Chris Harrison Replaced as ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Host by David Spade, More

Amidst backlash for racially insensitive comments, Chris Harrison will not return to helm ABC‘s Bachelor in Paradise this summer, Page Six reports. Instead, the upcoming installment of the reality TV show will be guest hosted by a bevy of celebrity comedians, including David Spade.

As of this week, ABC has considered other celebrity talent, but Spade’s deal is the only one to have closed as of today, according to Variety. The news comes after veteran host Harrison announced he would be stepping aside for an unspecified period of time. Harrison was recently embroiled in a controversy surrounding comments he made defending a former Bachelor contestant who had attended an “Old South” plantation-themed party.

The decision to feature comedians like SNL legend David Spade is a sharp departure from The Bachelorette‘s recent decision to feature former Bachelor Nation contestants as hosts. Harrison was replaced by Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe on the most recent season of The Bachelorette. But according to Page Six, Spade was selected because he’s a “Bachelor superfan,” and he’s well-known for his Instagram commentary.

Harrison stepped down after photos surfaced in February of Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell attending an antebellum-themed formal in 2018. The longtime host defended her on Extra, claiming that, “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion.”

Harrison has hosted The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise since their debuts.

Where to Watch Bachelor in Paradise