Colton Underwood isn’t being shy about his new man! Four months after coming out as gay, the 29-year-old former lead on ABC‘s hit series The Bachelor was spotted putting on a very visible public display of affection with a man later identified by media outlets as Jordan C. Brown. The duo was first photographed this week canoodling […]
The post Meet Colton Underwood’s Well-Connected New Boyfriend! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
Despite a contentious battle and hefty payout to Chris Harrison at the end of his tenure in the Bachelor franchise, he has been quiet for a while.
Many assumed that this is the result of an agreement to not make waves in the aftermath of this year’s controversies.
But according to a new report, Chris is actually spending a lot of time just … enjoying his life.
That doesn’t mean that he’s not interested in a television comeback, however.
An inside source spoke to Us Weekly about Chris Harrison’s current state of mind and his plans for the future.
“Chris Harrison is truly doing great,” the insider assured.
“He’s really enjoying this time with his kids,” the source added, “and growing his relationship with Lauren [Zima].”
“He lives a low-key life in Texas,” the insider continued.
The source detailed that this of course is “when he’s not taking trips or going on vacation.”
50-year-old Chris has two teenage children, 19-year-old Joshua and 17-year-old Taylor, both from his prior relationship with Gwen.
“He’s soaking in these moments of not working,” the insider shared.
“And,” the source added, Chris is “taking time for himself and his family.”
“He celebrated his 50th birthday last month,” the insider pointed out, “and recently celebrated his anniversary with Lauren.”
Chris began dating 33-year-old Lauren Zima in 2018.
“He sees this time as almost a new chapter of his life,” the source characterized.
“And,” the insider revealed, Chris “is figuring out what’s going to be his next best move.”
Chris has been the longtime host of the entire franchise, but stepped down in February.
Amidst Rachael Kirkconnell’s worrisome history related to racist social media posts, Chris went overboard in defending her.
Not only did he speak over others, he used red flag phrases like “woke mob” that showed fans that he wasn’t quite the man whom they had assumed him to be.
It wasn’t for another four months that Chris’ step down from the role became permanent.
He reached a massive, 8-figure settlement with ABC in exchange for going away quietly, though details on that arrangement are scarce.
Since then, ABC has used a rotating array of familiar faces as temporary hosts, presumably while contemplating a more permanent replacement.
While Chris stepping down and away from the show was appropriate at the time, even his critics know that he is not an evil man by any means.
As host, he should not be creating his own controversies while addressing existing ones.
At the same time, reports have made it clear that he did realize his mistake. 50 is not too old to learn to be better, after all.
Chris is reportedly not clinging to bitterness after his very public removal from the series.
“He still keeps in touch with some crew and former Bachelor and Bachelorette cast members,” the insider reported.
“Everyone who was close to him on the show really misses him,” the source added, “and wishes he [were] still part of the show.”
“He reads messages from fans and posts on social media,” the insider noted.
“Although he’s not the host anymore,” the source continued, “he still loves Bachelor Nation.”
“And,” the insider shared, Chris “isn’t one to hold any grudges, especially [with] the fans, after what went down.”
“He really misses them,” the source expressed.
“He isn’t watching Paradise,” the insider detailed. Similarly, Chris hinted that he did not watch The Bachelorette, either.
“But,” the source explained, “he comes across headlines and gets tagged and tweeted at on social media.”
“He’s for sure going to make a comeback in the near future,” the insider teased.
“And,” the source added, “will announce his return to TV once everything is set in stone.”
The insider explained: “He’s not ready to retire just yet.”
This week, it was finally confirmed that Chris Harrison is leaving the The Bachelor franchise.
What began as a temporary hiatus following his baffling defense of a star’s racist actions is now permanent.
But Chris didn’t immediately agree to go “quietly.”
Apparently, the veteran host was initially demanding an 8-figure payout, or he’d spill all of the dirt about the show.
