Bachelor

Bachelor Nation Reacts to Chris Harrison’s Controversial Interview About Rachael Kirkconnell

February 22, 2021

Bachelor Nation is holding Chris Harrison accountable after his controversial interview regarding season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s social media activity.

The 49-year-old host sat down with Rachel Lindsay, who made history as the first Black Bachelorette in 2017, for an interview with Extra on Tuesday, February 9. During their chat, Lindsay, 35, asked Harrison about allegations that Kirkconnell, 25, “liked” racist social media posts and about a photo of the graphic designer at a plantation-themed frat party at the Georgia College in 2018.

“We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion. Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents’ voting record,” Harrison told Lindsay about Matt James’ contestant. “I haven’t heard Rachael speak on this yet. Until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this? I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that’s it.”

While Harrison acknowledged that the photos were not a “good look,” he added, “Is it [not] a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?”

He continued: “My guess? These girls got dressed up and went to a party and had a great time, they were 18 years old. Now, does that make it OK? I don’t know Rachel, you tell me. Were we all looking through [that lens] in 2018?”

Bachelor viewers were quick to accuse Harrison of downplaying Kirkconnell’s actions and criticized his use of the term “woke police” during his chat with Lindsay. The former Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host apologized for his remarks on Wednesday, February 10, via a statement shared on Instagram.

“To my Bachelor Nation family — I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology. I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday, I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed. While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf,” Harrison wrote. “What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry.”

Harrison added, “I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not listening to her better on a topic she has first hand understanding of, and humbly thank the members of Bachelor Nation who have reached out to me to hold me accountable. I promise to do better.”

Us editors discuss Colton Underwood’s coming out in this Here for the Right Reasons podcast highlight!

While James, 29, who told Kirkconnell he was falling in love with her during the February 2 episode, has yet to publicly react to Harrison’s interview, he “liked” the apology. Lindsay, meanwhile, claimed in her chat with Harrison that there was nothing in her contract with the show to stop her from defending herself.

Kirkconnell, for her part, broke her silence on her past behavior on Thursday, February 11, via Instagram.

“While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. I hear you, and I’m here to say I was wrong,” she wrote in part. “At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them. My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not acceptable or OK in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.”

The 24-year-old contestant continued, “I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. I am ashamed about my lack of education, but it is no one’s responsibility to educate me. 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. If you are a person who doesn’t understand the offense in question, I urge you to learn from my mistakes and encourage you to use them as a teachable moment.”

Scroll through for reactions to the controversy from Bachelor and Bachelorette alums:

Credit: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram

Bachelor Nation Reacts to Chris Harrison's Controversial Interview About Rachael Kirkconnell

Bachelor Nation is holding Chris Harrison accountable after his controversial interview regarding season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s social media activity. The 49-year-old host sat down with Rachel Lindsay, who made history as the first Black Bachelorette in 2017, for an interview with Extra on Tuesday, February 9. During their chat, Lindsay, 35, asked Harrison about allegations that Kirkconnell, 25, "liked" racist social media posts and about a photo of the graphic designer at a plantation-themed frat party at the Georgia College in 2018. “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion. Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents’ voting record,” Harrison told Lindsay about Matt James’ contestant. “I haven’t heard Rachael speak on this yet. Until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this? I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that’s it.” While Harrison acknowledged that the photos were not a “good look,” he added, “Is it [not] a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?” He continued: “My guess? These girls got dressed up and went to a party and had a great time, they were 18 years old. Now, does that make it OK? I don’t know Rachel, you tell me. Were we all looking through [that lens] in 2018?” [jwplayer Sadv7RXQ-l3ahXupL] Bachelor viewers were quick to accuse Harrison of downplaying Kirkconnell’s actions and criticized his use of the term “woke police” during his chat with Lindsay. The former Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host apologized for his remarks on Wednesday, February 10, via a statement shared on Instagram. “To my Bachelor Nation family — I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology. I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday, I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed. While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf,” Harrison wrote. “What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry.” Harrison added, “I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not listening to her better on a topic she has first hand understanding of, and humbly thank the members of Bachelor Nation who have reached out to me to hold me accountable. I promise to do better.” Us editors discuss Colton Underwood's coming out in this Here for the Right Reasons podcast highlight! While James, 29, who told Kirkconnell he was falling in love with her during the February 2 episode, has yet to publicly react to Harrison’s interview, he “liked” the apology. Lindsay, meanwhile, claimed in her chat with Harrison that there was nothing in her contract with the show to stop her from defending herself. Kirkconnell, for her part, broke her silence on her past behavior on Thursday, February 11, via Instagram. “While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. I hear you, and I’m here to say I was wrong,” she wrote in part. “At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them. My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not acceptable or OK in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.” The 24-year-old contestant continued, “I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. I am ashamed about my lack of education, but it is no one’s responsibility to educate me. 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. If you are a person who doesn’t understand the offense in question, I urge you to learn from my mistakes and encourage you to use them as a teachable moment.” Scroll through for reactions to the controversy from Bachelor and Bachelorette alums:

