Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay ‘in talks to host’ After The Final Rose as Chris Harrison ‘stepped way’ due to racism claims
THE Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay is "in talks to host" the upcoming After The Final Rose special.
Rachel may take on the role as longtime host Chris Harrison "stepped away" due to his racism claims.
, 49, is currently under fire after he defended current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell and her past actions, which included attending an .
Following backlash from fans and alumni from the show, apologized for his hurtful words and announced he was temporarily stepping away from the reality franchise.
He will also not host the upcoming After the Final Rose special, which will catch up with Matt James and the season's winner.
A source exclusively told The Sun: " will definitely not be at After The Final Rose.
"It will be highly unusual as he's not only the face of the special but one of the top producers as well.
"But he won't even be behind the camera."
The insider added: "There has not yet been a decision made of how it will be conducted or who will host it but a lot of fans want Rachel Lindsay.
"Execs know that makes the most sense so she's at the top of the list of people they want."
previously starred on in 2017 and made history as she show's first black leading lady.
When asked if names have been discussed as to who would replace Chris, The Sun was told: “They are not even close to the stage of making a shortlist of potential replacements.
"Obviously Rachel Lindsay’s name is being thrown around, but ABC won’t make a rash decision about this one, they’ll take their time. It’s a tough one."
The source concluded: "Chris is very beloved and the only host the show has had but it’s also a new world from when the show started and they know they need to make some kind of change.”
Another source spoke to about the possibility of having Rachel serve as the host of After The Final Rose, stating: “ABC and Warner Bros. have spoken to Rachel about the possibility of hosting the After the Final Rose special and they would like her to take on the role.
“She is still weighing the options and is pushing for After the Final Rose to include a bigger conversation about race overall in the franchise. No final decision has been made yet.”
Earlier this month, when photos resurfaced of her dressed up at a controversial "Old South" bash in 2018.
She is currently competing to win over , 29, on Season 25 of .
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During an interview with the former Bachelorette Rachel, asked fans to show “compassion” for the current contestant.
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He also claimed the racism problems were “okay” in 2018 but “not in 2021,” while adding he’s “not the woke police.”
The host's decision to take a break from the show came after viewers and to denounce his comments defending .