According to a report by Page Six this week, Chris Harrison was initially trying to extract a $25 million payout.
He wanted a golden parachute in exchange for leaving the franchise.
And allegedly, Chris was counting on ABC being concerned about how much he knows about the show.
“He has nearly 20 years of dirt,” an insider in ABC revealed this week.
“Instead of handing them a rose,” the source quipped.
The insider continued: “He was absolutely ready to hand them a lawsuit detailing all the behind-the-scenes details.”
“Chris Harrison’s whole life was ‘The Bachelor,’” the source characterized.
“And,” the insider explained, “he didn’t want to let go.”
The 49-year-old has spent a solid chunk of his life as the face of the franchise — which was ultimately part of the problem.
“He still is really sad to leave,” the source revealed.
“And there have been very tough and very heated negotiations,” the insider added.
According to the source, these negotiations had been “going on for weeks.”
Apparently, ABC big wigs hoped that Chris would be “gone quickly and quietly.”
It was hoped that this gesture would help their public relations nightmare come to an end.
The franchise’s long history of racism goes much deeper than any one person, but Chris was front and center in the minds of fans.
According to a second network source, Chris’ outgoing clashes with ABC were more explosive than any on-screen finale.
“He knows a lot about inappropriate behavior on set,” the insider noted.
The source began a lengthy list.
“Fights between contestants,” the insider listed.
The source continued: “misbehavior including use of illegal substances while overseas.”
“And,” the insider added, “complaints from producers that were allegedly brushed under the carpet by ABC execs.”
“He was ready to tell the truth about how things really work over there,” the source reported.
“And,” the insider continued, “he has plenty of evidence to back him up.”
“Chris was making $5 million a season,” the source shared, “and wanted $25 million to go.”
Apparently, a settlement did eventually get ironed out between Chris and the network.
However, it’s believed that it wasn’t quite as high as the pie-in-the-sky $25 million that Chris wanted.
That didn’t stop Chris from using strongarm tactics.
Chris hired attorney Brian Freedman, a familiar name to many who follow entertainment news.
In fact, Freedman previously represented Laura Kaeppeler Fleiss.
She of course is the ex-wife of franchise creator and executive produce Mike Fleiss.
The Fleiss divorce was intensely bitter.
Following an alleged assault at one of the couple’s homes in Hawaii, the former Miss America accused the franchise creator fo domestic assault.
The complaint was withdrawn days later … and she reportedly received a $10 million settlement.
Additionally, Freedman represented Gabrielle Union during her dispute with NBC.
As we all remember well, Gabrielle complained of racism and a horribly toxic environment.
She was “let go” from her role as a judge. In September, that dispute was settled.
So by hiring Brian Freedman, Chris was sending the network a message.
He intended to win … and had plenty of ammunition in and out of court.
Per the second insider: “It was a bunch of emotionally charged men in a room who were not happy with each other at all.”
Alarmingly, the report also says that Chris Harrison somehow blames Good Morning America host Michael Strahan for his downfall, at least in part.
Strahan had a nuanced response to Chris’ initial apology earlier this year, questioning whether it was more than a “surface response.”
It seems that Chris took that personally.
“Chris was not happy with that Strahan interview and the way it went down,” the insider reported.
“He was not happy with Strahan’s comment at the end of the interview, that it was a ‘surface’ apology,” the source added.
“He felt angry and that Strahan made a bad situation even worse,” the insider conveyed.
“But in the end, it was Chris Harrison who made the decision to go on ‘GMA,’” the source noted.
“And,” the network insider added, “he should not have expected an easy ride just because ‘GMA’ is also an ABC show.”
Well, all of that is now in Chris’ past.
Chris Harrison is moving on.
The long-time Bachelor and Bachelorette host will NOT return to these beloved programs, not after he mishandled a race-based scandal this winter involving former contestant Rachael Kirkconnell.
He will reportedly receive $50 million for walking away, provided he signs a non-disclosure agreement.
