Mike Johnson on Chris Harrison Controversy, Whether Bachelor Matt James Should Speak Out, and More

“Extra’s” Rachel Lindsay sat down with Mike Johnson on Zoom to talk about the controversy surrounding Chris Harrison’s recent comments to Lindsay about current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. Mike addressed whether he thinks Harrison should be removed from the show and if the current Bachelor Matt James should speak out.
Rachel and Mike also discussed Monday night’s episode of “The Bachelor” and more.

[@fr0zenintimeee]

i'm still mad he was never the bachelor. he would've been amazing

[@katehoctor9222]

I will die on that hill!

[@catrightmeow]

There’s still hope!

[@Christina_Bodmer]

I like him better than Matt!

[@cassie4965]

Meee tooo

[@bkopgamer]

Same. If Mike was bachelor then he would absolutely take no prisoners meaning that he would see through the BS.

[@sharifa2662]

I will never get over that they passed over Mike as the Bachelor...

[@beckydiaz365]

Girl me too! 😫

[@JulieDiana1992]

For Peter . Barf

[@bkopgamer]

@@JulieDiana1992 Mike wouldn’t have dealt with all of the BS.

[@pikaboooo01]

He has a gf

[@IheartMayMay]

Yasssssss. 👏🏽🙌🏽👏🏽 still salty about that

[@cassie4965]

YUP 100% thats why they didn't give it to Mike, he can't be controlled, he's outspoken and a respectful king

[@lisalively4332]

When she said that I was thinking and your Not? To Rachel..

[@bigplay0840]

imagine being so soft that chris harrison from the bachelor bothers you

[@JC-tr8pc]

Mike is EVERYTHING. How on earth has he not been the bachelor yet???

[@biancamichelle11]

Bachelor Nation wanted another white bachelor. Then all the protests happened in the summer, so they got Matt afterwards, a half white/black bachelor as a token so they wouldn’t get “canceled.” They did it for the wrong reasons and now it’s showing. Mike was it and they couldn’t see that because of their white supremacy. That’s how.

[@alw87642]

@@biancamichelle11 YUP. Everyone wanted Mike before Peter’s season, and before Matt’s as well. Mike can’t be silenced or manipulated, and that’s why they picked someone else.

[@bkopgamer]

@@biancamichelle11 blame it on the producers of the show.

[@djbrad474]

Because he had a gf at the time!

[@anonymousanonymous-qx7mv]

Boring guy

[@beckydiaz365]

Matt wasn’t even a contestant lol just Tyler C friend lol Man I was rooting for Big Mike as Bachelor !!!ughhhhh

[@alexandrareid4100]

That's how it used to be, but now people are used to this format of past contestants becoming a lead

[@jigiw]

so true Mike is final 5 to Annah bachelorette seasson and go to paradise date 3 girls to paradise (caelyne,angela,sydney, go to kristal wedding) he knows all to this date show and have big experience with the lead (2 dates with hannah brown)and problematic person like ''luke P''...and Matt is Tyler C BFF never come to the show and they have audacity to cancel him to ''Clare seasson and put him bachelor'' they do what they want to this franchise?

[@firstaidnature]

I'm still hoping that he becomes the next bachelor after the next bachelorette season. 🤞🏽

[@missychelle33]

They have literally passed over him multiple times now

[@carsonclark7076]

everyone wanted mike...and we got matt 🥴

[@pechaa]

It’s worse than that - we got Peter instead of Mike! Matt’s was the following bachelor season.

[@ChristianMoseby]

The biggest letdown 😭😭😭

[@slycat2355]

They could have kept Matt!

[@carsonclark7076]

@@pechaa i literally try to forget about Peters season

[@aminah1993]

BYEE

[@jessicadiaz4215]

I remember people where cheering for Mike or Tyler for bachelor and then we got Peter 😂😂. Like why you do that!!!

[@BklyNYC]

Why wasn’t Mike the bachelor? And I know I’m repeating others comments. But it cannot be said enough.

[@madeleinbronner3943]

Wasn’t he dating Demi Lovato

[@JosyvinsThelusmamusic]

he talks too much (in bachelor nation terms) he’s too unafraid to speak out against the producers

[@pikaboooo01]

He has a gf

[@ashleyluna4290]

They said he wasn't "emotional" enough when he saw Hannah in paradise. And that's part of what they were looking for. But that's stupid because Mike was saying he wanted her to be happy and was hoping for the best for her. Shouldn't any good person with good intentions not be bitter and want the best for their ex if they parted ways amicably? 🤔🤷. They should've picked him

[@teamo4105]

He was too black. Period. They learned from Rachel Lindsay, they did not want another outspoken black lead. All the other excuses that people always cite seem to never matter when they are picking white leads. Mike has stated several times he was single and wanted the role but producers consistently did not pick him.

