The affable, controversy-free host of “The Bachelor” sat down with former “Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay on “Extra.” When asked a simple question about “Bachelor” winner Rachael Kirkconnell, whose former plantation party photos re-surfaced on social media, Harrison went to great lengths to defend the racially-insensitive, controversial contestant in a long-winded exchange.
Multiple insiders tell Variety that Harrison participated in the interview on his own volition, but was never requested by a network or studio publicist to sit down for the press opportunity.
All of the individuals who spoke to Variety did so under the condition of anonymity either because they still work with “The Bachelor” franchise or because they are too closely associated to situation surrounding Harrison.
Contrary to previous press reports, Variety has learned that Harrison’s exit package was not a significant eight-figure payout.
Lindsay declined to comment for this article, but speaking on her “Higher Learning” podcast, she confirmed that no publicist accompanied Harrison during the interview, and said that he “talked over and at me.” Lindsay recalled: “He wasn’t trying to hear it.
While everyone seemed to notice the severity of Harrison’s defensive commentary, the one person didn’t identify the magnitude of the scandal? Harrison himself.
Harrison was never told that he’d be fired from his longtime position; in fact, any consideration of him being terminated was not even addressed in initial conversations.
“We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism,” the cast jointly posted on social media.
Emmanuel Acho was tapped to guest host “After the Final Rose” in lieu of Harrison.
With his new representation, Harrison was advised to do a TV interview, insiders say, and when ABC was informed of that, the network requested the spot to be on “GMA” to keep it in the family.
Harrison, likely expecting a softball interview as the face of the network’s top-rated reality franchise, was angered by the disastrous outcome.
At that point, it became clear that Harrison would need to take a longer time-out, but the franchise was still planning on eventually bringing him back, according to sources.
“I stand with other alumni who have expressed that learning and growth require time,” Thurston had tweeted amid the media spectacle.
Insiders familiar with discussions say that Thurston spoke to Harrison directly, informing him that she would not feel comfortable starring as “The Bachelorette” if he was involved due to all of the controversy surrounding him.
By mid-March, ABC and Warner Bros.
Freedman had also previously represented “The Bachelor” creator Mike Fleiss’ wife in her domestic violence allegations when she accused Fleiss of attacking her; but later, after a messy divorce settlement had been reached, the couple announced their reconciliation.
Harrison’s attorney was “outraged” by the dragging-out process, an insider previously told Variety, and felt that ABC and Warner Bros.
An insider close to production reveals that after cast and crew had already been sent to New Mexico to quarantine for “Bachelorette,” Harrison was essentially knocking on the door, asking to salvage his job by making calls to various people on set, begging them to put in a good word for him.
In early June, Variety published a report that Harrison would not be returning to host “Bachelor in Paradise” and would be replaced by a slew of rotating celebrity hosts, including David Spade, but that his overall future status with the franchise still remained in limbo.
Though Harrison had always wanted to keep his job, by that point, the damage was done and the relationship had soured, as drama hit an all-time high.
Within a matter of days, Harrison had reached a legal agreement to depart the franchise on his own accord.
Despite previous reports, Harrison did not walk away with a substantial eight-figure payout.
“I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter,” Harrison said in a statement last week.