Chris Harrison Breaks Silence On 'Bachelor' Franchise Exit

Chris Harrison is now ready to start a new chapter in his life after his exit from the "Bachelor" franchise.

Shortly after multiple media outlets reported that his leave of absence has become permanent, Harrison, who served as host of "The Bachelor" and its various spinoffs since its 2002 premiere, took to social media Tuesday to address his departure from the franchise.

"I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of The Bachelor franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter," Harrison wrote on Instagram.

"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," the 49-year-old host continued.

Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment, the companies behind the franchise, also released a joint statement on his exit.

"Chris Harrison is stepping aside as host of The Bachelor franchise," they said in a statement to Us Weekly. "We are thankful for his many contributions over the past 20 years and wish him all the best on his new journey."

Harrison received supportive messages from numerous fans and a number of stars who have appeared on "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" over the past years, with many saying that his absence would make a huge difference in the franchise.

"It will never be the same. Love you buddy," "Bachelor" star Sean Lowe commented.

"Love you @chrisbharrison [red heart emoji] you have a lot to be proud about. Can’t wait to support you in your next endeavors," Catherine Giudici, who won "The Bachelor" Season 17, added.

"Love you my friend," JoJo Fletcher, who starred in "The Bachelorette" Season 12, wrote.

"Love you brother! Franchise will never be the same," Jack Arnold wrote, while Graham Bunn commented, "Can’t wait to see what you do next brother."

Harrison came under fire in February due to the controversial comments he made when he was being interviewed by "Bachelorette" Season 13 star Rachel Lindsay on "Extra." He appeared to defend controversial Season 25 contestant (and eventual winner) Rachael Kirkconnell, who made headlines after photos surfaced of her at a 2018 antebellum plantation-themed fraternity event.

Harrison later apologized for his response during his interview with Lindsay, the first Black woman to star on the "Bachelorette." In a post on Instagram, he admitted he was uninformed and wrong and apologized to the Black community.

"I have spent the last few days listening to the pain my words have caused, and I am deeply remorseful. My ignorance did damage to my friends, colleagues and strangers alike. I have no one to blame but myself for what I said and the way I spoke," he wrote.

"To the Black community, to the BIPOC community: I am so sorry. My words were harmful. I am listening, and I truly apologize for my ignorance and any pain it caused you," he added.

Harrison thanked the people who also reached out to him to enlighten him about the issue. In the same post, he also announced that he would be stepping aside from the franchise temporarily.

The current season of "The Bachelorette" is hosted by Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams. Meanwhile, "Bachelor in Paradise" will have rotating celebrity guest hosts, including comedian David Spade.