[@hillarygmclean]

HE should have been the bachelor 😭

[@kellyramirez6872]

I ageeeee! He is handsome and well spoken!

[@olivergarrick672]

I'm saying

[@biscuitandme4119]

Maybe he didn't want to be!!!

[@Annahbri]

Exactly

[@shirleytrenche7852]

I mean this in the nicest way but... We wanted Peter Krause, they gave us Peter Weber. We want Mike Johnson, they gave us Matt James. It’s like what you ordered online vs what you get.

[@queenellie3455]

😂😂

[@lilianab4756]

Love this comment 🙂 so true!!

[@thumperkc]

True! 😂

[@sandrarichardson761]

😀😄😄😁😆😅🤣😂👌🏾💯

[@alexiamua8286]

No.. we wanted Peter Kraus and we got Arie. We wanted Mike Johnson and the gave us Peter Weber. Don’t compare Matt and Mike just because they are black.

[@audreyfastuca5960]

Mike saying to his hypothetical girlfriend "baby, you gotta stand on this," probably made millions swoon

[@crystalann3766]

I hated how Matt would be so touchy even when he was speaking to them to send them home....like squeezing their thigh and breaking up with them. Boy don't put your hand on me when you're breaking up with me

[@lisalively4332]

I noticed that too..the time to touch has been broken at that point.

[@luckyjasonfan]

Yup!!

[@video198712]

Mike Johnson should have been the bachelor and not Matt James.

[@yvettetorres7829]

Aww, we love Mike. I pray he finds a wonderful and good hearted woman who will love him. Thank you both for this important conversation. Much love to all.

[@patriciadelver1180]

Why is Mike so gorgeous?

[@djbrad474]

I think Matt is better looking

[@anonymousanonymous-qx7mv]

Hes not

[@talulaht9599]

He really is

[@christinemichele2318]

He is and he dresses well too ♥️

[@HeatherLynseyMusic]

He didn’t show much interest in Abigail compared to some of the other women after the first impression which is sad :/

[@yolandapaulino5952]

I sadly think he probably gave her the first impression rose as a pity rose 🌹 and kept her around to not seem like the bad guy

[@stardustmelody2709]

They didn’t have chemistry.

[@HeatherLynseyMusic]

Stardust Melody Yeah I think you’re right!

[@brittwoods]

Gosh, this man is so eloquent. So well spoken. And completely unapologetic. He made so great points and I wish him the best in life. Someone please snag this one up.

[@judithmais3406]

Indeed if Matt chose Racheal then l am choosing Michelle for him, Michelle is a pure gem and treasure, Matt will have many days to bury his regrets.

[@Tasiaevansss]

I felt that way until I saw him on BIP. It would’ve been another Matt or worse

[@dreamwolf3218]

While I still don't understand why Peter was chosen over Mike when we were BEGGING for Mike, but why was Matt James chosen over Mike? I get that they made a knee-jerk decision because Bachelor Nation was demanding a black Bachelor... so why didn't they pick Mike?

[@t.b.4577]

He's "too black" (he's out spoken and they can't control him). Matt is mixed but he is the "safe" black guy that fits the white guy mold. He grew up in a white household and his closest friends are white. Mike is a black man who grew up in a black home/ friends are black. In the bachelor franchise eyes that's too much. They can't trust that he will do what they want him to. The black community knew exactly why they didn't make him the bachelor. We can see through a brick wall.

[@chloes.8026]

He didn't come across well in BIP, he talks seriously but he's awkward about approaching women.

[@lisalively4332]

Back around then he was rumoured to be dating...Not sure if it was true or not.

[@johnnythunder196]

too ghetto & unpredictable

[@t.b.4577]

@@johnnythunder196 what makes him ghetto? Please explain.

[@n4musica]

As a kid growing up watching the bachelor with my mom and aunties, I would always hear them say “There’s no point... They never choose the black girl/guy.” The fact that that statement followed true in other reality shows stuck with me in the back of my head. I’m just now at 27 starting to realize how that has built insecurity in me and I’m working to undo that narrative in subconscious. But not so many kids will or have been able to recognize it and slowly it will poison them against themselves. I’m glad there’s more diversity, I’m glad contestants of color are speaking up, I’m glad we have people like Rachel, but the franchise has a LONG way to go.

[@balancedlibra1792]

Great interview Rachel with Mike! Mike is one of the realest in BN👏🏽👏🏽👍🏼❤

[@bkopgamer]

Same which is why he should have been the bachelor instead of that awful Peter Weber. Mike is more of a man should be. Peter isn’t a man.

[@savannahgonzales5596]

still upset they overlooked him.

