BACHELORETTE Rachel Lindsay claimed “several people of color” QUIT the show’s staff after Chris Harrison’s racism scandal.
Rachel was involved in an interview where Chris defended Rachael Kirkconnell’s Antebellum pictures.
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Rachel, 35, went on the podcast Bachelor Party, where she further discussed the downfall of the franchise after several contestant’s previous racist behaviors came to light and Chris stepped away as host after he defended historical racism.
The reality TV star said: “Anybody that’s standing up for change, I don’t understand how you could be a part of this current season.
“As we have seen in this current episode, there is still so much work to be done. I don’t want my name to be affiliated. I have heard that there are several people of color who have removed themselves from the show, that were a part of casting for this current season.”
She noted that filming for the upcoming season of the Bachelorette has already begun, as The Sun exclusively revealed that Katie Thurston will be announced as the next star of the franchise.
She continued: “They’re already there, like, at least they’re quarantining for it. There’s no pause on [filming for The Bachelorette].”
She added that the controversy with Chris and Rachael K is not over, saying: “All people of color were affected by the very words that he said. Yes, he’s apologized. Yes, I accepted it, but still, we didn’t forget what was done of a person who has been with the franchise from the beginning.
“So, of course, people don’t want to be a part of it – people who don’t feel included don’t want to be a part of it.”
Rachel also spoke out about how production edited the latest episodes to present Matt James’ father in a stereotypical light.
“If the Bachelor franchise has shown us anything is that they don’t know to protect people of color, they only know how to exploit them. They only know how to mishandle situations when they come to race,” she shared.
“This conversation may have been necessary for Matt. Maybe Matt did need this, but this was a conversation that should have been just for Matt, but for the rest of the world to see it shows that you don’t care about your contestants – specifically the ones of color.
“The fact that you were so willing to throw him under the bus and exploit him for stereotypes within the community for what you would call ‘good TV.'”
The Bachelor has been at the center of a racism scandal recently after host Chris Harrison defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s “old south” photo.
Most recently, The Sun revealed that network executives are apparently not planning to make a decision on who will host the upcoming season of The Bachelorette until they see the fan reaction to replacement Emmanuel Acho, who is hosting the After the Final Rose special in a few weeks.
The insider said that Good Morning America host Michael Strahan is “still in the mix” as a potential host for the next series.
They claimed Michael’s “measured and methodical” GMA interview with Chris about the controversy went over well with show producers – although the high cost of hiring the popular host could be an issue.
The insider claimed: ‘Chris is focused on showing the network and fans that he is putting in the work to learn about his mistakes.
“Chris is well-liked and respected, but the network knows that this is a waiting game.
“There is no rush for a new host. They have time to see how Emmanuel does.
“If it is a ratings hit with positive feedback, then he’ll be back for a season, that is likely.”
Chris came under fire for a “weak apology” during his interview with Michael on Thursday.
The source explained: “Michael really delivered with his interview with Chris, and showed he could be independent and strong on this subject. “
But Chris did not seem to accept that he could be stepping down from hosting the hit ABC series permanently.
He said: “I plan to be back and I want to be back. This interview is not the finish line, there is much more work to be done and I am excited to be a part of that change.”
The 49-year-old TV personality also spoke on his recent controversy and apologized for his comments again.
“I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay,” he said.
“I didn’t speak from my heart, and that is to say I stand against all forms of racism and I am deeply sorry.
“I talked to Rachel, not since she deactivated her Instagram account, but I talked with Rachel initially, and I apologized and I want to do so again: I am incredibly sorry.
“To anyone who is throwing hate towards Rachel Lindsay, please stop. It is unacceptable.”
Rachael is currently competing to win over Matt James on the show.
Rachel said she accepted Chris’ apology so she could “move forward” with her life.
The Sun reached out to ABC for comment.