Credit: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram

Bachelor Nation Reacts to Chris Harrison's Controversial Interview About Rachael Kirkconnell

Bachelor Nation is holding Chris Harrison accountable after his controversial interview regarding season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s social media activity. The 49-year-old host sat down with Rachel Lindsay, who made history as the first Black Bachelorette in 2017, for an interview with Extra on Tuesday, February 9. During their chat, Lindsay, 35, asked Harrison about allegations that Kirkconnell, 25, "liked" racist social media posts and about a photo of the graphic designer at a plantation-themed frat party at the Georgia College in 2018. “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion. Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents’ voting record,” Harrison told Lindsay about Matt James’ contestant. “I haven’t heard Rachael speak on this yet. Until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say any of this? I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that’s it.” While Harrison acknowledged that the photos were not a “good look,” he added, “Is it [not] a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?” He continued: “My guess? These girls got dressed up and went to a party and had a great time, they were 18 years old. Now, does that make it OK? I don’t know Rachel, you tell me. Were we all looking through [that lens] in 2018?” [jwplayer Sadv7RXQ-l3ahXupL] Bachelor viewers were quick to accuse Harrison of downplaying Kirkconnell’s actions and criticized his use of the term “woke police” during his chat with Lindsay. The former Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host apologized for his remarks on Wednesday, February 10, via a statement shared on Instagram. “To my Bachelor Nation family — I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology. I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday, I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed. While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf,” Harrison wrote. “What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry.” Harrison added, “I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not listening to her better on a topic she has first hand understanding of, and humbly thank the members of Bachelor Nation who have reached out to me to hold me accountable. I promise to do better.” Us editors discuss Colton Underwood's coming out in this Here for the Right Reasons podcast highlight! While James, 29, who told Kirkconnell he was falling in love with her during the February 2 episode, has yet to publicly react to Harrison’s interview, he “liked” the apology. Lindsay, meanwhile, claimed in her chat with Harrison that there was nothing in her contract with the show to stop her from defending herself. Kirkconnell, for her part, broke her silence on her past behavior on Thursday, February 11, via Instagram. “While there have been rumors circulating, there have also been truths that have come to light that I need to address. I hear you, and I’m here to say I was wrong,” she wrote in part. “At one point, I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were, but that doesn’t excuse them. My age or when it happened does not excuse anything. They are not acceptable or OK in any sense. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.” The 24-year-old contestant continued, “I am sorry to the communities and individuals that my actions harmed and offended. I am ashamed about my lack of education, but it is no one’s responsibility to educate me. 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. If you are a person who doesn’t understand the offense in question, I urge you to learn from my mistakes and encourage you to use them as a teachable moment.” Scroll through for reactions to the controversy from Bachelor and Bachelorette alums:

Credit: ABC/Billy Kidd

Matt James

The season 25 lead showed his support for Lindsay via Instagram Stories on February 12. “I am beyond grateful to have Rachel as a mentor during this season,” he wrote. “Your advocacy of BIPOC people in the franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability.”