[@justynamelnyk6293]

He thanks her for every question what a gentlemen 🥺

[@taylor7454]

Unpop Opinion: Abigail was never a good fit for Matt. We never really saw them flirting again and did he really ever use their "signal?" C'mon, it was her backstory that made everyone like her. I, too, thought she was a great girl but great for this show, this bachelor? No. I want everyone to be honest about why the hell they are so shocked she went home. Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk.

[@littlekitty4473]

People apparently missed Mike's Bachelor in Paradise. That was his rehearsal for being the bachelor. He was shy and held back from putting the move on the girls, including Tayshia. He was so uninterested in romance on the beach. He can talk seriously but just not a talker. But his too cute smile does pull you in. Maybe later.

[@lisalively4332]

Ya bip made me realize maybe he wouldn't be a great Bachelor after All.. but after seeing Matt don't see him as being any better than him..annnd Mike is cuter.😉

[@TheWinterShadow]

In the thumb, I thought he was Jake from State Farm.

[@StarinthewingsNews]

He gets that often, apparently...many on social media have asked if they're bros, lol!

[@thumperkc]

When I saw Jake from State Farm in a commercial, I thought it was Mike! 🤣 Twins

[@rialequay1787]

He was him for Halloween

[@andreathomas6862]

Haha true

[@kathypaulsen3942]

I love Mike’s wisdom! Very open minded and willing to forgive those who made a mistake and give them a chance to grow and change! I agree with him to cancel the cancel culture. If anyone makes a mistake these days, there’s always a crowd ready to fire them from their job. Let the public watch them change and grow!

[@rehoot1973]

Mike is the best! He should have been Bachelor!!!

[@HighlightsTHT]

Matt is not speaking out because he chose Rachel and now doesn't know what to do.

[@mumbichisha8461]

His stuck btwn a rock and a hard place

[@aprilrae6551]

Yes he was hoping to get new followers. Now I'm not so sure he will get any.

[@judithmais3406]

If he pick Rachael KK, then he needs to stick by her and learn to love a Racist, especially if she is willing to change, if she not ready to change this will bring conflicts in their relationship with her family and friends, if they too show racist behavior, just think of Harry and Meghan, Even as Royal faced racism, in magazines, media and even at family gatherings.

[@evamoss5513]

@@judithmais3406 this is literally the most stupid comment ever. what sense does it make? if she is racist she has to focus on herself outside of any relationship. furthermore. he's black. why would he date a person with a prejudice against him.

[@allisonbarton4984]

He is so incredibly polite. Every good question, he says “thank you.”

[@DamnitLexi]

The two REALEST in Bachelor Nation

[@alexise.7494]

I think Mike was edited to be boring on paradise so viewers can stop asking for him to be the bachelor. I think they didnt want to choose Mike because he is fully black and is outspoken. And if something went down they know they couldnt control him. Can you imagine what he would have said to Victoria this season after her outrageous behavior? And i think the producers let the crazy continue for so long because Matt is boring. He doesnt seem to like this women, has no swagger and doesnt seem to have much to say. Unless he is correcting a wrong. Honestly I think Matt is one of the most boring bachelors theyve had on the show.

[@nicolehernandez11]

Mike could start his own KZbin version of the bachelor and I would watch it. 😩

[@thumperkc]

Hosted by Rachel. 😍 I want this to happen so bad now, lol.

[@nicolehernandez11]

@@thumperkc right!

[@vickystokes8626]

I would've so loved seeing mike as the bachelor!

[@sidneystone2147]

This guy definitely should have been the bachelor. HANDS DOWN. Matt just isn't it...at all.

[@57andstillkicking]

Mike has a real mean streak that came out during The Bachelorette. That might be why he wasn’t chosen.

[@emmat3691]

No need to put down one to raise up the other

[@rachaelmends3582]

@@57andstillkicking he also has a gf rn (and I think during filming)

[@olivergarrick672]

I'm saying matt is the worse.

[@thequeen3834]

I feel like we’re almost done with the season and we still don’t know much about Matt..

[@Jheavenly95]

Mike should’ve been the Bachelor!

[@claudiag2378]

Mike needs to be the BACHELOR!!!!!

[@rubyv7231]

Mike is so handsome, well spoken, and has such an amazing personality. Really wish he was chosen as the bachelor 😒

[@GabbyTeAma]

I love these two. The realest people that ever went on this franchise. I hope she has him as a guest again. It’s so fun to watch them and their friendship :)

[@JHL168]

I need to say it, Mike Johnson was passed over for the Bachelor because he is not half white like Matt James! No disrespect to Matt but Mike should have been this season’s Bachelor if they sincerely wanted to bring change into Bachelor franchise!

[@bryanh5701]

He was passed over because of his hot temper

[@apriljohnson2441]

I was just thinking that 💯 I believe that. The claim was he hot tempered 🙄 yet they have had more drama mean toxic woman this season. It excuses to justify what is hidden in in plain sight.

