Chris Harrison Confirms 'The Bachelor' Exit, Releases Statement

Chris Harrison is speaking out to confirm that he will be leaving The Bachelor franchise.

It was previously reported today that Chris would be getting a “mid-range eight-figure payoff and promise to keep his mouth shut” about the franchise’s secrets.

Chris stepped down from hosting the new seasons of The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise amid the controversy he caused when he defended The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell after photos surfaced of her participating in a slave plantation-themed fraternity formal.

In addition to Chris‘ statement, the news was also confirmed in a joint statement by Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment.

Click inside to read the statement that he released…

“I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of The Bachelor franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter,” Chris wrote on his Instagram account. “I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we’ve made together. While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”

The companies said, “Chris Harrison is stepping aside as host of The Bachelor franchise. We are thankful for his many contributions over the past 20 years and wish him all the best on his new journey.”

Find out who will reportedly be guest hosting Bachelor in Paradise this summer!