Chris Harrison reportedly will not host this season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’

Longtime “The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison, swept up in an ongoing racial controversy, reportedly will not host this season of “Bachelor in Paradise.” Hosting duties will be instead taken up by celebrity comedians including David Spade, according to “those familiar with the plans,” Variety reported Wednesday. Neither ABC Entertainment nor Warner Horizon has made official statements regarding “Bachelor in Paradise” plans, Harrison’s status with the franchise or a contract for Spade. In the interview, when Lindsay called the photos “not a good look,” Harrison was dismissive of the controversy, implying it might not have been offensive at the time and saying he wasn’t the “woke police.” Lindsay responded that it would have been offensive in 2018 as well: “It’s not a good look ever because she’s celebrating the Old South.. What would I represent at that party?” Following that interview, Harrison apologized via Instagram, writing, “By excusing historical racism, I defended it.. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist … I hope I can earn your forgiveness through my future actions.” On Instagram, James wrote, “Chris’s failure to receive and understand the emotional labor that my friend Rachel Lindsay was taking on by graciously and patiently explaining the racist history of the Antebellum South, a painful history that every American should understand intimately, was troubling and painful to watch.” Kirkconnell went on to “win” the season, though she and James have been publicly on-again, off-again since their season aired. but how much more can I take of things like this?” Neither ABC Entertainment nor Warner Horizon have announced whether Harrison will return to the franchise; sitting out these two 2021 shows means the earliest he could return would be 2022, for the 26th season of “The Bachelor.”