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FORMER Bachelor host Chris Harrison appeared on Good Morning America on March 4, and apologized for defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist social media posts.

The longtime host said "it was a mistake" to defend 's and said he is an "imperfect man".

Longtime Bachelor host Chris Harrison
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Longtime Bachelor host Chris HarrisonCredit: Getty Images - Getty

What did Chris Harrison say in his interview with GMA?

In his first interview since stepping down as host of The Bachelor,  on and said: "I am imperfect man, I made a mistake and I own that.

"I believe that mistake doesn't reflect who I am or what I stand for. I am committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise.

"And this is a franchise that has been a part of my life for the better part of 20 years and I love it," he said.

When asked by Strahan what was the reason why he thought Antebellum parties were fine to do in past years but not now, he responded: "There is none. Antebellum parties are not ok, past, present, future. Knowing what that represents is unacceptable."

In his first interview since stepping down as host of The Bachelor, Chris Harrison said 'it was a mistake' to defend contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's 'old south' photos
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In his first interview since stepping down as host of The Bachelor, Chris Harrison said 'it was a mistake' to defend contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's 'old south' photosCredit: GMA

And when asked about his interview with Rachel Lindsay, he said: "I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay.

"I can't believe I didn't speak against antebellum parties, what they stand for. I stand against all forms of racism, and I am deeply sorry to Rachel cand to the Black community."

He then claimed that he apologized to Lindsay and did so once more on the interview.

"To anyone who is throwing hate at Lindsay, please stop. It is unacceptable," he responded as Lindsay was forced to deactivate her Instagram due to the amount of hate she was getting from Bachelor Nation.

continued: "I am not a victim here, I made a mistake and I own that. Racism and oppression take serious work and I am committed to that work."

The controversy began when it was discovered that contestant had attended an in 2018.

The 24-year-old's past social media history was also put under scrutiny for her questionable posts.

The former Bachelor host told GMA he is ' am imperfect man, I made a mistake and I own that'
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The former Bachelor host told GMA he is ' am imperfect man, I made a mistake and I own that'Credit: GMA

As a result of the scandal, and "fix their problems" before bringing the show back.

During the March 2 episode of her podcast Higher Learning, the 35-year-old said: “I think that they should just stop until … they get the train back on the tracks.

“You’re gonna go into another season but you still have all these issues. How have you fixed them coming into a new season? You really haven’t.”

The TV star added that producers should "take a beat" before they continue with more episodes.

Will Chris Harrison return as host of The Bachelor?

When asked by GMA about his future plans, .

Nation. He said: "I plan to be back and I want to be back. And I think this franchise can be an important beacon of change.

"I know that change is felt, not just by me, but by many others. And we are excited and willing to do the work to show that progress.

";This interview is not the finish line. There is much more work to be done. And I am excited to be a part of that change."

Harrison said he plans to be back as The Bachelor host
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Harrison said he plans to be back as The Bachelor hostCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Who will host season 25's After the Final Rose?

, which is set to air Monday, March 15 at 10pm.

for the Philadelphia Eagles and is currently an analyst for Fox Sports 1.

He played college football at  and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

On Saturday, February 27, the former NFL player announced he accepted ABC’s rose and will be officiating ’ post-finale spinoff.

Emmanuel Acho
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Emmanuel AchoCredit: Instagram @emmanuelacho

He broke the news on Twitter, writing: “IT’S OFFICIAL: I’ve accepted the Rose & am honored to be hosting The Bachelor After the Final Rose this year. 

“It’s been a pivotal season & this episode will be one of the most storied shows in its history. Empathy is needed and change is coming. See y’all then!”

In a separate tweet, he called his new gig "life changing," while adding he "can’t wait!"

Dressed in a navy pinstripe suit, Acho brushed the rosebud close to his face as he struck a serious pose for the camera.

Emmanuel Acho is a former NFL player
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Emmanuel Acho is a former NFL playerCredit: Instagram @emmanuelacho

When is The Bachelor next on ABC and how can I watch it?

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8pm E.T on ABC.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

The next episode is on March 8, 2021. There are allegedly two episodes left of the series.

You can catch up with past episodes now on .

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