The ABC Food Tours founder addressed the controversy surrounding Harrison and Kirkconnell again on February 22 via an Instagram statement. “It is important that I take the time to address the troubling information that has come to light since we wrapped filming, including the incredibly disappointing photos of Rachael Kirkconnell and the interview between Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison,” he wrote, noting the past few weeks have been “some of the most challenging” in his life.

He continued: “The reality is that I’m learning about these situations in real time, and it has been devastating and heartbreaking to put it bluntly. 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.”

James explained that the interview was a “clear reflection of a much larger issue that The Bachelor franchise has fallen short on addressing adequately for years,” before highlighting the positives that have come from the incident. “This moment has sparked critical conversations and reporting, raised important questions, and resulted in inspiring displays of solidarity from The Bachelor nation,” he said. James added that he personally has been “pushed” to “reevaluate and process” his journey on the show and hopes that “real and institutional change for the better” will come as a result on the discussions.

Credit: Sara Jaye Weiss/Shutterstock

Hannah Brown

“I’ve been catching up and reading about everything that’s been going on in Bachelor Nation, and Lord knows, I’ve made mistakes,” the season 15 Bachelorette said in a series of Instagram Story videos. “But I have learned this past year if we wanna move forward, we have to confront where we have fallen short, and it’s so important that we lift up and listen and value and encourage underrepresented voices. We just have to be better, and while being accountable has helped me evolve so much as a person, I am still not a perfect person. But I do remain committed to the work and am so humbled and truly grateful to be on this journey and can only hope that I encourage others to educate themselves to go on the journey as well.”

Credit: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Ali Fedotowsky

“I was shocked, I was angry, I was disappointed, I was sad. I can only imagine how Rachel felt doing that interview and all of the Black, Indigenous, people of color felt seeing that interview,” the season 6 Bachelorette told fans in a series of Instagram Story videos. “So I’m coming here to say that we need to do better. We need to be more educated. Everyone needs to do better. And I don’t stand for racism — I never have, I never will. My mom raised me better than that. And I will continue to educate myself so I can be better too.”

Credit: Courtesy of Jillian Harris/Instagram

Jillian Harris

“Yesterday I was made aware of an issue that is happening with the Bachelor Franchise as it relates to racism,” the season 5 Bachelorette wrote via Instagram. “It goes without saying, I am disappointed in how the interview between Chris and @therachlindsay was handled by Chris. I witnessed a Black woman have to deal with defensiveness, be interrupted and be dismissed, on a topic that I can imagine is nothing less than triggering for her and the entire BIPOC community. It was very upsetting not only for the Bachelor franchise, my friendship with Chris, but most importantly for humanity.”

Harris noted that she wants to make it clear that she doesn’t “believe in cancel culture,” but believes in accountability. “Being held accountable IS LOVE, it allows us to grow, learn and ultimately become better people,” she wrote. “This is a yet another learning opportunity for everyone and I hope that people, especially in a position of power and the public eye take the time to DO THE WORK, learn, unlearn, take DEI courses, read anti-racist and DEI books, hire a DEI consultant, and put your ego aside.”

The Love It or List It Vancouver host concluded: “Bachelor Franchise, NOW is the time to do the work. Don’t make this another missed opportunity. Use your voice and your platform to support the change and stand up for the BIPOC and marginalized communities that are being hurt. You must do better. We all must do better.”

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

JoJo Fletcher

“Although I’m not part of this season, it’s important for me to be clear on my stance when it comes to condemning racism,” the season 12 Bachelorette wrote via Instagram Stories alongside the season 25 contestants’ statement. “We all need to speak up in order to effectively create change. While I recognize that the show is taking steps to be more inclusive and share stories of BIPOC contestants, it’s clearly not enough. I stand behind every word these ladies wrote and will continue to speak up when there are acts of racism. It is important to not only hold ourselves accountable but each other as well.”