[@jwatk7991]

When I glanced I thought this was “Jake from State Farm” LOL!

[@sandrarichardson761]

Lol...they do look like twins 😀😃😁😁😆

[@MayaMondays]

I almost spit out my drink 😂😂

[@bimini3251]

they’re both fine as hell 😅

[@jakewaldman6243]

You mean 2020 Jake from State Farm?

[@pimsleur1036]

🤣🤣 You ain't wrong!!

[@plcumming]

If I weren’t already married, I would marry this MAN!!! I love my husband, but Mike is beautiful-inside and out... and intelligent... and empathetic... and and and. He doesn’t need to be the bachelor... as he said, God has a bigger plan

[@nyaj754]

I hope your husband is not reading this lol 😂 but I feel you!

[@crystalann3766]

We wont see them address anything until it benefits them. Like how they used Rachel to talk about racism a couple seasons back on the Final rose. We can't expect these people to acknowledge their words when they don't think they're in the wrong. At that point they'd be apologizing to save face not because they are acknowledging their mistakes, amd at that I would rather them shut up educate themselves on their privileges and then come apologize when you actually see what you did/said was wrong not because you're worried about a paycheck. I'm so exhausted from all these "apologies" from bachelor nation just to make sure they can still get a check or save sponsorships.

[@jwatk7991]

Matt gave Abigail a sympathy rose vs first impression rose. My opinion. He’s such a dud.

[@jennterry6977]

That's what I think too.

[@samcarosella1380]

Agreed. Doesn’t make any sense how he was so attracted to her at first but then didn’t even give her a one on one. How?? I’ve never seen that before. His reasoning cause he was most comfortable with her and wanted to explore his options... which is a cop out and must have really hurt her. He was probably told my producers to do it because of her disability. It’s all for the views and “praise” they would get from it

[@Isogotit]

Totally agree

[@yolandapaulino5952]

Same and kept her around to not seem like a bad guy which just made it more hurtful since people can sense when they’re not wanted

[@LynnFingerhut]

Abigail is exceptionally beautiful and has a kind spirit. I think it was legit interest. Then he got distracted. Lame.

[@J.jewell]

I do think it’ll be between Rachael and Bri but I feel like he’s gonna choose Rachael

[@olivergarrick672]

It way obviously he pick her.

[@Donnablife]

No one said to be perfect but being caring and kind is perfect great job guys 🙏🏽

[@kpbrown2128]

This interview makes me like Mike Johnson even more! His podcast with Brian has been really good too! I wish him the best! ❤️

[@annieliebert]

Yeah, but are we supposed to believe that Rachael wrote that apology herself? Actions will speak louder than a forced statement written by some PR firm or whoever.

[@whitneynicole5655]

I could never be with someone who I knew had those perspectives . People want to believe people change and they can but it's also very rare. She waited 6 weeks and how would It look for me to be with a white man who I knew disrespected my history and people. That's a dangerous slope so I disagreed with Mike there not everything can be worked through.

[@andreazwecker1457]

Why does this have to always blow up and now Chris is stepping down for giving someone grave everyone in life makes mistakes she apologized let it go. But Rachel never does

[@lisaagee1948]

My whole entire issues is that Rachel continually keeps herself in the public eye on every show. She has searched out and wants self fame! Traditions s in the south are just that! Why is she keep trying to get Chris Harrison fired! LET IT GO RACHEL! NOT one time during the entire airing of all the seasons has Chris not treated her and anyone in the seasons treated them different. It appears Rachel is viying for the job. She has lied several times since all this has happened.

[@lll2910]

@@lisaagee1948 Traditions in the south are just that?... Celebrating the enslavement of blacks is not something that should be condoned or something that should ever be celebrated. The fact that you don’t see a problem with it & think that you can tell black people to get over is very telling. Please reflect cause your ignorance is showing.

[@lll2910]

@@andreazwecker1457 She apologized only because Chris was in hot waters and because of the backlash. The moment you choose to apologize only because you want to appease the public is the moment it becomes insincere. The fact that she chose not to say anything for over six weeks is a problem. The fact that Chris felt that people should be more understanding of what she was going through but chose to not hear or see where Rachel Lindsay/ black viewers were coming from is a problem. Everyone does make mistakes and everyone should also be held accountable. Far too often when a white person is racist , uses a racial slur they get a slap on the wrist. That has to stop. No one is saying that Chris should be canceled., but he needs to definitely be held accountable . Same goes for Rachel Kirkconell. Stepping down doesn’t fix the problem. Having uncomfortable conversations, figuring out a way to reprogram and unlearn what they have been taught is the only way that Chris/ Rachel K can move forward. You got to do the work . An apology is not enough especially when it’s given to save face. Stop asking for people to let it go when we remain in a society that continues to perpetuate racism.

