JUST IN: Chris Harrison Officially Leaving Bachelor Franchise Following Show’s Racism Scandal

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Chris Harrison is exiting The Bachelor franchise for good following his indefinite hiatus from the series.

In February, Harrison came under fire when he defended Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s decision to attend an Old South plantation-themed party in 2018.

During an Extra TV interview with the first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, Harrison said Kirkconnell was a victim of “cancel culture” and suggested that her attendance at the party looks worse through a 2021 lens. The host later apologized for “wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism,” and announced he would step aside from the franchise for a “period of time.”

Deadline broke the news on Tuesday that Harrison – who’s hosted The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and all their spinoffs since 2002 – will receive an eight-figure payoff to officially leave the franchise.

According to the Hollywood trade, there’s “no romance in the air behind the scenes” when it comes to Harrison’s departure, and part of his payoff includes a “promise to keep his mouth shut.” However, “the usual platitudes are expected to be exchanged for public consumption” when the agreement is made public by Harrison and ABC, reported Deadline.

Franchise alums Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe have replaced Harrison as hosts of The Bachelorette’s current 17th season, which premiered on Monday. Meanwhile, a rotating lineup of celebrity guests — including David Spade — will host Bachelor in Paradise in August.