Credit: ABC/Maarten de Boer

Clare Crawley

The OG season 16 Bachelorette wrote about her “extreme disappointment” in Harrison’s interview. “I have been really understanding the magnitude of how racist behavior, and racism impacts our society and perpetuates ignorance and oppression,” she wrote via Instagram Stories. “I have been listening to conversations and discussions as an ally, and will always continue to learn, denounce and support BIPOC in the fight against racism.”

Crawley added a message to Lindsay, “You are a force of strength, empowerment, and composure as you have continually shown up as a voice to create change not only within this franchise, but far beyond. You are not alone.”

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Dale Moss

“The ‘lens’ that people are looking through in 2020 is the reality BIPOC have been living in their entire life,” Moss, who was briefly engaged to OG season 16 Bachelorette Crawley, tweeted.

Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti

The Bachelor in Paradise couple shared a link to Lindsay’s “Higher Learning” episode about the Harrison interview. “Rachel Lindsay’s eloquence and strength in teaching moments like we saw this week, not just during her Extra interview, but also in his podcast, is something we truly admire,” their statement shared via Instagram Stories reads. “The insensitivity and ignorance expressed in the Extra interview was very disappointing for us to see. It’s not Rachel’s job to check us and educate us like she has, but we are grateful for it. Something we’ve learned this year is it our responsibility as allies to continue educating ourselves about racial injustice through listening to powerful conversations, like this, and using our platforms to share them.”

Credit: ABC/Kwaku Alston

Tayshia Adams

The season 16 Bachelorette, who became the second Black Bachelorette in history after taking over for Crawley in 2020, opened up via Instagram Stories. “The photo that [Rachael] was in is racist. The party she attended? Racist,” she said. “When there are blatant forms of racist acts, you cannot be defensive of it. It speaks volumes. and I just have to say, I am really hurt by this response. … I am not aligned with these actions.”

Credit: Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock

Cassie Randolph

The season 23 winner noted that she hasn’t seen James’ season — or the interview with Harrison and Lindsay — but said she got a “lots of DMS” asking her to comment. “I will say, when it comes to discussing racism, I have learned that at the very least, I should listen to BIPOC. Maxing excuses, justifying, minimizing the effects of racism etc … only devalues BIPOC voices and glosses over how systemic and deeply rooted this problem in our society is,” she wrote, thanking Lindsay and Nolan for their using their voices.

Credit: ABC (2)

‘Bachelorette’ Season 16 Cast

Adams and Crawley's contestants released a joint statement. "As members of Season 16 of the Bachelorette, it is important that we acknowledge where we stand at this time. We had the opportunity to be a part of one of the most diverse casts in the history of the franchise," the statement, shared via Instagram, started. "The addition of more people who identify as BIPOC has opened up the conversation on race, community, and who we are as people. A conversation that has been long overdue," they wrote. "We stand united in denouncing racist behavior and any defense thereof. We also stand united with the women of Season 25 of the Bachelor, who have denounced the same; moreover, we stand united with Rachel Lindsay, who has let the way."

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Lauren Bushnell

“I’m going to leave this here. Not because I feel I have to but as someone who has distanced myself from a franchise for the last 7 years, I needed to catch up on what seems to be an issue bigger than just a TV show,” the Bachelor season 20 winner wrote via her Instagram Story on Friday, alongside a screenshot of Lindsay’s “Higher Learning” podcast episode. “Sifting through statements, articles and apologies, playing catch up. I first wanted to learn what happened. I don’t really stay up on The Bachelor for my own personal reasons and frankly I’m going to keep it that way. This is probably one of the few times you’ll hear me mention the show.”