[@foxgirl9157]

Mike you are such a great person, hope to see you on the Bachelor soon.

[@karisstewart6266]

I just want Michelle to be the bachelorette soooo bad!!! She would be the best lead!!!!

[@hh_fj__9992]

No

[@Mlanepeoples]

It appears that Matt can be controlled and can toggle from one world to another.

[@tonibrooks9719]

I wasn’t shocked that they didn’t address the controversy with Chris Harrison. It’s actually weird watching Matt and Rachel’s connection on the show. I feel like I’m going to be scrutinizing everything during their hometown. I actually wish I didn’t know the backstory of Rachel because now it has become uncomfortable to watch. I do appreciate the apology she made, but it really is awkward now.

[@emilyviolet101]

I feel the same way!!

[@vanessageorge2027]

Me too i wish i did not hear the story of Rachel k, because im so uncomfortable watching she and Matt right now on the rest of epesode, im just really uncomfortable, i might just dont watch the rest of the show because we all ready know whats up

[@tonibrooks9719]

@@vanessageorge2027 Exactly. I totally agree.

[@aprilrae6551]

I wonder if the viewers increased with the Rachel K controversy? Or if it turned viewers off and they stopped watching?

[@-Lily7415]

Rachel L said it can’t end at a statement from Rachel K ?? Why not?? She is not a celebrity She is no Chris Harrison. Just a person who went on a show.If I called out my neighbor for doing racist things and they apologized .Do I expect them to go on Facebook and keep everyone informed on how they are doing better ?. Come on

[@MsRdrdrd]

Rachel L brought a boos point in the beginning, but now it’s just going out of hand.. trouble maker!

[@winter6001]

Another great conversation, loved what Mike said about not just canceling people, let them make amends!

[@chrissyv71]

Thank you Mike! Very positive and eloquent.!

[@cristiful1O1]

Rachael Lindsey is so radiant.

[@apanda311]

He is incredibly well spoken!

[@ngutumpuennutu2836]

The hometown of Rachael K with Matt James will be "Guest who come to diner"

[@corystube]

Or Get Out. 🤣🤣

[@mushtaaqahmed2466]

@@corystube I great you lol get out

[@antonnebroussard]

@@corystube 😂

[@aprilrae6551]

I'm going to watch every second Matt in Rachel's home. I think everyone going to be fake, especially Matt. He must like a challenge. Maybe I feel different because I'm from Chicago. But I would never go into that racist town.

[@ngutumpuennutu2836]

@@aprilrae6551 Unlike you, I consider that Matt James will be in a comfortable position. His love is pure, unpolluted with adverse racial prejudices. It is the racist family that will be in an uncomfortable situation because this meeting will be televised. It will be perhaps the most followed meeting in the history of the Bachelor. By the way, I would like to have your opinion on these two videos: Former neo-Nazi removes swastika tatoos after unlikely friendship kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJu7i4h-as2pZtk The unlikely romance of a Black nurse and a German POW in World War II. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKrcmGWFhbKHrMk

[@Xxmilkshake202xX]

This was why they chose bland, no-personality Matt over Mike. He wanted to hold them accountable.

[@bryanh5701]

Who is them?

[@Xxmilkshake202xX]

@@bryanh5701 The producers, etc. In his podcast, he talked about being interviewed to be the Bachelor. He talked about how they had many chances to diversify the leads, but dropped the ball.

[@bryanh5701]

@@Xxmilkshake202xX This season seems pretty diverse compared to what we usually see.

[@hopesignal240]

They chose Matt cos he is half white ..they want a white black guy..mike is 90percent black

[@jtaj6437]

Chris said how he really felt and with a mind set like that he definitely should not be the host, remove him as host, Chris spoke his truth.

[@janekosola2056]

Matt is a very good bachelor. I think they should have more men and women that are not in the Bachelor franchise. Matt is a breath of fresh air. I love how he takes care of the mean girls in the house.

[@mmarimoura]

He is just so polite! I cannot wait for this man to be on tv 24/7! His voice is calming and I just cant get enough of him.

[@biatch1966]

I like Mike and yes he would of been a good bachelor but you all need to get over it as he is fine and better he is not part of this toxic show. Cancel culture will not allow Chris Harrison back. This franchise should just come to a close

[@sunlit_autumn]

He should have been our bachelor. He’s so genuine.

[@laisanibale2154]

Well said Mike about your positive reaction towards Matt and Rachel K. Love conquered all and be better.

[@kristinalarue3866]

Mike would be a great Bachelor!!! Maybe after Katie's season ;) I DO NOT AGREE with Chris Harrison being totally removed from the show, that is ridiculous! I have listen to the video over and over. He was sticking up for a Bachelorette the was getting totally slammed that hasn't been aware of the slander. He was saying just wait and let her speak. I think everyone would appreciate that if it was done for you!! Bachelor nation has had every color on that show, and for everyone saying it is a racist show is just wrong!!! Chris Harrison doesn't make the call either! Just because not every color has been lead doesn't make it racist. I have seen shows that are on TV now Black & Hispanic and haven't gotten any backlash for white people.

