Chris Harrison admits fault in 'Bachelor' controversy: 'I'm an imperfect man. I made a mistake'

"It was a mistake," Harrison said. "I made a mistake. I am an imperfect man. I made a mistake, and I own that."

Harrison is apologizing for his comments about contest Rachael Kirkconnell when interviewed by former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay last month. Lindsay asked Harrison his take on allegations that Kirkconnell had attended a plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018 and liked racist social media posts. Harrison refused to condemn the current season's frontrunner and her behavior:

"This is again where we all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion" Harrison said, in part, "because I have seen some stuff online—again, this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are just tearing this girl's life apart."

Lindsay interjected and reminded Harrison that, at the very least, the photo circulating of Kirkconnell at the Old South-themed party is "not a good look."

"Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018 or is it not a good look in 2021?" Harrison fired back. 

Shortly after, Harrison released an apology. Three days after that, he announced he would be "stepping aside for a period of time" from his hosting duties on the long-running dating show:

The 25th season of The Bachelor is airing on ABC, nearing a conclusion for Matt James—the first-ever Black lead. Lindsay was the first-ever Black Bachelorette. James has acknowledged Harrison's actions Feb. 22, and Kirkconnell broke her silence last week:

It was revealed Friday that Emmanuel Acho will replace Harrison for this season's "After the Final Rose" ceremony. The 30-year-old former NFL linebacker has become very popular since beginning his Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man YouTube series last June.

Lindsay said on her Higher Learning podcast that she doesn't feel bad for the backlash Harrison is experiencing, and even went so far as to say she "wasn't shocked" by his viewpoint based on previous private conversations she has had with him. Separately, Lindsay told Extra colleague Billy Bush, who had his own share of public controversy, she need "to see what happens" in the future as to whether Harrison should be permanently hired.

Harrison has hosted the series since its 2002 inception as well as subsequent spinoffs.