The Oregon native continued: “I’m not going to lie, I have no idea who the contestants are on this season, what was said or not said, and I had never even heard of those types of sorority parties, so I had my own different kind of ignorance towards a situation and needed to better understand. This podcast by @therachellindsay just taught me so much and before I even formed my own, pieced together view or responded to some of you asking me how I feel, I needed to learn. Linking here for you guys who also are open to learning through all of the noise. Thank you @therachellindsay for sharing this.”

Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin

Matt James’ BIPOC Contestants

“We are the women of Bachelor Season 25. Twenty-five women who identify as BIPOC were cast on this historic season that was meant to represent change,” James’ cast said in a joint statement shared via Instagram on Thursday. “We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism. Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experience of BIPOC individuals. These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized.”

The group continued, “Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with ‘grace’ for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise. Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn’t mean she is alone. We stand with her, we hear her, and we advocate for change alongside her.”

Credit: CraSH/imageSPACE/Shutterstock

Nick Viall

“After seeing Chris’s very disappointing and harmful interview with Rachel, I have spent the past two days speaking with many people from Bachelor Nation including those involved. This is a teachable moment for us all,” the season 21 Bachelor wrote via his Instagram Stories on Thursday. “It can be uncomfortable to recognize our own ignorance, but without recognition there can be no accountability and growth.”

Viall wrote that he believes Harrison “can learn from it and be better for it” before thanking Lindsay for her “voice, grace, and most of all friendship.”

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Ben Higgins

“This afternoon I watched the interview with Chris and Rachel. Chris’ statements were harmful. They were not helpful. They hurt many,” the season 20 Bachelor wrote via his Instagram Stories on Thursday. “He is my friend, and sometimes friends do things we have to speak out against. I cannot agree with the comments he made. This is a teachable moment for us all. We have to continue to learn, grow, and become better.”

Higgins added, “Rachel has been a voice for racial reconciliation and racial justice and we are all continuing to learn from her, learn from many others, and take on the responsibility to educate ourselves so that we will authentically be better. I have done things in my past I am not proud of as I am sure many of us have and in those moments we have a responsibility to hold ourselves accountable so we can grow.”

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Becca Kufrin

Sharing James’ contestants’ joint statement, the 14th Bachelorette lead wrote via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, “This was written and shared by 25 incredible women who the world did not get to see enough of. Though I can’t personally relate to the first part, I stand by every word issued and will continue to throw my name into the fight for what those who identify as BIPOC have fought for for so long.”

Kufrin then addressed her “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast cohost, Lindsay, directly: “You are not alone. I will continue to have your back and advocate for and alongside you in any way, shape, or form. Your soul and passion will never be dimmed as long as you continue to be you.”

Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock

Becca Tilley

“We should be mad about these things. We should be frustrated. And that’s where the accountability comes in,” the Bachelor alum, who competed on seasons 19 and 20, said on Instagram Live on Thursday after applauding Lindsay for doing “a lot for this franchise.”

Tilley went on to say that while she has “always been so grateful for The Bachelor” and the opportunities the show brought her, she is well aware that a change needs to come: “It’s important to have a voice and be able to stand up for people who have had to stand up for themselves for too long and not had the support.”

Credit: Drew Altizer Photography/Shutterstock

Blake Horstmann

“I am struggling to find the right words to encompass how disappointed I am in the recent interview with Chris Harrison,” the Bachelor in Paradise alum wrote via his Instagram Stories on Thursday. “I want to become a better ally and part of that is acknowledging the platform I have and using it to condemn racism and to lift up Black voices.”

Credit: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Sean Lowe

The season 17 Bachelor wrote via his Instagram Stories on Thursday that he was on vacation with family and had not checked the news or his DMs “in days,” so he was surprised to see people calling him a “racist, coward, fake Christian, etc. for not speaking out” on Harrison’s interview.

