Chris Harrison leaving 'Bachelor' franchise following racism controversy

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Chris Harrison has reached a deal with Warner Bros. and producers to exit the "Bachelor" franchise following a racism controversy earlier this year, Fox News can confirm. 

The news comes just hours after the Season 17 premiere of "The Bachelorette" and days after it was revealed that the longtime host, 49, would not be returning to his duties on "Bachelor in Paradise," opting instead to let David Spade fill in for him. 

"Chris Harrison is stepping aside as host of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise. We are thankful for his many contributions over the past 20 years and wish him all the best on his new journey," Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment said in a statement obtained by Fox News. 

Harrison posted a message to fans on his Instagram. "I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter. I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we’ve made together. While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime," he wrote. 

'BACHELOR' HOST CHRIS HARRISON SPEAKS OUT AFTER STEPPING ASIDE FROM SHOW: 'I MADE A MISTAKE'

Chris Harrison confirmed he's stepping down as host of the "Bachelor" franchise.? (ABC/Craig Sjodin)

Deadline reported on Tuesday that Harrison struck an eight-figure deal with the franchise and Warner Bros. to leave quietly. 

He had previously stepped aside from his hosting duties for "The Bachelorette" after defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell after it came to light that she attended an Antebellum-themed party prior to appearing on the show. The 24-year-old, who appeared in Season 25 with Matt James, the show's first Black lead, issued a lengthy apology after the photos resurfaced. She condemned her past actions which included attending an "Old South"-themed party in 2018 at a plantation and dressing up in a Native American costume. 

CHRIS HARRISON NOT RETURNING TO 'BACHELOR IN PARADISE' FOLLOWING SCANDAL: REPORTS

Harrison appeared on Extra in an interview with former "Bachelorette" Rachel Lindsay who was the show's first Black female lead. In the interview, he defended Kirkconnell, arguing that times were different merely three years ago. The host caught swift and immediate backlash prompting him to issue an apology of his own.

'BACHELOR' HOST CHRIS HARRISON 'STEPPING ASIDE' FOLLOWING BACKLASH OVER RACISM CONTROVERSY

"I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics 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," he wrote at the time. 

"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. 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," Harrison concluded. "I promise to do better."

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After stepping aside for some personal reflection, his future with the franchise's other entries was unclear. The franchise announced that author and TV personality Emmanuel Acho would take over his duties for the remainder of the season. However, in an interview with "Good Morning America" in March, Harrison seemed optimistic that he would eventually be welcomed back to the franchise. 

"I plan to be back and I want to be back. 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 in the interview.

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Now it seems that the scandal has sent him away from the franchise he's presided over since 2002 for good.