So while some viewers may be sad to see Harrison go, the guy is making out just fine.
He’s likely guffawing all the way to the bank.
As for how those who have worked closely with Harrison feel about his departure?
We’ve collected their tributes and their reactions to his departure below.
Rachel Lindsay is not about to do any victory laps.
She knows better than that.
But the first-ever Black Bachelorette, who has become a leading critic of this franchise ever since her run concluded, had to say something about Chris Harrison, you …
Chris Harrison is moving in.
A few hours after Deadline reported that Harrison and ABC had decided to part ways for good, the polarizing host has confirmed the somewhat surprising news.
Yes, it’s true.
He will not return ever again as host of T…
Rachel Lindsay got candid about how her season of The Bachelorette influenced her being labeled as the “angry Black female” — and it involves disgraced host, Chris Harrison. While on The View, the former leading lady weighed in on the recent fight between Luann de Lesseps and Eboni Williams on Real Housewives of New York. […]
The post Rachel Lindsay Says ‘Angry Black Female’ Label ‘Still Follows’ Her In <i>Bachelor</i> Nation After Past Incident With Chris Harrison appeared first on Perez Hilton.
Based on what we’re now hearing about Chris Harrison, the previously-unthinkable may soon prove to be a reality.
A very harsh reality for a handful of ABC viewers.
The popular host of The Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise and The Bachelorette volunt…
Bring on the new talent… Chris Harrison‘s future with the Bachelor franchise is still uncertain, but now we’re at least getting one piece of news regarding the embattled longtime reality TV host: he’s OUT at the helm of Bachelor in Paradise. Related: The Bachelorette Australia Casts First Openly Bisexual Lead! You Seeing This, Chris?! According to a […]
The post Chris Harrison Is Officially OUT On <i>Bachelor In Paradise</i> — To Be Replaced By THIS GUY?! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
We have more than a month to go before Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette premieres.
But with filming having wrapped, news from production is leaking all over the place.
Some producers don’t miss Chris Harrison, but others clearly do.
And it’s rumored that there have been deliberate efforts to sabotage Katie’s season to get Chris back.
Before we get into an eyebrow-raising rumor about this season, let’s deal with the facts.
Multiple sources within production have spoken to E! News about how things are on set.
Notably, this season does not have Chris Harrison on it … and it’s a bit of an adjustment.
One production source says that, at least among some, Chris’ presence has been “missed.”
This is because “the guys always go to him for advice,” the insider explains.
The source continued: “And view him as a wise older guy, and the ladies go to him as a father figure.”
While we’d love to pick apart why that inside source separated Chris’ production groupies by gender, we’ll go on.
The insider lamented that there was not the same dynamic with hosts Tayshia and Kaitlyn.
Interestingly, the source shares that Chris was was considered to be “the mediator and voice of reason on set.”
A second insider shares: “The guys didn’t feel like they could necessarily could vent [or] have therapy sessions with Tayshia or Kaitlyn.”
“It’s easy with Chris,” the source reasons, “because he knows the drill and the process.”
As a result, filming had “a different vibe” this season, the second insider notes.
Apparently, part of this had to do with the gender dynamics of all male contestants with a pair of women as hosts.
“It was a lot of female energy in one bubble,” the second source characterizes.
“And,” this insider continues, it was then “hard for Katie to have the full spotlight.”
According to that source, part of the dynamic was that Kaitlyn and Tayshia “have extremely outgoing personalities.”
That is generally considered an asset for hosts or interviewers.
But it sounds like production is saying that Katie was upstaged.
A third insider says that Chris wasn’t necessarily missed.
That source does acknowledge that “the dynamic was different” for this season.
“It was a little hard to put all the focus on Katie when Kaitlyn and Tayshia were there,” the insider explains.
“It wasn’t necessarily competitive,” the source clarifies.
“But,” the insider continues, “it was a really different vibe.”
And apparently part of the different vibe was that they were just, well, too fun and too pretty.
“They’re very attractive and fun and familiar to the franchise,” the source explains.
“So,” the insider details, “it kind of distracted from Katie being the only desirable woman there.”
It should be interesting to watch that play out on screen!
“Chris is not expected at Paradise,” the third source continues.
“It’s not been mentioned at this point,” the insider says.
“But,” the source adds, “everyone knows he wants to return.”
The Bachelorette premieres on June 7.
Bachelor in Paradise premieres this summer, on August 16.
It will be interesting to see how much of this “new vibe” impacts the shows.
In contrast, it seems that at least some of that may have been production expressing their opinions.
It’s not every day that people, even those in the entertainment industry, get to leak “info” as a way to just complain about their jobs.
Clearly, Chris has some loyalists among producers who think that he is vital to the franchise, while others just see this as a change.
Which leads us directly into an uncomfirmed report from a nonetheless reputable blog.
The Instagram blog @deuxmoi released a screenshot of a direct message, shared anonymously.
In it, someone — allegedly an insider — claimed that producers were deliberately making Katie and her season look worse.
According to this unconfirmed screenshot, the show was ready to welcome Chris back after his brief hiatus.
Apparently, Katie did not sign off on it.
What’s more, she allegedly took to Twitter to unilaterally announce that Chris was not returning.
This reportedly was a surprise to production and to Chris himself.
After this, more and more voices from within the Bachelor Fam spoke about their misgivings about Chris.
This has had production wondering when, if ever, they could bring Chris back to the show.
This isn’t just about Katie, as multiple contestants and leads have spoken privately and publicly about this.
They do not want Chris back for Bachelor in Paradise or for Michelle’s season.
The alleged insider says that all of this explains his high powered attorney, and predicts that he will never return.
That could be true, and we’re inclined to believe that the person sending it is a genuine insider.
But we all know how rumors and discussions at work can go. A genuine producer believing it does not make it true.
That said … if production is sabotaging Katie’s season because she took a positive moral stand, that’s not good.
Ultimately, we would all like to see Chris Harrison “put in the work” and actively become a better person.
But no one is entitled to host a major reality TV franchise, even after a hiatus of any length.
At the end of the day, Chris caused a major controversy that a host in his position
Chris Harrison has said a lot ever since announcing his leave from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.
But now it sounds like the host is set to let someone else do the talking.
And it may mean we’re in for a rather ugly situation moving forward.
…
Chris Harrison is covering all of his bases, so at least it appears as though he can be prepared regardless of where the future goes within the longstanding Bachelor franchise. And in this case, as of Friday, this means the embattled (former?) host has hired a lawyer to represent him in the wake of his major […]
The post Embattled <i>Bachelor</i> Host Chris Harrison Lawyers Up Amid The Show’s Ongoing Racism Controversy appeared first on Perez Hilton.
So much happened during Matt James’ After the Final Rose special on Monday that it can be easy to forget the episode ended with one of the biggest announcements in the history of the franchise.
For the first time in nearly 20 years of The Bachelor …
Is there trouble surrounding reigning Bachelorette Tayshia Adams‘ relationship with fiancé Zac Clark?? For the past few days, seemingly random and unsourced rumors have been floating around social media that the pair — who initially got together on the most recent season of the show after replacing Clare Crawley when she ran off with Dale Moss — had broken […]
The post Reigning <i>Bachelorette</i> Tayshia Adams Addresses The Zac Clark Breakup Rumors! appeared first on Perez Hilton.
Wow.
So much for a slap on Chris Harrison’s wrist.
About one month after the long-time host of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette announced that he would step away from the franchise — due to some racially-insensitive comments he made in response…
The Chris Harrison Apology Tour hit its pinnacle on Thursday.
Or its nadir, depending on how you look at it.
The disgraced host of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette spoke at length on Good Morning America to Michael Strahan, owning up immediately…