“Let me be clear, I don’t condone racism of any kind. Hopefully you knew that about me already,” Lowe wrote. “But what I will do is extend grace to a man who’s apologized and promised to be better with the use of his platform. Why? Because that’s what God command [sic] of me. I’m sure some will disagree with me but I’m just going to follow the example of Jesus on this one.”

Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin

Onyeka Ehie

“Ridiculous how many cast members, including myself, received NUMEROUS racist messages but never did we received any acknowledgment from production,” the season 23 contestant tweeted. “I guess our grace and compassion got lost in the mail??? The double stand makes me sick.”

Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin

Kit Keenan

“Yes, 2020 has spurred greater awareness of white privilege. That doesn’t mean racist behavior in the past should be excused nor does it mean our work here is done. For people of color within the Bachelor franchise, viewers and beyond, I see you and I hear you. Silence is complicity,” the season 25 contestant wrote on Wednesday via Instagram Stories.

Credit: ABC/Frank Ockenfels

Kaitlyn Bristowe

The season 11 Bachelorette took to Instagram Live on Thursday to tell her followers that she stood with Lindsay. After she acknowledged her close friendship with Harrison, Bristowe said, “Of course [his words] caused harm.”

The Dancing With the Stars alum added that she “definitely” thinks that James and Kirkconnell need to address the controversy. “Rachael K. has had time to digest,” she said, before urging her fans not to “cancel Chris or Rachael” but rather “hold them accountable.”

Credit: ABC/Maarten de Boer

Mykenna Dorn

“I am disgusted at the ignorant behavior of Chris Harrison during his interview with Rachel Lindsay,” the season 24 alum wrote via Instagram Stories. “Yes, in the past year, conversations have sparked about racism but racism has always existed. Just because something happened in 2018, does not mean you get a pass. I don’t agree with cancel culture but I do agree and stand for taking responsibility and accountability for your actions. I want to be clear that I do not agree with Chris’ behavior and that him and the franchise must do better.”

Credit: ABC/Randy Holmes

Tammy Kay Ly

The season 24 contestant tweeted, “It’s crazy how hard this franchise will protect its cookie cutter contestants but wouldn’t give half of that energy to their contestants of color.”

Credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC

Pieper James

Pieper, who is competing on James' season, commented on "The Blckchellorettes” Instagram video slamming Harrison and the theme party, writing, “YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU.”

Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin

Khaylah Epps

“Yesterday was incredibly upsetting. To see someone do straight up gymnastics to try and excuse racist behavior is inexcusable and a direct slap in the face,” the season 25 contestant tweeted. “And just on some personal s—t, the way I would be portrayed on tv ATE. ME. ALIVE for weeks after I went home bc I know ‘grace’ is never extended to black women. So to see who is deserving of ‘grace’ and who isn’t? K.”

Credit: Bob D'Amico/ABC

Diggy Moreland

“Chris Harrison said we shouldn't judge her for going to a plantation themed party because ‘we weren't as woke back then as we are now.’ Pic is from 2018,” the Bachelorette season 13 alum tweeted. “I graduated in 2009. If I found out one of my friends went to a party like that, I'm slapping the s—t out of them on sight.”

Credit: CraSH/imageSPACE/Shutterstock

Taylor Nolan

“If you finally became educated on the systems of white supremacy during summer 2020 then a) welcome better late than never and b) I hope that you understand that there are a lot of things that happen before 2020 that were racist and upheld white supremacy. Does that mean we just excuse them? No. Does that mean that we only now care about racism happening post-summer 2020? No,” the Bachelor season 21 contestant wrote on Wednesday via Instagram. “No matter how long ago something happened, whether you did it or someone else did it, there is justice to be had. You are not ‘woke police’ for calling for accountability nor are you ‘unreasonable.’ You know who is deserving of GRACE & COMPASSION in moments of racism …NOT the white person &/or systems actually responsible for the harm, but the BLACK PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD TO SUFFER and who frankly continue to suffer in this country. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, accountability only feels like oppression when you’ve had privilege. So just a friendly reminder that just because you didn’t view something as upholding white supremacy prior to summer 2020 DOES NOT mean that it wasn’t a problem then, it should actually prob shine light on the fact that you DIDNT question it or didn’t recognize it as being harmful.”

