Chris Harrison, the host of the reality TV show The Bachelor, has announced that he's stepping aside.
The presenter announced that he will be taking time out the show for a short time after defending one of its contestants from accusations of historical racism.
The 49-year-old television personality, who has hosted the ABC dating show since 2002, apologized for comments he made about photographs of Bachelor contestant Rachel Kirkconnell at a "plantation-themed" fraternity event in 2018.
In a lengthy apology issued to his 1.3 million followers on Instagram, Harrison wrote:
"I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful. My ignorance did damage to my friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.
"I have no one to blame but myself for what I said and the way I spoke. I set standards for myself, and have not met them. I feel that with every fiber of my being. Now, just as I taught my children to stand up, and to own their actions, I will do the same.
"By excusing historical racism, I defended it. I invoked the term 'woke police,' which is unacceptable. I am ashamed over how uninformed I was. I was so wrong."
Harrison continued:
"To the Black community, to the BIPOC community: I am so sorry. My words were harmful. I am listening, and I truly apologize for my ignorance and any pain it caused you.
"I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the people from these communities who I've had enlightening conversations with over the past few days, and I am so grateful to those who have reached out to help me on my path to anti-racism.
"This historic season of 'The Bachelor' should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions.
"To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special."
Harrison added:
"I am dedicated to getting educated on a more profound and productive level than ever before.
"I want to ensure our cast and crew members, to my friends, colleagues, and our fans: this is not just a moment, but a commitment to much greater understanding that I will actively make every day.
"From here I can only try to evolve and be a better man, and I humble myself before all of you. I hope I will again live up to the expectations you all rightfully have for me and the expectations I have for myself."
Insider reports that Harrison's controversial statements were made during his Extra interview with former contestant Rachel Lindsay – the first African-American bachelorette in the history of the franchise.
Per Insider, Harrison defended the pictures of Kirkconnell by stating: "First and foremost, I don't know. I haven't talked to Rachael about it, we all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion.
"I have seen some stuff online. Again, this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are just tearing this girl's life apart. 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. That's it."
