The upcoming season of Bachelor In Paradise is set to feature rotating guest hosts after Chris Harrison’s confirmed exit from the franchise following 19 years.
Deadline reported that Lil Jon, Lance Bass, Tituss Burgess, and David Spade will be among the carousel of personalities leading favorite Bachelor nation singles on a journey to find love. Production kicked off in Mexico this week.
The news comes just one day after the outlet reported that longtime host Harrison would no longer be a part of the franchise, after previously announcing he would be ‘stepping aside for a period of time,’ due to racial controversy.
Fresh start: The upcoming season of Bachelor In Paradise is set to feature a rotation of guest hosts including Lil Jon and Lance Bass after Chris Harrison’s confirmed exit
He will be there too: Also in the mix is Tituss Burgess, seen here in NYC in 2019
Though the rapper, former NSYNC member, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star may seem unlikely choices for the hit ABC show, the franchise is hoping to bring new energy and perhaps entice an expanded audience to tune in.
And though Harrison has hosted the Bachelor, Bachelorette, and the paradise-themed spin off since 2002, he has officially been ousted as of June 8 and is reportedly set to get an ‘eight-figure payoff.’
Insiders claimed that he demanded a $25M pay out or threatened to release 19 years of behind-the-scenes secrets.
Harrison posted a farewell message to Instagram on Tuesday in which he spoke about his era.
‘I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of The Bachelor franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter,’ he began. ‘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.’
Exit plan: Though Harrison has hosted the Bachelor, Bachelorette, and the paradise-themed spin off since 2002, he has officially been ousted as of June 8 and is reportedly set to get an ‘eight-figure payoff’
Farewell message: He posted a farewell message to Instagram on Tuesday in which he spoke about his ‘incredible run’ as host
He received supportive comments from past contestants Jojo Fletcher, Ashley Iaconetti, Arie Luyendyk, current Bachelorette co-host Kaitlyn Bristowe, Colton Underwood, Nick Viall and Peter Weber, among others.
Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment also confirmed his exit in a statement: ‘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,’ it read.
Months ago, Harrison landed in hot water after he seemed to absolve former Bachelor contestant and Matt James’ season winner, Rachael Kirkconnell from problematic behavior that came to light.
Photos of the Georgia native at a plantation-themed fraternity party went viral on social media, and Harrison seemed to diminish the offensive nature of the situation in speaking with first Black bachelorette Rachel Lindsay on Extra TV.
‘I saw a picture of her at a sorority party five years ago and that’s it,’ he said, prompting Lindsay to say that it ‘wasn’t a good look.’
Backlash: Harrison landed in hot water after he seemed to absolve former Bachelor contestant and Matt James’ season winner, Kirkconnell from past problematic behavior that came to light
He replied, ‘Well, Rachel, is it a good look in 2018? Or, is it not a good look in 2021? Because there’s a big difference,’ adding, ‘I am not the woke police.’
Following outrage over his remarks, Harrison issued an apology on social media in which he said he was ‘deeply remorseful,’ while acknowledging his ‘ignorance,’ calling himself ‘uniformed’ and ‘so wrong.’
He ultimately said, ‘To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time.’
Kirkconnell also spoke out about her past behavior following Harrison’s statement, saying in an excerpt: ‘I didn’t recognize how offensive and racist my actions were but that doesn’t excuse them…I was ignorant but my ignorance was racist.’
He was replaced by former NFL player and author Emmanuel Acho for the After The Final Rose special in the interim.
The current season of The Bachelorette starring Katie Thurston kicked off on June 7 and features Bristowe and previous Bachelorette Tayshia Adams as co-hosts.
The current Bachelorette: The current season kicked off on June 7 and stars Katie with previous alums Bristowe and Adams as co-hosts