Chris Harrison is reportedly not likely to return as the host of The Bachelorette's eighteenth season starring Michelle Young later this year.
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Multiple sources have claimed Chris will not resume his role as host of Bachelor in Paradise's upcoming seventh season this summer, and now reports are swirling he won't be back for Season 18 of The Bachelorette this fall either.
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A group of celebrity comedians, including David Spade, will serve as guest hosts on Bachelor in Paradise 7, and two separate sources told Variety it's "highly unlikely" Chris will return as the host for Michelle's The Bachelorette season in Fall 2021.
No official decision has reportedly been made as to whether Chris will regain his permanent hosting job going forward.
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ABC is allegedly taking a "wait-and-see" approach in which executives intend to gauge the viewer response and reaction to this summer's The Bachelorette season starring Katie Thurston to help determine Chris' fate on the show.
An insider confirmed such information with Us Weekly on Thursday, that it's unlikely Chris will host The Bachelorette's eighteenth season and executives are weighing their options about bringing in a new host.
A person close to Chris told Variety that his Los Angeles-based power attorney Bryan Freedman is "outraged" over how the matter is being handled.
If the network ever welcomes Chris back, it appears he won't serve as host again until The Bachelor's 26th season premiering in January 2022 -- at the earliest.
Chris is reportedly hoping for a second chance because he cares deeply about the franchise and all of its members, according to sources close to the longtime host.
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Chris even said himself during a March appearance on Good Morning America, "I plan to be back and I want to be back."
But Bachelor Nation seems conflicted over whether his reinstatement would send the right message considering viewers have been pleading for more diversity and racial equality in the franchise for years.
The decision for Chris to sit out the new season of Bachelor in Paradise follows his recent racism controversy and voluntarily leave of absence.
Chris announced in February he'd be "stepping aside" from his hosting duties "for a period of time" to educate himself on a "profound" level after defending The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's racially-ignorant and insensitive actions in the last several years.
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Chris initially came under fire in early February when he called for "grace" and "compassion" for Rachael and also criticized the "woke police" and the "unbelievably alarming" response of anger and frustration to the young woman's offensive actions during an Extra interview with The Bachelorette's first Black leading lady, Rachel Lindsay.
Chris' greatest offense seemed to be his dismissive attitude towards photos of Rachael that resurfaced from an antebellum-plantation themed "Old South" fraternity party at Georgia College & State University in 2018.
Chris apologized multiple times on social media and told Michael Strahan on a March appearance on Good Morning America, "I plan to be back and I want to be back."
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Chris said of the controversy at the time, "It was a mistake, I made a mistake. I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake, and I own that."
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"I believe that mistake doesn't reflect who I am or what I stand for. I am committed to the progress, not just for myself but also for the franchise," he added.
"I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay. I didn't speak for my heart, and that is to say I stand against all forms of racism and I am deeply sorry. I am sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I'm sorry to the Black community."
But Bachelor Nation seems conflicted over whether his reinstatement would send the right message considering viewers have been pleading for more diversity and racial equality in the franchise for years.
When it was announced Chris would not be hosting Katie's upcoming season of The Bachelorette, ABC Entertainment and Warner Horizon issued a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter that read, "We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing."
"As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within The Bachelor franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks."
"These are important steps in effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world," the statement added.
The new season of The Bachelorette is set to premiere Monday, June 7 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC. Filling in for Chris will be former The Bachelorette stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
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Bachelor in Paradise's seventh season is scheduled to premiere Monday, August 16 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.
As of Wednesday, David's deal with ABC to host Bachelor in Paradise was reportedly finalized; however, the network had yet to close deals with other potential guest hosts and offers were still being considered.
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