After weeks of criticism for racism leading to his step down, Chris Harrison will be replaced as host in the season finale by Emmanuel Acho.
Acho is a former NFL linebacker and FOX Sports Analyst who has a widely known book and online series called Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man.
"It's both an honor and privilege to be hosting After the Final Rose.'This is an incredibly pivotal episode on one of the most storied shows in television history," Acho said in a statement.
He will host the anticipated night that airs on Monday, March 15 following the season finale of The Bachelor. Acho will talk with the three final women, Rachel Kirkconnell, Michelle Young and Bri Springs to discuss the all of the controversy and racism of Rachels past actions.
Acho continued in an Instagram post accepting the position, "I've accepted the Rose and am honored to be hosting the @bachelorabc After the Final Rose this year. It's been a pivotal season, and this episode will hopefully be one of the most storied shows in TV history. Empathy is needed and change is coming. Share the news! I'll see y'all then!"
In efforts to show people who Acho is, he wrote a little "about me" to get Bachelor nation ready for his arrival.
"Lastly, I love being a bridge for reconciliation. Our world is disconnected & divided, my goal is to unify," Acho said.
The controversy began when photos of Rachel Kirkconnell surfaced the internet. They pictured her at an Old South plantation-themed party fraternity party. It got a lot of heat, bringing it up in an interview with Extra anchor Rachel Lindsay who asked Chris Harrison about the matter. Harrison defended Kirkconnell causing outrage across the nation leading to his temporary step-down in hosting the rest of this season.
Kirkconnell and Matt James, the current bachelor, have spoken out since then about the issue along with many other Bachelor alum.
James put in an instagram story on Feb. 12th "I am beyond grateful to have Rachel as a mentor during this season, your advocacy of BIPOC people in the franchise is invaluable, I stand with you and the rest of the women advocating for change and accountability."
A new episode of The Bachelor airs Mondays on ABC at 8pm ET.
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