[@latifa1020]

if Matt decides to marry his ease, his equal, his energetic athletic partner, it's Michele. If he decides to marry his charming, civil, contained Venus, it's Rachael. Matt is coming toward a self confrontation through Rachael (and her folks)... a look into the mirror that is a reflection of himself and of the American experience. it's a great novel with lots of nuance which Mike Johnson is able to appreciate.

[@DerpThatIfYouCan56]

Beautifully put.

[@judithmais3406]

Ms Rachel, thank you for speaking with Mr Mike Johnson, some how each time you speak with Mike, l am liking him more and more. Please ask him the hard question, Why is he still single? What is the problems? What is he hiding? He is very handsome, down to earth and seems adventurous. Why is past relationships did not work? Get the full details.

[@meganmadigan4808]

Mike coming with the most profound and on point perspective (AS USUAL!!!) about the risks of cancel culture and value of holding people with privilege accountable.

[@christineb2604]

Which one are you speaking of “with privilege” Rachel obviously has a lot more privilege since she is the reason why Chris stepped down. I think she wants his spot and I think she will get it..hence, privilege.

[@TheKLCgirl101]

@@christineb2604 The fact that you’re in the comment section choosing to blame Rachel who barely spoke as if Chris was held at gun point and forced to read a script while simultaneously absolving him of his chosen words is proof enough of the privilege that actually exists here. Chris made a choice and is now facing the consequences behind that choice. Period. He is not being oppressed. Not to mention that he is only temporarily stepping back as host and will likely still be granted to remain in his role as an executive producer, because again, actual privilege.

[@andreazwecker1457]

I think it’s disgusting that Chris has to walk away for defending someone. What did he do wrong He let the person apologize for herself why is it always to be blown up. Chris neees to stay. He did nothing wrong it’s always always blow up and Rachel I see we’re your coming from but why should he walk away for letting someone speak for herself. I think it’s disgusting that it’s always blown up

[@melanier.8806]

Does anyone know what happened with Garret and Mike?

[@MsRockstar013]

When Mike said, "I like that". My heart fluttered..... he so fine

[@cierralowery7096]

Very thoughtful words!

[@shircas01]

Thanks for saying that Mike...if Matt did choose Rachael and broke up with her because of this, then he's a coward and he truly didn't love her. There's someone out there better for her.

[@aubreewatts9910]

This is why I stopped watching the show after Peter’s season. Peter went from Madi, to Hannah, to Madi, to randomly Kelley and now he is not even with her anymore. Before Peter, Hannah ended up with awful Jed, who never even broke up with his own girlfriend before he went on the show, Hannah was so on again off again with Tyler that it didn’t even seem healthy for her. Glad she got Dancing with the Stars I guess. Before that there was Colten who was taken to court for stalking his final choice Cassie, that he jumped a fence for 🙄😳 he pretty much wouldn’t have the show have an ending without his final pick, and did eventually end up in court recently. Even Becca’s final pick who she recently left is against BLM. And Arie is just a piece of work that I don’t have time to get into. Rachel was even given a racist on her season. The first black bachelorette was given a racist. Before Rachel I enjoyed the show I admit. Loved Nick’s, Jo Jo’s, can’t stand Ben, Kaitlyn’s, Chris’s (for the cast), Andi’s, Des’s, and Sean’s and even Allie and Jillian were entertaining, but again we’re used to men who can’t make up their minds, men who insist on having the one woman they can never have and even men who have girlfriends back home they never ended things with but, racism is where the line should be drawn. There are red flags and then are straight deal breakers. I even admit, I almost wish I could have watched Tayshia’s season, but I feel too bad for Claire. Why anyone would ever trust the producers of the show I will never know. The franchise is pretty orchestrated, tactful, manipulative and thought through this. In 2021 everyone knows someone and the internet will find things on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, anything even if it was deleted it’s still out there. I don’t know how people can trust producers. Seriously it really is disappointing. 😔 It seems like it’s such a typical Bachelor franchise reaction to do. It’s just disappointing how disingenuous it is, but even more disappointing in the real world people would even criticize him for publicly apologizing, because there are actual people out there who think that he shouldn’t care what other people think, even when a confederate flag and reenacting antebellum balls, when racism is involved. People need to learn the difference between reading historical (Edit:) FICTIONAL books (DUH) like Huckleberry Finn and Gone with the Wind and then there’s saying words that they really don’t understand the meaning behind that I would hear in a rap, but wouldn’t sing along with because it’s not my rap to rap. Even reading the book Gone with the wind it breaks my heart that when reading about the actress who played Mammie was the first back person to accept an academy award, but how she was treated was beyond wrong. The 12th Academy Awards were held at the famed Cocoanut Grove nightclub in The Ambassador Hotel. McDaniel arrived in a rhinestone-studded turquoise gown with white gardenias in her hair. (Seventy years later in 2010, a blue-gown- and white-gardenia-clad Mo'Nique, one of 11 black actors to win Academy Awards since, was the only one to pay homage to McDaniel while accepting her best supporting actress Oscar for Lee Daniels' Precious.) McDaniel then was escorted, not to the Gone With the Wind table - where Selznick sat with de Havilland and his two Oscar-nominated leads, Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable - but to a small table set against a far wall, where she took a seat with her escort, F.P. Yober, and her white agent, William Meiklejohn. With the hotel's strict no-blacks policy, Selznick had to call in a special favor just to have McDaniel allowed into the building (it was officially integrated by 1959, when the Unruh Civil Rights Act outlawed racial discrimination in California). It’s okay to right wrongs of the past and try to be better in the present. Watching 12 years a slave, Django and Loving has helped a lot of my Idaho family. There is a huge difference between canceling a culture and reteaching a culture. Gotta break the cycle through changing actions by learning not canceling people.

