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Bachelorfranchise stars are speaking out in support ofRachel Lindsayafter she publicly called out longtime hostChris Harrison.
Lindsay, who became the franchise’s first Black lead onThe Bachelorettein 2017,called Harrison into questionon Friday for his remarks about a current contestant onMatt James' season,Rachael Kirkconnell, who recently came under fire for past racist behavior.
Harrison, 49, has since apologized for"wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism,“but during the latest episode of theHigher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsaypodcast, Lindsay, 35, said she’s having a “hard time” accepting the apology, adding that she plans on leaving the franchise once her contract is up.
“I am beyond [grateful] to have Rachel as a mentor during this season. Your advocacy of BIPOC people in this franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability,” James — the first Black Bachelor — wrote on hisInstagram StoryFriday.
Matt James/Instagram
Harrison’s commentary on the matter was made during a14-minute, unedited interview with Lindsay onExtrathis week, where he said in part that we should all “have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” in the wake of the resurfaced photos.
“I am really hurt and disappointed and confused at the ignorance when it comes to race,” said Adams, 30. “The things that have come to light within theBachelorfranchise this past week have just been eye-opening.”
Tayshia Adams.Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images
Adams further discussed the situation on a special episode of herClick Baitpodcast with co-hosts Joe Amabile and Natasha Parker.
“This hit me on a different level, I think also just because I am the current Bachelorette, if you will. The first biracial lead,” she said. “I definitely will say, watching that interview, my eyes were wide open. My jaw was kind of to the floor, just because it was an ongoing conversation filled with so much defense and what I feel is ignorance. To be clear, I think all everybody was looking for is a little bit of accountability in the sense of just saying the images that have come out, they’re wrong. Bottom line is they’re wrong.”
Adams commended Lindsay for her “composure” during the interview, saying, “She had to conduct herself in that way or else the message would be lost if she were to show her anger.”
Parker grew emotional as she reflected on Harrison’s commentary, saying, “How can we defend a franchise when the head of the franchise is saying these things?”
“We’re a part of this franchise and people can’t help but feel like Matt James — and even you, Tayshia, to a certain extent — was a Band-Aid once they got so much heat about not having a Black Bachelor and only having one Black Bachelorette,” Parker continued. “And still, it’s like racism is a cancer that keeps plaguing this franchise. And I don’t understand why.”
A group of contestants from the most recent season ofThe Bachelorette, which began withClare Crawleybefore Adams replaced her,issued a statementregarding the controversy, saying the conversation on race within the franchise “has been long overdue.”
“We stand united in denouncing racist behavior and any defense thereof,” they said. “We also stand united with the women of season 25 ofThe Bachelor, who have denounced the same; moreover, we stand united with Rachel Lindsay, who has led the way.”
Ivan Hall, Joe Park, Demar Jackson, Riley Christian, Kenny Braasch, Jordan Chapman, Jay Smith, Ed Waisbrot, Brendan Morais, Blake Moynes and Bennett Andrew Jordan all reposted the statement, as well as Moss, who shared alengthy captionalongside his post detailing the racism he and his family members have faced.
“Change doesn’t happen unless we take a stand, speak out and educate others against things that perpetuate racism,” said Moss, 32.
Moss' ex, Crawley, also spoke out on her Instagram Story to express her “extreme disappointment with Chris and Rachel’s interview.”
“I have been really understanding the magnitude of how racist behavior, and racism impacts out society and perpetuates ignorance and oppression. 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,” wrote Crawley, 39. “To my friend Rachel: 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.”
RELATED VIDEO: Rachel Lindsay Says There Was a ‘Racist Contestant’ on Her Season ofThe Bachelorette
And on Thursday, the 25 BIPOC contestants from James' season issued a statement viaInstagramaddressing the controversy, denouncing “any defense of racism” and backing Lindsay.
“Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with ‘grace’ for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise,” they wrote. “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.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, former BacheloretteDeAnna Pappas Staglianoapplauded Lindsay for her “fearlessness to put things out and bring them to light,” adding, “I love her authenticity and her passion. And that she isn’t scared to call outThe Bachelorfranchise.”
Katie Thurston, who went home during last week’s episode ofThe Bachelor, has also condemned Kirkconnell’s actions as “unacceptable.”
“I know she has made a statement, but it’s not my place to accept that apology,” she said during Friday’s episode of theTamron Hall Show. “I will say actions speak louder than words. And it’s just a good reminder for me especially to continue to educate myself on how to be an ally.”
source: people.com