Later that day, the Bachelor in Paradise season 4 star went live on Instagram with one of the hosts from “The Blckchellorettes” podcast for a lengthy breakdown of Harrison’s interview.

“Overall, Extra, I hope, is paying Rachel the most amount of money possible to sit with this s—t,” Nolan said before playing clips from the interview. “First he says, ‘I agree with you,’ but then he’s backtracking that. … He wasn’t listening [to Rachel].”

Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Rachel Lindsay

After a social media user tweeted about the interview on Wednesday and noted, “@TheRachLindsay is so generous and giving to this franchise. We do not deserve her,” the season 13 Bachelorette replied, “My days are numbered.”

After Harrison released his apology, Lindsay shared a prayer via Instagram: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.”

Credit: Courtesy of Bekah Martinez/Instagram

Bekah Martinez

“Me trying not to reach through the screen to slap tf out of chris,” the Bachelor season 22 contestant commented on Lindsay’s photo of herself praying.

Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin

Astrid Loch

“I love you friend,” the season 21 alum commented on Lindsay’s post. “Always impressed with how you handle yourself.”

Credit: Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Kendall Long

The Bachelor season 22 alum gave Lindsay support in the comments section, writing, “You are so well spoken and hold yourself tremendously well.”

Credit: Kristin Callahan/ACE Pictures/Shutterstock

Mike Johnson

The Bachelorette season 15 alum took to Instagram Stories to react to the interview on Wednesday. “Rachel, you were super eloquent in that and you spoke about things that some people might not know about but need to hear. Chris, you disappointed me,” Johnson said. “The other young lady, Rachael, that is the subject of the conversation. I do think, absolutely, she needs her day to speak on how she feels. Chris said some things in there that were just not good. It’s as simple as that. … I can say so many crazier things that I’m not the happiest about. … All in all, I think there is a double standard. I could give you so many examples.”

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Katie Morton

The Bachelor season 23 contestant wrote via Instagram Stories that she’s “praying for Matt” and Lindsay after the interview. “Rachel held her f—king composure while she was in a pretty s—t position. Chris Harrison was so so wrong and I hope he can see that, although doubtful. It’s all disappointing and maddening,” she wrote, adding that the “Old South”-themed party reminded her of wedding invites she’s received for Nottaway Plantation. “Just because ‘it’s so pretty.’ It’s time for people to understand, sympathize and stop allowing racism to live on and even worse, be celebrated.”

Morton, who was briefly engaged to Chris Bukowski after season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise, concluded that she would no longer watch the series.

“I know so many of you are following me from BN and I love and adore you all, but I will no longer be watching. I know it’s time to truly let go of this show,” she wrote. “I love my friends I’ve made from it but I don’t feel like watching it anymore. I found I wanted to support Matt and be a good cohost to a few podcast. But I have no pods left and no desire to support the show right now and probably won’t know about any other current events.”

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Natasha Parker

The Bachelor 24 alum encouraged fans to watch the interview because there’s a “lot to unpack.” She added: “Teachable moments, guys, we’re still having them.”

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Olivia Caridi

The Bachelor season 20 contestant reposted Nolan’s message. She also shared an old quote from Harrison about diversity on the show, writing, “‘Relevance’ and ‘employment’ should never ever top social responsibility, especially with the massive viewership this show has. Do better,” she wrote.

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Ashley Spivey

The Bachelor season 15 contestant called on other members of Bachelor Nation to rally around Lindsay — and remove Harrison as host. Spivey also reposted his apology and added, “Not one mention of the ‘woke police’ so I refuse to believe he wrote this. This is not an isolated event. Chris has been making these statements for years.”

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