to face communication, it gives power to say whatever you want, right or wrong, its out there to judge and you will always lose! If I were in the spotlight I would never speak to anyone because they will twist and turn just to make you look bad and sell their show because everyone will be talking about XYZ!
Social media isn’t the problem. It’s people trying to hide their true viewpoints And beliefs, getting caught, and getting called out. How utterly insensitive of you to say ALL people have problems. Blame it on social media. Don’t condone wrong racist behavior. End of.
Say hello to Joe!
May God grant you eyes to see, ears to hear and the wisdom to use both to ascertain the truth. Hi Joe. Thank you for replacing the sense of dread with a calming peace. So many rocks that sprang open are slowly closing downward again. Peace and Love.
This show must make a lot of money for ABC,beyond that I really don’t get its appeal, I mean,its kind of sleazy, cheesy, pathetic and degrading regardless if your female competing for the affection on one guy or vise versa, yet this show gets buzz, and featured on GMA weekly, only other in house show that gets that kind of attention from them is Dancing with the stars, again the buzz and money that it makes must be the reason, otherwise why we make a big deal about a “sleazy dating show”. ?.and are we really surprise that its white host step in major shit and was oblivious and didn’t understand why, I mean isn’t that what being white and entitled is all about,
I don’t think Chris said anything wrong. Ever since George Floyd, everyone who says or does one wrong thing is being hung from the nearest tree, so to speak. Was the party bad? Yes. I haven’t seen the posts she liked, but they were probably bad. But the fact is, if Rachel was such a horrid racist, how can she have fallen in love with a black man? And Chris is between a rock and a hard place, but he handled things as well as he thought he could at the time. LEAVE HIM ALONE. And, frankly, CALM DOWN. Just because you say something off color doesn’t mean you’re living under a KKK hood. STOP IT!
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.
Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Photo: JPI
On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.
Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).
Photo: JPI
Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.
At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.
Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.
Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.
All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.
Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.
Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.
Courtesy/ABC
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’
After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…” Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.
Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine, The Knot.
So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
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Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
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