The scandal grew even bigger when college photos of Rachael at a plantation-themed party surfaced (via Screen Rant). Bachelor host Chris Harrison spoke up on Rachael's behalf in an interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay for Extra. "I haven't talked to Rachael about it, we all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion," said Chris.
He added, "The woke police is out there. And this poor girl Rachael, who has just been thrown to the lions, I don't know how you are equipped when you have never done this before... to be ready to handle this."
The resulting backlash led to the longtime host stepping away from the franchise for a time, although he has said he will be back. "I am an imperfect man, I made a mistake and I own that," he said on Good Morning America following the fallout. "I believe that mistake doesn't reflect who I am or what I stand for. I am committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise. And this is a franchise that has been a part of my life for the better part of 20 years and I love it."