[@biscuitandme4119]

Omg.. uve evidently never dated

[@aprilrae6551]

Well the great thing about Rachel Lindsay is she didn't choose het racist, so he became a non-issue.

[@julietteSoul]

Yes Mike! Hold Them Accountable! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@amandax3rene]

LOVE this interview

[@OneTreeHill0123]

So Chris Harrison says that Rachel should speak for herself and gets crucified when Mike said the same thing in this segment?This story has spun way out of control.

[@angelicatorres86]

What a delight to watch Rachel & Mike speak. Very eloquent and professional. Great clip

[@emilyhartlopez1502]

MIKE FOR BACHELOR! Been team Mike for a while! Get him in there Bachelor ABC!

[@MadGriss]

I don’t get why people are so surprised Abigail left. Yes she’s beautiful with a backstory regarding her disability but she has not had any air time or seems to have a connection with Matt. Where’s the confusion?

[@corystube]

I think cause at first they seemed to have such a strong connection...but like Matt said, he took that for granted.

[@soapyfankatie]

I'm still pissed Mike wasn't the Bachelor. he's the best!!

[@KSynBlaze]

When has European-AMERICAN cared about the SPIRITUAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, and PHYSICAL ASPECTS or WELL-BEING of AFRICAN AMERICANS in this country??? YES, WHEN?????

[@t-swizzle8102]

@MisterG when hating racism makes you butt-hurt, you're probably a racist.

[@KSynBlaze]

@MisterG Where ever did hear or read a hate filled speech comment??? Can the ways be counted??

[@KSynBlaze]

@@t-swizzle8102 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOUR RESPONSE. :-)))

[@pechaa]

We care, KSynBlaze. We’re just ignorant, often willfully so. It’s much easier to live a privileged life if we can ignore the victims of our privilege. That’s why conversations such as the one in the video and broader ones in Bachelor Nation, in the United States at large, and even around the world make a difference. Because the less we can pretend we aren’t hurting anyone by indulging in our privileges and making them work for us, the more we feel bound to stop hurting people. We often don’t mind being monsters as long as we can plausibly deny to ourselves that we are so. Once it’s out in the open, we get angry because we’re cornered, embarrassed, and annoyed that we have to change. I think maybe this is where the rule of etiquette that it’s impolite to talk about politics came from. Privileged people want to be able to continue living in blissful ignorance. So keep talking. Say what’s on your mind. Continue to lay your experiences and feelings out there. It always surprises me how transformative truth is. And, for what it’s worth, I am sorry to be a part of your trauma.

[@KSynBlaze]

@@pechaa Who are you? Your candor made me cry. By claiming ownership of an absurdy, a quandary, an impasse, called ethnic intolerance, aka racism. Merci, I never imagine someone of your character will ever respond to my comment.

[@songsofachilles]

He 100% should have been The Bachelor over Peter. I know there are rumors of him being a little "weird" behind the scenes but he is so mature, well-spoken, and attractive. At the very least, would have been a better Bachelor than PETER

[@gabrielledesouter2804]

Great interview! I still want to know why he wasn’t a bachelor he is a good man but very vocal and can’t be controlled like the other Bachelor that’s why! hopefully he find a good woman one day!!

