Chris Harrison says Bachelor departure was mutual despite tensions
The former host said leaving the franchise helped renew his interest in television as he developed The Vow for Fox Nation.
Chris Harrison said his departure from The Bachelor franchise was a mutual decision, despite tensions surrounding the split. Speaking on the November 4 episode of the Unplanned podcast, the former host said he had been negotiating a contract when he decided to leave.
Harrison, 55, stepped away in February 2021 following criticism of his defense of contestant Rachael Kirkconnell against racism allegations. He confirmed his departure several months afterward, ending a 19-year tenure as host.
Comparing the separation to a divorce, Harrison said the difficult ending did not mean leaving was the wrong decision. He described the change as beneficial to his personal relationships and said he initially wondered whether he would work in television or make another relationship show.
He credited his upcoming Fox Nation dating program, The Vow, with renewing his enthusiasm for creating television and reconnecting with viewers.
Harrison also addressed a cease-and-desist demand that Bachelor producer Warner Bros Television sent to Fox News Media and Lionsgate over roses used in promotional materials for The Vow. He suggested the company wanted to halt the new project and said he did not believe the effort would succeed.
