What's Happening in Bachelor Nation?
You know how every Bachelor promo features Chris Harrison saying “this season is going to be the most dramatic season in Bachelor history?” Well, this one may actually be it. From unprecedented gossip to questionable cast and crew actions, Matt James’ season has been full of scandal.
Let’s start with Rachael Kirkconnell, a consistent front-runner for Matt’s heart, who rocked Bachelor Nation after photos surfaced of her attending an “Old South Antebellum” party in 2018. Rachael sparked controversy from the beginning of the season after a TikTok with the caption "Girlieeee, remember when you bullied me in high school for liking black guys???” went viral. She has also liked racist social media posts in the past. These rumors gained traction after the photos were found, making it clear that Rachael has made some questionable choices.
Rachael finally spoke on the matter on Feb. 11 via Instagram, recognizing and apologizing for her actions. “I am ashamed about my lack of education, but it’s no one’s responsibility to educate me,” she said in her post. “I am learning and will continue to learn how to be antiracist, because it’s important to speak up in the moment and not after you’re called out.”
Now that we understand the situation, let’s discuss Chris Harrison’s reaction. The show host talked about the allegations with the franchise’s first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, on Extra on Feb. 10 and made the situation so much worse.
He came to Rachael’s defense, arguing with Lindsay that in 2018 this type of behavior was acceptable and it just wasn’t in 2021. He also ranted about the “woke police,” noting how quick people are to attack others for making mistakes, painting Rachael as a victim. Overall, not a good look for Harrison and not a productive conversation with Lindsay, who was patiently trying to educate him as he interrupted her.
Harrison apologized on social media on the interview’s airdate. “I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology,” he wrote. Fans did not react well to this apology in the comments, demanding a new host and further critiquing his actions.
Matt James finally joined the conversation on Feb. 22, addressing both Rachael and Harrison’s actions in a social media statement. He wrote on the interview, saying “Chris’ 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.”
So… what happens now? The season finale airs tonight, and many people think Matt will choose Rachael. Fans don’t seem to think they stay together though, especially after all of these allegations have come to light, and we agree. Although we’re happy to see that both Rachael and Harrison owned up to their mistakes, we don’t think Rachael is the one for Matt. And plus, have you seen the beard he rocked to Women Tell All? That’s a single man’s beard.
As far America’s favorite host goes, ABC announced Saturday morning, much to fan dismay, that Harrison will not be hosting the next season of The Bachelorette. Instead, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristow will step up to host the season.
It’s nearly impossible to imagine The Bachelor franchise without Chris Harrison, but we’re happy to see ABC take a stand. This was a learning experience for all involved and we hope that despite the pain this situation caused, conversations can persist on how we can all be better. Better listeners, better allies, and better people. We’re excited to see what happens in this next chapter.