[@Nallisn]

I agree with Mike. I don’t think CH should step down forever. Just do better

[@maarveloouus]

Chris Harrison was not the root of the problem ... it’s those producers and directors that are problematic. But I will say that someone mentioned that if this is the way Chris feels comfortable speaking on such discriminatory/racist acts imagine the producers and directors of the show in their meetings ... smh Obviously there’s the subtle racism on our screen constantly but there’s also this same formula that has been shown for years that we see on our screen when it comes to the bachelor edition. Here we are as woman trying to evolve and lead with example by supporting each other etc. But they just keep on showing the ugly side as if this is all we are catty and bitchy towards each other all the time. Nothing wrong with drama but that not all we are. Arrgh the shows needs to be revamped. Hopeless and honest romance should be shown and giddy and funny moments as well.

[@dianemccloud5990]

Agree.....

[@BellaGillo]

Chris Harrison is the Executive producer of that show .... what he says goes

[@tahurahossain6012]

Chris Harrison = executive producer + literal face of the franchise.

[@maarveloouus]

@@tahurahossain6012 thank you for tellin me. I didn’t know . I thought he was only the “face of it”..... in that case it’s even worse

[@maarveloouus]

@@BellaGillo well then stepping down was a good decision ... I didn’t know 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@sharrigodfroy7295]

I think Rachel is a beautiful woman but I think she is just a little bit more into being the judge, jurry and executioner and everyone else that is so ready for Chris Harrison’s career to be over ASAP so in my opinion I think it’s not fair. I believe all Chris was trying to say was that Racheal should be the one to explain all of the conservancy.

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

But Rachel accepted his apology and said we should move on. She's not the one saying he should be cancelled.

[@scmeron]

This man is just 😍😍😍 I agree with his thoughts around the cancel culture

[@debbiegallett1125]

Mike you are amazing. You are exactly right.

[@KateCameron1]

Mike was the bachelor we deserved

[@saharyamouti9318]

Agree with Mike stop canceling and allow people to make change and be changed

[@tg6181]

Continue to be great❤️

[@janekosola2056]

He didn't have chemistry with Abigail. Pieper was one of the mean girls so I'm happy she was sent home.

[@violetamartinezdecastro438]

I would normally never consider being on bachelor but if Mike becomes bachelor I will figure out way to get on cause that man is something else

[@donnag7908]

WOW! how is this guy single? He's attractive, intelligent, kind, loves him mom! You can tell he really thinks about what he's going to say before he speaks. Why exactly was he not picked as bachelor?

[@BATOOLESK]

Why are rachel and mike throwing jabs at matt 🥺 what did he ever do beside being a total gentleman

[@ryannrichardson3356]

so basically....he needs to be the next bachelor

[@jane3069]

Can you explain what an Antebellum Party is or a plantation party? I never heard of it before the bachelor. What takes place at these parties. Is is celebrating slavery? Did this college encourage their students to go. Have you asked the college to speak out on this situation? Are you going to be there for Racheal K not only with education about racism but to protect her from all the wrath and hate she will now have to face now that her sin has come out to the world? Racism is wrong, but trying to destroy someone is wrong too.

[@srianna0416]

The college had banned them before the party.

[@yolandapaulino5952]

Why does anyone need to protect Rachael K? She’s fine the majority of people are on her side saying those types of parties are ok, and blaming Rachel L for even bringing it up which just shows in the interracism in this bachelor nation. If Rachael K really has changed it will show in time, but it’s no ones job to hand hold her while she learns to be accountable for the hurt she caused. This entire situation showed me how disgusting bachelor nation is and how little they care about and are minizing, Rachael is a pretty white girl she’ll always be fine in this world

[@jane3069]

Pretty white girls get picked on too. Racism is wrong, no matter what race is at the end of it. My moms family was picked on for years in her Kentucky town. Her family was extremely poor. People made fun of the clothes they wore, what they brought for lunch. Their house was rocked by people. They had to wear clothes made of flour sacks. Only the 3 daughters got to go to school. My mom only got to go to school till 5th grade. None of her 6 brothers knew how to read or write. All their family had to work for the wealthier families in the tobacco fields to put food on the table. 11 people lived in a 2 room house. So lots of people, of every race, has been picked on and had hard times. We dont hate others because of it. I'm so sorry that your ancestors faced slavery. That is so wrong. People of color have suffered. Every race has suffered. The wealthy people and politicians set our standards of living. They are the ones who have the good live. Many whites fought and died to end slavery. I'm so sorry for your suffering. There is so much sadness going on right now tho with covid and lock downs. Everyday we hear of a new death of someone dying by something. It is so depressing. I just wish we could all come together and stop all this hate. If I have ever done anything that resembles racism, I'm so sorry.

[@nevaehgaines2475]

Didn’t Rachel use to be a lawyer?

[@teeparty8996]

If Rachel is still under bachelor nation contract, and has said in the past week, once I’m out if contract, I have a lot to say. Well then why is she all over Chris Harrison, throwing the show under the bus.. quite frankly she wouldn’t be where she is if it wasn’t the exposure from the bachelor,franchise.