The Bachelor host Chris Harrison has taken a stance on Juan Pablo Galavis' recent anti-gay comments.
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"I took a long time to think about it. I was disappointed in his comments, and they obviously don't reflect my feelings or my thoughts on the subject," Harrison told The Hollywood Reporter.
"But you have to respect his freedom to say or do whatever he wants."
Galavis revealed earlier this month he's opposed to a gay or bisexual man starring on The Bachelor, sparking public uproar and apologies from both Galavis and ABC.
When asked whether he thinks it's a good idea to have a gay Bachelor, Galavis had told The TV Page, "No," while promoting the reality dating series at a press party.
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"Just because -- I respect them, but honestly, I don't think it's a good example for kids to watch that on TV... [Gay relationships] are more pervert, in a sense," added the 32-year-old single dad and former pro soccer player from Venezuela.
Galavis explained there's a "very thin line" as to what would be considered appropriate for TV if ABC was to have a gay Bachelor.
After Galavis was bashed on social media for being insensitive and inappropriate, he issued a lengthy apology on Facebook.
ABC and Warner Brothers, the studio that produces The Bachelor, also released a statement to the media to separate themselves from the offensive remarks.
"Juan Pablo's comments were careless, thoughtless and insensitive, and in no way reflect the views of the network, the show's producers or studio," they wrote.
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The Bachelor's next two-hour episode airs Monday night at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski