RACHAEL Kirkconnell is “mad” that The Bachelor host Chris Harrison spoke about her past behavior in a new interview, a source exclusively told The Sun.
The Bachelor frontrunner has been hit with allegations of “racist” actions, including her attendance at an “Old South” plantation party in 2018.
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Rachael Kirkconnell has not yet made a public statement
Chris Harrison has apologized for ‘perpetuating racism’
A source close to Rachael claimed she’s feeling “frustrated” and “overwhelmed” following host Chris Harrison’s interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, where he initially told fans to let the star speak out about the controversy herself.
He then apologized to the show’s viewers, and admitted he may have spoke out in a way that “perpetuates racism.”
The source told The Sun: “Rachael was not informed that Chris Harrison was going to do the Rachel Lindsay interview that talked about her, and wasn’t aware there’d be an apology issued from him about it.
“She’s very mad about that, and it’s made things even worse for her. The reaction has gotten so out of hand, she’s overwhelmed and has no idea how to handle this.
“No one from show production has reached out to help her.”
Rachael is feeling ‘overwhelmed’ by the scandal
The source explained that Rachael has wanted to publicly respond to fans about the claims, and apologize for her past actions –but the network put a stop to her plans.
The insider continued: “Rachael has wanted to speak out about everything that’s being said about her, but ABC won’t let her. They originally said they’ll allow her to release a statement if they approve it first.
“She wrote a long one and sent it in last week. They rejected it because it didn’t mention key things they wanted her to mention, including Matt James.
“Rachael wanted the focus to be on her as it’s her past mistakes and has nothing to do with Matt.”
The Sun has reached out to ABC for comment.
Screenshots have surfaced of Rachael ‘liking’ photos with a confederate flag
The social media scrutiny began when a viral TikTok video exposed old photos of Rachael, 24, attending an Old South fraternity party at her Georgia college in a traditional “plantation” dress.
The show frontrunner also appeared to wear a Native American costume, and “like” photos of confederate flags on social media.
Fans bashed her as “offensive” and “racist.”
Chris Harrison stood in to defend the contestant, as he spoke about the surfaced images in an interview.
The host, 49, issued a public apology for his words shortly following the discussion after angry fans took to social media to slam him for “defending” Rachael.
Rachael is getting serious with Matt James on the latest season of the show
Chris ‘defended’ Rachael in an interview
In a lengthy post he wrote: “To my Bachelor Nation family – I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology.
“I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed.
“While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf.”
“What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry,” he elaborated.
“I also apologize to my friend Rachel Lindsay for not listening to her better on a topic she has a first-hand understanding of, and humbly thank the members of Bachelor Nation who have reached out to me to hold me accountable. I promise to do better.”
Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay argued with Chris over the accusations
Many fans believe Rachael is the winner of the show
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