Embattled Bachelor host Chris Harrison‘s future may still be up in the air if a new report by spoiler king Reality Steve is any indication.
Steve claimed that several reports allege that After the Final Rose host Emmanual Acho may helm the upcoming season of The Bachelorette in Chris’s place.
The longtime host of The Bachelor stepped back from the franchise after defending a post by current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell where she dressed in Antebellum clothing for a fraternity party.
Also in the running could be Good Morning America host Michael Strahan, who interviewed Chris for the morning news series where he issued a formal apology for his statements.
Steve claimed that Michael might be the most unlikely of the two hosts, as he must remain in New York City to helm GMA alongside Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos five days a week. It would be difficult for him to commit to the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, which will reportedly film in New Mexico for six weeks.
Steve has also expressed doubts that Emmanuel would say yes to the gig. He hosts a daily sports show on FS1.
Steve said, “Emmanuel, your future is in sports, and you’re someone people listen to. For all that is good, stay as far away from this franchise as you can. Hosting ATFR, I’m all for that. But permanent host? No, you don’t need that headache.”
As for Chris Harrison’s return?
Steve claimed it would be “too soon” for Chris Harrison to return for the new season of The Bachelorette. However, he does not think Chris will exit the franchise forever.
He wrote, “Here we are exactly four weeks removed from Chris’ interview with Rachel Lindsay and not one person from the network, the production team or the franchise has spoken out about what Chris said, what the plan is moving forward, and how they are going to change. They’ve said nothing, embarrassing.”
Steve said that he believes the network is allowing extra time for the situation to rest and for Chris to continue to put in the personal work necessary for his return.
Chris’s temporary exit came after a series of statements he made to Rachel Lindsay during an interview for the television show Extra. Chris appeared to defend Kirkconnell’s actions by asking for “grace” and offering her an opportunity to speak on her behalf.
She would later do that in an Instagram post.
Chris maintains he has learned from his mistake
Chris apologized for his original defense of Kirkconnell on Instagram. He said he would always own a mistake when one was made, and he was there to extend a sincere apology to those he had offended.
He said he had an incredible platform to speak about love and instead took a stance on topics he should have been better-informed about.
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.