Stepping Aside Was 'Right Decision' For Chris Harrison, Says Rachel Lindsay

Rachel Lindsay supports Chris Harrison's decision to step away from Bachelor Nation. Following the backlash from his Extra interview with Lindsay—where he defended current Bachelor contestant, Rachael Kirkconnell, after social media posts of her dressed up as a Native American person and attending an antebellum plantation-themed ball surfaced online—Harrison announced he would step down as host of both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette to "try to evolve and be a better man."

On Monday (February 15), Lindsay spoke with fellow Extra host Billy Bush about the situation. "Like [Harrison] said, he needs to take time to get educated and on a profound and productive level to use his word," she said. "And I think he needs to understand what was done, what was wrong, and what he said in that interview, and he needs time. He's stepped away to do that."

Though Harrison apologized to Lindsay—the first and only Black Bachelorette in the franchise's history —she told Bush she hasn't "fully accept" the apology yet because it came "after" he faced widespread public backlash for his comments. "I'm going to need that time and space and compassion that he referenced to really accept the apology, because [he wasn't] apologetic at first," she explained. "I'm not saying I can't get there, it's just, initially, it's a little tough for me."

Lindsay also took time during her conversation with Bush to explain that Harrison's defense of Kirkconnell is an example of implicit racism. "Because when you think of racism, you think explicit racism… you think wearing a white hood, you know? Saying things that are derogatory or offensive," she said. "That's explicit racism, but then there's implicit racism where you have these unconscious biases and stereotypes and misconceptions of certain groups, and that's what we were seeing in that interview, and I think it was a moment for people to recognize what was being said and to learn and grow from it, which is what we're seeing happen now with Chris."

As of now, it's unclear whether Harrison will be permanently replaced as host of The Bachelor. Matt James's season is currently airing. The next Bachelorette hasn't been announced yet, either.

Photo: Getty